Chasing the Intention

At CrossFit MNC, we’ve dialed up the workouts to help you grow stronger, faster, and more resilient….and we’re liking what we see thus far—but with this progression, we’ve started to hear some quiet rumblings: “The workouts are too hard.”

‍Let’s have an honest conversation. Often, when workouts feel too hard, it’s not because the programming is out of reach—it’s because we’re treating the "prescribed" (Rx) version as the only version. But here’s the thing: the Rx version is just a guideline, not a requirement. The real gold lies in chasing the intention of the workout.

‍What Does “Intention” Mean?
In simple terms, intention is the purpose or desired stimulus of a workout—the goal tmes, the goal is to move at a steady pace with moderate weights. Other times, it’s to challenge your strength with heavier lifts or test your endurance with longer time domains. Chasing the intention means scaling weights, movements, and reps to match your current ability while still achieving the intended training effect.

‍Why Chasing the Intention Matters
To get the most out of your workouts, it’s important to understand why intention matters and how it connects to your progress.

1. Faster Progress: By scaling appropriately, you’ll hit the desired stimulus, leading to better adaptations. You’ll get stronger and fitter faster when you’re not stuck struggling through a workout that’s too heavy or technical.
2. Reduced Injury Risk: Handling weights or movements you’re not ready for increases the chance of injury. When you train smart and scale appropriately, you build strength and resilience while keeping your body safe.
3. Consistent Intensity: The intention is often to keep your heart rate elevated or maintain a steady pace. If a workout calls for fast, unbroken sets but you’re constantly stopping because the weight is too heavy, you’re missing out on the intended stimulus.
4. Confidence Boost: Completing a workout within the intended time and with solid form feels awesome! Scaling doesn’t mean you’re doing less—it means you’re doing exactly what’s right for you.

The Rx Trap
The prescribed version of the workout can be enticing because it feels like a badge of honor. But doing a workout Rx while compromising form, pacing, or intensity defeats the purpose. It’s like taking a challenging hiking trail in boots that don’t fit—you might get through it, but you’re far more likely to end up exhausted, sore, or even injured.Scale for Strength and Skill
Scaling isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a smart training strategy. Consider these examples:

• Deadlifts Too Heavy? Lighten the load so you can maintain a consistent rhythm without the sketchy technique.
• Gymnastics Movements Out of Reach? Scale down to variations that build strength without frustration, like jumping pull-ups, banded pull-ups, or ring rows.
• Pacing Too Slow? Adjust reps so you’re moving consistently without excessive rest.

A Message from the CrossFit Journal:
In the early days, CrossFit’s founders emphasized that "our needs differ by degree, not kind." This principle reminds us that elite athletes and beginners alike perform the same functional movements but tailor the load and intensity to fit their individual capabilities. When you chase intention, you align yourself with this ethos—building your fitness layer by layer.How to Approach Your Next Workout:

1. Understand the Stimulus: Before the workout begins, listen to the coach’s explanation of the goal (e.g., unbroken sets, sustained intensity, or heavy singles).
2. Ask Questions: Unsure how to scale? Your coach is there to help you find the perfect option. Oftentimes they know you better than you do. Not to mention they’ve likely already seen folks do the workout and know where the potential roadblocks could be.
3. Check Your Ego: Remember, there’s more fitness to be gained by doing a scaled workout well than by struggling through an Rx version that misses the mark.

Final Thoughts
Fitness isn’t a sprint—it’s a journey. By chasing the intention of each workout, you’ll move with purpose, build confidence, and unlock new levels of strength and capability. You’re here to get better, not to prove something in one single workout.
Let’s focus on progress over pride. The result? More. No Compromises.

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