CrossFit? Yeah, I’ve heard of it. I’ve seen the Reebok commercials. I saw the CrossFit Games on ESPN. So what’s all the hype about? Why should I do it?
The Simple Definition:
CrossFit is…CONSTANTLY VARIED, FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENTS performed at HIGH INTENSITY across broad time and modal domains.
Now let’s break it down and find out why it works!
1. Constantly Varied
ROUTINE IS THE ENEMY! Our bodies adapt quickly to stimulus, meaning, if you do the same thing every day, your results will drop off quickly as your body adapts. By constantly varying our workouts, our bodies are constantly adapting and improving. Rarely will you do the same workout twice, other than the benchmark WOD’s to measure your progress.
2. Functional Movements
CrossFit is FUNCTIONAL FITNESS! Humans are anatomically engineered to perform functional movements at high intensity. These fundamental movements are necessary in every day life and always have been. Think back to the caveman days. People needed to be fit in order to survive. Things like running, jumping, climbing, lifting, and throwing were all parts of daily routine.
How does this apply to me and why do I need to do these things?
Do you ever pick up anything heavy off the ground? That’s a DEAD LIFT.
Do you ever sit down in a chair and stand up? That’s a SQUAT.
Do you ever pick up anything off the ground and place it overhead? That’s a CLEAN & PRESS.
3. High Intensity
DO MORE WORK IN LESS TIME! Intensity is the key to physical adaptation. Ever wonder why you don’t see the results you want from your daily walks or gym routine? Increase the intensity and vary your movements and you will start seeing results. By performing tasks at your peak capacity on a daily basis, you’re providing your body the opportunity to adapt and increase your work capacity.
General Physical Preparedness:
PREPARE FOR THE UNKNOWN AND THE UNKNOWABLE! CrossFit prepares you for anything and everything. You will improve in all 10 of the following areas:
Cardiovascular and Cardiorespiratory Endurance- The ability of your body to gather, process and deliver oxygen.
Stamina- The ability for your body to process, deliver, store and utilize energy.
Strength- The ability to apply force.
Flexibility- The ability to maximize range of motion at any given joint.
Power- The ability to apply force in minimal time.
Speed- The ability to minimize the time cycle of a repeated movement.
Coordination- The ability to combine several movement patterns into a singular distinct movement.
Agility- The ability to minimize transition time from one movement pattern to another.
Balance- The ability to control the body’s center of gravity in relation to it’s support base.
Accuracy- The ability to control movement in a given direction or at a given intensity.
(Courtesy of CrossFit, Inc.)