You may have heard gyms and fitness centres promote fitness routines called CrossFit. Just like anything that’s trending, CrossFit has also become all the rage in the past few years. But what exactly is CrossFit? If you’re a beginner fitness enthusiast who wants to know what CrossFit is, how it works and whether it’s the right workout for you, then this may be the perfect CrossFit guide.
Here’s everything you need to know about CrossFit.
What is CrossFit?
CrossFit is a trademarked fitness speciality that was invented by Greg Glassman in 2000. He was a gymnast who developed CrossFit as a means to bring a holistic approach to fitness. CrossFit has its roots in High-Intensity Interval Training or HIIT, with a few aspects of other athletic sports thrown in.
According to CrossFit’s official website, it’s a routine that involves constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. These functional movements are derived from gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing etc.
The entire thought process behind CrossFit is intensity. The idea is that high intensity over a short period of time will give significant fitness results. The exercises themselves are varied every single day, testing different parts of functional strength and conditioning. Your CrossFit routine can include basic exercises like push-ups and pull-ups but also very advanced exercises as you move along.
Is CrossFit the Right Choice for You?
The high intensity and promos of CrossFit make it sound like it’s only suitable for professional athletes and bodybuilders. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. One of the biggest advantages of CrossFit is its scalability. This means that anyone from a beginner to an athlete can practise CrossFit training.
The level of difficulty will be lower in CrossFit for beginners, but it will challenge them to go to their limits.
If you’re starting CrossFit, the type of exercises will be similar, but the load and intensity will be scalable depending on the individual. Still confused about whether to go for CrossFit? Let us help you make that decision. CrossFit can be a good fit for you if:
– You enjoy a communal workout: CrossFit is great if you like working out in groups, encouraging and supporting others to go further. It isn’t particularly suited for solo fitness enthusiasts who like to work out on their own with no intrusions.
– You’re very competitive: CrossFit brings that competitive aspect to the fore. Daily workouts are high in intensity and everyone’s trying to be the best, lift the most weight and do it in the fastest time. So, if you’re one of those people who love a bit of competition, CrossFit can be amazing for you.
– You like to work out regularly: If you love to work out at least 4-5 times a week, then CrossFit may be the way to go. The training offers constant variations, keeping things interesting and people enthusiastic.
CrossFit may not be for you if:
– You want targeted workouts that focus on specific muscle groups
– You like to workout alone
– You have issues with posture
– You want something less intense
Is CrossFit Safe?
The very high-intensity CrossFit workouts have brought up some concerns about safety and the risk of injuries. But with any workout, an increase in intensity means there can be a higher risk of injuries. The important thing is to practice CrossFit with certified trainers who can show you the correct techniques. CrossFit may not be recommended for you if you have injuries, are pregnant, have back problems or have other chronic diseases.
A CrossFit gym is interestingly called a box. If you’re looking for the best CrossFit Boxes near you that have experienced coaches, Download FITPASS app and make yourself part of the CrossFit community. You’ll get access to hundreds of fitness studios near you that offer CrossFit training.
FAQs
What is CrossFit and how does it work?
CrossFit is a type of high-intensity workout regimen that involves varied and functional movements derived from athletics like running, rowing, weightlifting and gymnastics. Its main principle is high-intensity workouts in a short amount of time, challenging your body to reach its limits to get great fitness results.
Can beginners do CrossFit?
Yes, beginners and fitness enthusiasts of all levels can do CrossFit training because it is a scalable workout routine. This means that the exercises and kind of training remain the same, whereas the load and intensity may change to suit one’s capability. Beginner CrossFit workouts may have lower intensity and weights initially, and move on to the advanced levels as they progress.
What are the benefits of doing CrossFit?
CrossFit training has plenty of benefits like increased muscle strength, improved endurance, weight loss, increased lung capacity, increased muscle mass, muscle tone, better agility and flexibility and many more.
Carl Clay is a health blog author who has been writing about nutrition, fitness and healthy living for over 10 years. He also loves to run, hike and bike with her wife.
