It seems as if every year there is a new fitness regime which we’d be foolish to live without. Gyms and sports clubs around the globe start creating programs, selling gear and touting the health benefits of the latest craze. Recently it seems as if it’s CrossFit’s turn at the plate. Yet, there is much to know about this program before jumping in. Here are a few of the highlights.
What is CrossFit?
CrossFit refers to using gymnastics, powerlifting, calisthenics, running, swimming, sprinting, rowing and strongman exercises to maximize your fitness potential in the areas of: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy, phew..that’s a lot! Basically you become Superman or woman! No really this is the style that Superman used for the movie!
Why CrossFit
Legend has it that as a teen, gymnast Greg Glassman and his competitive nature led him to deviate from the usual gymnast calisthenics used to build strength. He thought, what if I lift weights and work on my power? Will I be better than these fools? Well he probably didn’t call them fools but I’m sure it was somewhere in his head because he started thinking someone might be better than him as a gymnast, but not a gymnast-cyclist- weightlifter! He then began to train clients in this fashion. As the results came so did more clients and soon he couldn’t train people privately. Light bulb moment – I can make more money and train them at the same time!
Fast forward to 1996 where the first CrossFit was conceived in Santa Cruz, California. So begins the craze, as you can now find a CrossFit anywhere in the world! China, Australia, South Africa, Chile…EVERYWHERE! Why? Where else can you get strong, ripped and sexy in record time while listening to fun music and hanging out with friends?
But, how does one do it exactly?