CrossFit

By Scott Canipe

CrossFit is a revolutionary fitness model that encompasses many workout routines to condition the trainee to be optimally fit. Essentially, this program uses high intensity and functional movement exercises that has a great deal of variety to prepare the body for any type of physical encounter. The trainee is conditioned for physical encounters that are known and also those that are unknown.

Many law enforcement agencies, military organizations, special ops military units, and fire departments are using this fitness system with successful results.

Combat sport athletes, and many professional athletes, in general, are employing many of its workout routines to improve their performance.

This program is also popular with people from all facets of life. Young, old, people of different ages and fitness levels all benefit from the fitness philosophy and workout routines of CrossFit.

History

This fitness program was founded by a former high school gymnast named Greg Glassman and, now his ex-wife, Lara Glassman. The first affiliated gym opened up in 1995, in Santa Cruz, California. Glassman incorporated specific exercises and workout routines in the areas of gymnastics, sprinting, and Olympic weightlifting.

This effective workout routine has truly taken off in recent years. After Glassman implemented other key executives in the realm of physical fitness and marketed the program effectively, the affiliation boasts of nearly 1,700 gyms in 2010.

As the company grew, it started the “CrossFit Games,” which began in 2007 and are held annually. There is a $25,000 prize for the winner. The competition has a male and female category.

How It Works

The proponents of this fitness program referred to it as “evidence-based fitness.” In other words, the desired results are evident as one becomes fit and is prepared for any physical situation. Empiricism, which is simply scientific data that can be measured, observed, and repeated is the foundation for this fitness program.

The exercises are to promote functionality, intensity, and variability with many muti-joint executions in the movements. Gymnastic rings, pull up bars, dumbbells, kettle bells, and a myriad of body weight exercises are all incorporated in the program.

The philosophy has three areas that embody its fitness approach:

10 parameters of physical fitness

Stamina
Strength
Flexibility
Cardiorespiratory endurance
Coordination
Balance
Speed
Agility
Accuracy
Power
To condition the body in each one of these physical fitness parameters, the three energy systems (ATP-PC, aerobic, and anaerobic) will be utilized in a coordinated and balanced manner. Proper nutrition is advocated to fuel these metabolic processes.

To execute as many physical tasks as quickly as possible with efficiency, effectiveness, and proper form

Competition Motivates

CrossFit is extremely motivating because of the competitive nature to it. Workout circuits are timed with the sole objective to inspire the trainee to improve his or her period for the next training session.

Furthermore, there is great community involvement as members post videos of themselves engaging in a new workout or "Workout of the Day" (WOD). They also publicly post performance scores to the CrossFit society via affiliate gyms and the company’s website. This incites the competitive nature within the members to train harder so that he or she can triumph over the previously posted score.

CrossFit is ground-breaking in its approach to physical fitness. It has developed a platform that is unique, varied, functional, and intense. The workout routines are designed to exercise one’s three energy systems that fuel muscle contractions. One can most definitely lose body fat, increase lean muscle mass, accelerate energy levels, and experience a high level of fitness by incorporating its philosophy.

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