WHAT IS CROSSFIT?
Perhaps you’ve seen people flipping tires, dragging a sled of weighted plates around the industrial complex where you work, or maybe you’ve seen an old friend who looks amazing and they claimed their success to CrossFit.
However you were introduced to CrossFit, you may still have questions on “what is” and “what can” CrossFit do for you. Well, look no further! The answers are provided here…
CONSTANTLY VARIED
CrossFit is designed for an average person to train for any and every real life situation and this is made possible solely by randomizing the workouts. But don’t confuse random with thoughtless! The workouts are systematically programmed with tested science and careful exposure to weight lifting, gymnastics, and metabolic conditioning.
FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENTS
Every day you perform movements that copy motor recruitment patterns. Examples of functional movements would be moving from a standing position into a seated position (“squatting”), carrying as many grocery bags as possible from the car to the kitchen (“farmer carry”), picking up a heavy object from the floor (“deadlift”), or placing the box of Christmas decorations into the attic (“push press”).
We might not think of these everyday movements as something to learn and progress in a gym setting, but CrossFit thrives on preparing people for safely performing these Functional Movements.
AT HIGH INTENSITY
This idea often scares people out of ever stepping foot into a Box*. In order to properly measure and calculate a member’s power output, the workouts must be timed and logged. If your boss gave you a deadline, chances are you will work hard to meet that deadline. Your deadline in the box is to complete the workout in a set amount of time. Obviously, if you are new to CrossFit, your power output will be lower than the member who just celebrated their 1 year anniversary.
*Box = Each CrossFit establishment is referred to as a “Box” and not a “gym.”
CROSSFIT vs. BODY BUILDING
“Out run a lifter; out lift a runner.”
CrossFit enhances overall athleticism, instead of isolated muscular development like you might find in body building. Due to the high intensity of each CrossFit workout–instead of the focus on low powered isolated movements–the development of a CrossFit athlete is to become physically fit and not just appear to be.
CrossFit focuses on a number of general physical skills: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. If the focus was on the low powered isolated movements, it would be extremely difficult to touch on all of the above mentioned skills.
THE PILLARS OF CROSSFIT
NUTRITION
INTERVAL TRAINING
GYMNASTICS
THROWING
WEIGHTLIFTING
SPORT & APPLICATION
At CrossFit Lifted, we believe in the structure and ethos behind CrossFit® and stand behind it’s pursuit of long term health for every individual, regardless of their physical adaptation or athletic background.
For more information, please read “What is Fitness?”, a simple guide to and summary of the science behind CrossFit and why it has transformed lives all around the world.
