Over the past few years, CrossFit has received a lot of media attention. If you’ve been scrolling through fitness-related topics on Google, you’re bound to find articles and products that are related to CrossFit. What’s this hype on CrossFit about? Is it as great as it is marketed?
CrossFit was developed by Greg Glassman and incorporates sports and functional movements and exercises like climbing ropes, swimming, burpees, weightlifting and more, and aims to help one to develop better endurance physically and mentally. Unlike many fitness routines where the follower can get bored, CrossFit has this program called Workout of the Day (WOD) where there is a different workout five days of the week.
An example of a WOD would consist of:
3 rounds of:
Max reps of strict form pull-ups
Max reps of shoulder presses
Max-calorie row in 20 seconds
Max L-sit hold for time
There would be a clock and whiteboard, which is how workouts and results are recorded. You’ll get to see your progress week after week.
How intense is CrossFit?
CrossFit is the to-go regimen for police and military training and professional athletes due to its all-inclusive nature. CrossFit has the reputation of being a hardcore, intimidating workout with an exclusive and elite community, however, it can be for everyone if you have teamwork spirit and the determination to get better.
Unlike many sports and fitness regimes, CrossFit training rates a person to be fit according to their performance in the ten general physical skills: cardiovascular endurance, stamina, flexibility, strength, speed, power, agility, balance, coordination and accuracy.
In CrossFit gyms or “boxes”, you’ll support each other in achieving the same goal of pushing themselves further and becoming fit and healthy as these boxes are more team-oriented. Furthermore, boxes don’t have equipment like treadmills and ellipticals, as the regimen focuses more on weights, medicinal balls, benches, CrossFit gymnastic rings and similar forms of equipment.
Recovering from CrossFit
Due to its high-intensity nature, recovering from CrossFit training are extremely crucial for one’s being. Like all fitness journeys, nutrition plays a vital role, alongside with exercise. Pre and post nutrition workout is equally important. Always consume meals two hours prior to work out to avoid any digestive issues during the workout session.
Consume more complex carbohydrates and lean protein, which aid in digestion and nutrition. Bananas are a great source of after workout fuel as it contains potassium. Hydrating yourself is also extremely important in the recovery process, so drink plenty of water and reduce alcohol and caffeine. Getting enough rest is also an important part of the recovery process.
Stretching post workout is extremely crucial in CrossFit recovery process. Most people tend to disregard stretching after a workout, but experts say stretching after a workout is important as it improves blood circulation, eliminates lactic acid that is produced during your workout, which causes fatigue and soreness, prevents or minimizes risks of injury, increases muscular coordination and posture. Foam rollers are well known in CrossFit communities due to its ability to improve blood circulation and alleviate tension in muscles that cause muscle tightness and cramps.
Take-Home Message
In conclusion, although CrossFit’s tough reputation can scare most people away, it is actually inclusive for everyone, regardless of age, size, and gender. It might be physically demanding, but it is also extremely rewarding for those who have a positive outlook on it and give their utmost commitment to getting better physically.
Be sure to find a trainer that has experience and is certified to conduct CrossFit training and classes. This is to ensure that you’re training according to your fitness levels with the right form and minimizing risks of injury!
