UNRAVELING THE WORLD OF CROSSFIT
Textbook definition: CrossFit is constantly varied, functional movements performed at high-intensity.
Let’s break this down…
The "constantly varied" aspect of CrossFit is all about embracing diversity in the daily workouts. The programming combines elements of weightlifting, cardiovascular exercise, and gymnastics. Some days, you may experience long endurance sessions while on others you endure sprint intervals. Some days are dedicated to heavy lifting, and others focused on building and improving your gymnastic skills. Being constantly varied prevents your body from settling into a predictable pattern, delivering a broad and inclusive form of fitness. The goal? To prepare you for anything that life throws at you — the unpredictable and the unknowable. CrossFit thrives on the absence of not specializing.
Functional movements are exercises that mimic real-life activities like: squats, lifts, pushes, pulls, and other natural body motions. Why place an emphasis on functional movements? To enhance your proficiency in everyday tasks, making you more well equipped in handling life's demands.
Why the emphasis on high intensity? It's about pushing your body in order to amplify the effectiveness of the workout which in return will improve your cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance.
In short, CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program. Similar to how particular university courses are required for a specific major are called the "core curriculum," the CrossFit program delivers the foundational elements that everyone needs. It deliberately attempts to “optimize physical competence in ten (10) fitness domains”:
1. Cardiovascular / respiratory endurance
2. Stamina
3. Strength
4. Flexibility
5. Power
6. Speed
7. Coordination
8. Agility
9. Balance
10. Accuracy
WHO IS IT FOR?
Everyone! Regardless of your background in fitness, strength, or exercise, entering the world of CrossFit is open to you. A well-selected CrossFit gym will ensure that you are successful, whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned athlete. Your needs may differ slightly from those of an Olympic athlete, but there are more similarities than you think. Engaging in skill practice and building strength through Olympic lifts (which includes the snatch as well as the clean & jerk) not only improves your power, speed, strength, cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, and addresses all ten fitness domains mentioned above. This holds true for everyone, from the world's top athletes to our elderly. The physical and neurological responses that professional athletes experience are similar to the responses elicited in our elderly. The inclusive nature of CrossFit ensures that the benefits extend across diverse age groups and fitness levels.
HOW ELSE WILL CROSSFIT BENEFIT ME?
Along with the physical and neurological benefits, there are also potential mental health benefits that are associated with CrossFit including improved brain health and stress reduction, improved self esteem and overall quality of life. And finally, the most unique aspect of CrossFit, is that you have access to a supportive community.
The right kind of stress can make you more resilient. While intense exercise will initially spike a stress response in your body, people who exercise will experience lower levels of stress hormones (like cortisol and epinephrine). Exercise is associated with better mood and self-esteem and those who exercise regularly have a better frame of mind and enhanced quality of life. When engaging in physical activity, our bodies produce two neurochemicals called opioids and endocannabinoids which are linked to pleasure, anxiolytic effects, sleepiness, and reduced pain sensitivity. It has also been shown that it can improve attention, focus, memory, and cognition.
Finally…COMMUNITY. Finding a space with a strong community helps you stay committed and can be an absolute game changer. When you are a part of a fitness community, you are sharing a space with other individuals who have shared health and fitness values as you. You surround yourself with like-minded individuals’ collective knowledge and energy. By surrounding yourself with like minded individuals who share the same values as you, you can be “inspired to stay on track, push through challenges, and consistently strive for progress.” With all the ups and downs, CrossFit provides a supportive community that stands by your side through all of it - celebrating your successes, providing encouragement during the downs and the support will help you stay focused and motivated.
CrossFit is more than just a fitness program; it's a lifestyle that embraces variety, functional movements, and high-intensity workouts to optimize physical competence across various fitness domains. It is broad and inclusive, making it accessible to individuals of all backgrounds and fitness levels, fostering a community that extends support and encouragement. CrossFit has also been associated with positive mental health outcomes, including stress reduction, improved self-esteem, and a sense of belonging within the supportive community. By integrating CrossFit into your life, you not only enhance your physical well-being but also embark on a journey that nurtures mental resilience and overall quality of life.
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