The short definition of CrossFit is constantly varied high-intensity functional movements. Sounds simple right? However there is more that goes into this type of training exercise, let us dissect this short definition into parts to help us have a better grasp of what this means.

The constantly varied part of CrossFit is where the beauty of this fitness program lies because when our bodies do the same thing over and over again it becomes so used to it that it stops progressing. Shocker, I know! So being able to perform varying exercises at different times and formats constantly based on the CrossFit method is how our bodies can break through that adaptation and be able to progress over time.

The high-intensity part is about the combination of maximum energy, stamina, effort, and focus.

Lastly, functional movement of the extremities in which all of the power from the movement radiates from your core out to those moving extremities. These movements are broken down into three categories:

• Mono-Structural or Cardiovascular exercises that involve one movement such as biking, running, rowing, and swimming.
• Weightlifting is an exercise that involves using your body to move some kind of loads like barbells, dumbbells, and sandbags. 
• Gymnastics exercise involves push-ups, pull-ups, dips, and body weight-type movements.

For beginners, introduction classes may be incorporated, here’s a sample of how it would look based on the categories above, and in a typical CrossFit gym, this is how they divide their classes:

• Warm-Up is where functional movements like push-ups, pull-ups, lunges, jump ropes, and the like will be done.
• Strength Work is when you will be the focus on pure strength movements like squats or deadlifts. 
• Workout Of The Day (WOD) is where you’ll have a set time limit to do as many of a certain exercise as possible or do a certain number of reps of particular exercises as fast as possible. Each day has a different plan and it needs to be constantly varied.
• Cool Down is the part where you will be allowed to stretch it out until your body has slowly relaxed coming from intense movements to slow stretches. This is important in helping your body adjust, ergo cool down.

CrossFit encompasses everything from speed, stamina, endurance, strength, agility, power, balance, flexibility, coordination, and accuracy. Apart from those various benefits, there are also the health benefits of CrossFit:

• Helps with weight loss
• Keeps your heart healthy
• Improves your mobility
• Increases muscle mass
• Improves joint health
• Increases confidence
• Enhance your mental strength

Now that we have covered the basics, can we answer the question “Is CrossFit for Me?” Is the fitness regimen for everybody? Some write-ups say CrossFit is for individuals who come in all sizes and can start at any age while some say it isn’t for everyone because it takes a specific type of person to persevere in this fitness program. Find a CrossFit trainer today who can help answer this for you and help you better understand your body’s capabilities. Don’t wait any longer, simply search for a gym or CrossFit center nearby and book your first class now!