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CrossFit: A New Twist on Working Out

June 20, 2008 Print This ArticleShare

Author: Michael Greeves

CrossFit is a new workout program that dates back to the 1970s. Founded by Greg Glassman, the goal of the program is to create the ideal athlete. CrossFit focuses its workouts on functional movement at high intensity. Technique and form are not crucial to the execution of the exercises.

CrossFit operates under the expectation that every participant be proficient in 10 fitness domains:
  • cardiovascular/respiratory endurance
  • stamina
  • strength
  • flexibility
  • power
  • speed
  • agility
  • balance
  • coordination
  • accuracy

    • The workouts are designed to focus on all 10 of these fitness domains. The exercises use free weights, kettlebells, gymnastic rings, pull-up bars, and calisthenics to achieve these goals. Workouts are done hard and fast, with little time to rest between exercises. There has been a lot of criticism about CrossFit and its dangerous pace, but CrossFit admits that this workout is not for everyone.

    Glassman launched his crossfit.com website in 2001 in order to bring more attention to this workout program. A workout of the day is posted everyday for anyone to see, and participants post their results in the comments section. It has turned into quite a competitive workout regimen, with the same users going on every day and posting their results. The workouts run three days on, one day off to allow muscles to rest and repair. The exercises combine gymnastics, track and field, and bodybuilding in order to target all the fitness domains. An example exercise from the CrossFit website: for time-three rounds of run 800 meters, 50 pull-ups. After this workout, participants are to post their times in the comments section.

    CrossFit has an affiliate program country-wide, where people can start their own CrossFit gyms for people who want to partake in the program with other people. Certification is required for affiliation, and CrossFit offers many seminars and trainings nationwide throughout the year. You can use the CrossFit website to locate an affiliate in your area and check out the program.

    This program has been adopted by several high school and college sports programs due to its intensity and ability to condition athletes well. Along with school sports, the United State Marine Corps, Navy SEALs, and the Army Special Forces incorporate CrossFit-like workouts into their training programs. Many police and fire organizations also use CrossFit training for their members. CrossFit has certifications and trainings available for these public service organizations specifically as well, so they can provide the best service to the public.

    CrossFit has drawn a large amount of criticism due to the intense nature of its workout program. Many critics do not like the “one workout for all” concept, but CrossFit recommends that people modify the workout to suit their needs and abilities. Weights can be adjusted, or exercises swapped in order to provide a tough, manageable workout. Beginners are encouraged to modify exercises and perform them below 100% for one month before kicking it up a notch to 100%. Injuries are common, and that is why CrossFit recommends the workouts be modified to reduce the risk of injuries.

    The risk of injury is high, but the community of CrossFit participants provides the perfect balance of competition and support. It is not for everyone, and that is part of what makes the workouts so competitive. For people who are looking for a high intensity workout and not afraid of trying something new, it is free to try, and possibly priceless if you stick with it!
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