What is Crossfit?

Crossfit is a fitness and training program that combines functional movements and varied and challenging workouts to build strength and improve body conditioning.

Consisting of squats, pull-ups, push-ups and other functional movements, Crossfit measures overall fitness against ten general physical skills:

  • Cardio
  • Endurance
  • Stamina
  • Strength
  • Flexibility
  • Power
  • Speed
  • Agility
  • Balance
  • Coordination
  • Accuracy

Part of what makes Crossfit, so very challenging is that each session tests a different functional strength and body conditioning.

The training program is specifically designed to scale with each individual and to adjust to various levels of capability. These varied, high-intensity workouts aim to train the body to a level of fitness that allows it to do almost anything regarding strength and endurance.

Crossfit Boxes

Crossfit gyms, usually referred to as ‘boxes’ are dotted all over the place, it’s growing popularity has seen to that.

A simple google search for a Crossfit Box in your area is likely to pull up a few options for you to choose from.

Trial Session

Most Crossfit boxes allow new recruits to take their first, taster class for free. Give the Box a call first to check. The introduction class will usually consist of an overview of Crossfit and a base level movement and/or bodyweight workout.

Getting Started with Crossfit

Following your introduction class, if you find that you would like to get into Crossfit, you will be required to go through an ‘On-Ramp’ course. This is a chance for your instructors to review and assess your ability level and to teach you about correct form and the nine foundational movements of Crossfit.

How Crossfit Classes Run

Crossfit classes generally run for around an hour. All participants begin the course at the same time on various workouts. The instructors will work their way around the class offering advice and to keep track of everyone’s progress.

Crossfit is very much a group activity, it’s all about supporting and motivating one another, the desire to push as hard as you can and a profound sense of teamwork and community.

The class is likely to be split into three or four sections each time covering three or four exercises in the lesson. In most cases, there will be a warm-up, and cooldown and the two main parts of the class will be a skill or strength workout and a workout of the day (WOTD). The skill/strength workout will require you to work on a pure strength movement like deadlifts or squats, or you’ll have an opportunity to work on a specific skill like muscle ups. Workout of the day is all about reps. The instructor will give you a particular exercise, a certain number of reps and a timeframe.

Is Crossfit for you?

Crossfit is not for everyone… although often, you will hear or read from crossfitters that it is. It is pretty hardcore. The reason that Crossfit is often pegged as something that anyone can get into is, because it is scalable. The workouts, although the same for everyone, will vary in intensity and levels based on the individual’s strength and ability. That said, it is still a proverbial butt-kicking and a seriously gruelling fitness program. If you hate cardio, if you hate weights, if you have a particular workout preference and one specific exercise that you often avoid, then you are not going to like Crossfit because Crossfit makes you do a bit of everything. If you are an athlete that trains for a particular event, then Crossfit may not be best for you.

Crossfit is a functional strength and movement workout. It is not easy but you will see excellent results, and you will receive fantastic support and motivation from your Crossfit box.

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