A beginner’s guide to Crossfit

I f you love the challenge of a tough workout making you give everything you’ve got, then Crossfit may be for you.   Athletes to military personnel to celebrities (Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Cameron Diaz, and Kelly Clarkson) use it to take their fitness to the next level.  Those who’ve given Crossfit a try swear by the results of transforming their bodies from overweight and unfit to toned and in shape due to the high intensity and constant mix-up of the workouts.

What can Crossfit do for you?

The premise of Crossfit is performing functional movements that are constantly varied at high intensity.  It is a core strength and conditioning program meant to optimize physical competence in ten recognized fitness domains:

·      Cardiovascular and respiratory endurance

·      Stamina

·      Strength

·      Flexibility

·      Power

·      Speed

·      Coordination

·      Agility

·      Balance

·      Accuracy

Started by a former gymnast and gymnastics coach, Greg Glassman, Crossfit allows an individual to pick from different workouts of the day also known as WOD.  This makes the workouts interesting and breaks up any monotony which could include running, rowing, climbing ropes, doing lunges, squats, and other moves.  It also utilizes a variety of equipment from barbells and medicine balls to jump ropes and elastic bands.

Is Crossfit only for athletes?

The Crossfit  program was developed to train athletes to perform successfully at multiple, diverse, and randomized physical challenges.  But do not be intimidated believing only extremely fit or naturally athletic individuals can do Crossfit.  It is meant to be designed and suitable for all ages and physical conditions with the notion that anybody that has a body can be an athlete making lifestyle changes.  Anyone from youth, adults, college students, or any athlete can participate in Crossfit

The workouts do push a person to the max helping them burn a lot of calories which makes it an ideal workout for anyone wanting to reach a healthier body weight and get in shape.

This well-rounded workout is challenging enough to take a person to the next level by providing a vigorous aerobic workout along with muscle strengthening and flexibility. 

Beginners will want to start slowly pacing themselves by easing into the exercises getting their body used to the workouts.  Because of the intensity of the workout, one of the disadvantages to Crossfit is the risk of injury.  Be extra careful not to push yourself beyond your body’s abilities. Also because of the intensity, it is best not to do it every day but it is an excellent way to mix up your workouts to prevent exercise boredom.

Anyone just starting out with Crossfit and particularly so for those who have not exercised in a long time or have a heart condition, should get their doctor’s consent before taking on Crossfit.  Those with a physical limitation should work with a trainer to create a Crossfit routine designed for them.

In conclusion, Crossfit is all about helping people make their health a priority.  It’s about helping one another reach their own fitness goals with the ability to do many different moves at a high level of intensity.  Crossfit gyms have an atmosphere of working as a team but with the goal to make you better as an individual.