Out of my own curiosity more than anything else, I thought we’d
take a look at CrossFit this week. I have a general idea about what cross fit
is, I’m constantly seeing information about ‘WOD’ and I’ve heard the cross fit
games being discussed once or twice but that’s pretty much the extent of my
cross fit awareness. So, if you’re curious too, lets take a look.
What is CrossFit?
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| Image from www.crossfit.com |
Created in 2000 by Greg Glassman, Cross Fit uses high
intensity training and ‘functional’ movement to improve overall fitness and strength.
CrossFit describe it as increased work capacity across broad time and modal
domains, which essentially means that your fitness is improving constantly and
you’re prepared and physically capable of handling anything. Functional
movements are essentially movements that you may need to perform on a daily
basis, such as carrying heavy things, or jumping (you know, like Tom Cruise
onto a lounge, straight up). The workouts are usually short and include
activities like running, rowing, flipping tyres, climbing rope, weight training
and body weight exercises.
There is a fantastic You Tube clip that gives you a pretty
good idea of what cross fit is, I’d recommend taking a look http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzD9BkXGJ1M
What is the CrossFit way?
CrossFit is based on a short, high intensity daily workout,
known as the Workout of the Day (WOD). These workouts can include anything from
air squats, handstand push-ups, jump rope, to rowing to power lifting moves
like the snatch. WOD’s are published daily on the cross fit website www.crossfit.com
For example, the WOD posted on their site for the start of
the week include
Monday 130415
Three rounds, 15-12-and 9 reps, for time of:135-pound barbell Thrusters
45 pound weighted Pull-ups
For weighted pull-ups, placing a 45-pound dumbbell between the legs above crossed ankles works great.
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| image from crossfit.com |
Tuesday 130416
Five rounds for time of:Row 500 meters
135-pound Bench press, 15 reps.
You have the option to post a comment with your time; Tuesday’s workout has over 200 comments.
Wednesday 130417
Rest Day
CrossFit also recommend a diet similar to the Paleo diet,
with no refined carbohydrates and sugars. It focuses on protein, vegetables,
nuts and seeds and some fruit.
According to their website, they’re also proponents of the
idea of calorie restriction for health, so only eating enough calories to fuel
the body.
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| Image from crossfit.com |
Who does Cross Fit?
Everyone it seems! Men and women of all ages. It doesn’t seem
to matter what your fitness level in the beginning, although if it’s
particularly low you may want to find a CrossFit trainer.
Where do you go to train?
There are thousands of qualified cross fit trainers and
affiliated centres around the world. Alternatively you can follow the program
online, by completeing the WOD.
The CrossFit games
CrossFit encourages competition. CrossFitters are often
asked to compete against themselves by keeping score and tracking their own
progress. There is also the cross fit games, where they can compete to be ‘the
fittest on earth’. You need to qualify for these games, first in an open round,
then by winning a regional competition before heading off to the big one in the
USA. And why wouldn’t you try, there is $250,000 in prize money up for grabs
Support and controversy
As with anything, there are the lovers and the haters.
Truth be told, the current research is in favour of short
explosive high intensity activity. However this does go against the ancient
wisdom and so, like with anything, it takes a while for beliefs to change and
people to catch up with science.
A majority of the criticism surrounds the fact that anyone
and everyone has access to the WOD, you don’t need to have a trainer, therefore
there is obviously the potential to hurt yourself by not doing the exercises
correctly. I’ve already stated im no cross fit expert, that being said, it
seems to me that this is no different to anyone who starts an unsupervised
exercise program. Whether you get it from a magazine, copy a friend, find it on
a website, if you’re doing the exercises wrong, you can get hurt. Because of
the speed and explosivness required for cross fit, that risk might be a little
higher. The cross fit website recommends that you take the time to learn their
exercises, and go slow at first, getting comfortable with the movements and
building your strength.
I think it looks fantastic personally. What do you think?
Leave a comment about your experiences with CrossFit, let me know if I’ve
missed anything.
You're welcome, thank you :)
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