What is CrossFit?

Most of you fitness conscious people out there might already know what CrossFit is all about. But for those newbies who are looking for a fresh start let us begin by explaining it a little. CrossFit is a high-intensity workout routine which features many different exercises based on our core or functional movements. These can include fundamental aspects of weightlifting, gymnastics, running, rowing, etc.

The regime changes daily and is based on the workout of the day, which is also known as WOD. WOD means performing sets of specific exercises for the day and repeating it after fixed intervals. The ideology behind the creation of CrossFit is to get the maximum amount of work done in the shortest time possible. It is a flexible routine that can adapt to people of all shapes and sizes.

CrossFit, a trademarked routine, was established in 2000 by Greg Glassman. As of today, it is practiced in over 15,000 gyms worldwide. With the help of the program, Greg aimed to create a real-life sensation of what an athlete or fighter goes through during a competition. Whether you are a fitness freak or beginner, we suggest you continue reading to know more about CrossFit.

Is CrossFit Beneficial?

crossfit australia, benefits of crossfit

Like every other exercise routine, CrossFit to has its benefits. One of the most obvious out of them all is the kind of energy that you feel after finishing. Here are a few more of the pros that would make you fall in love with this high-intensity interval workout routine.

1. Overall Conditioning

A great thing about CrossFit is that it does not target a specific portion of your body. Instead, it is constructed to increase the overall physical performance and conditioning of oneself. It is a training system that focuses on making your muscles, joints, and ligaments stronger for better posture and flexibility.

2. CrossFit Kills Monotony and Boredom

The worst thing about gyming for most people is having to repeat the same type of exercise every day. But with CrossFit, you can kill monotony by performing various workout routines which belong to different categories.

3. Speed up Weight Loss with CrossFit

Cardio is the first choice of people when it comes to losing weight. However, what you might not be aware of is the effectiveness of CrossFit as a weight loss routine. It speeds up the entire process by making you burn more fat in the same amount of time.

4. Less Workout More Results

Most of you might think it is a myth to get good results with minimal workout. Although, CrossFit proves this notion wrong. This high energy workout routine is especially useful for those of you who do not have a lot of time to spare due to their busy lifestyle and yet want to maintain a great body.

5. A Sense of Community and Support

CrossFit being a group workout regime gives a sense of community or support which is essential to keep yourself motivated. Apart from this, the other members of the group can also help you by sharing their stories and knowledge about how to make the most of CrossFit.

Are There Any Negatives of CrossFit?find crossfit gym australia

Although, CrossFit is an excellent alternative to traditional gyming it still has a few negatives. But even these cons cannot take away from the fact that it is loved by millions of people all over the world. Still here is a small list of cons for your reference.

1. No Personalisation

If you are looking for a routine which is designed specifically for you, then CrossFit might not be your thing. The program is similar for everyone irrespective of their age, sex, and the fitness aspect they want to target.

2. Same WOD For Everyone

Another negative of CrossFit is that you need to follow the same WOD even if you are a beginner. It might prove to be challenging especially if you do not have the core strength to undergo extensive workout.

What To Consider Before Starting CrossFit

start crossfit australia, crossfit gym australia

The most important thing to consider regarding CrossFit is the element of risk involved. There have been a lot of debates about the potential dangers. Although, there is no proof till date that CrossFit is riskier than any other high energy or intensity workout. But here are the things that you should look out for before starting.

  • Take it slow in the beginning to save yourself from injuries
  • No two CrossFit classes also known as boxes are similar
  • Don’t stop yourself from trying because of stereotypes
  • Eating right is also crucial in CrossFit

How to Get Started with CrossFit

The first thing to remember is choosing the correct CrossFit Box or center for yourself. Each one of them is different, and it depends mainly on the vibe and culture of the place. You can even try following the program online. But we suggest that you take professional help especially if you are new to the whole thing.

You might already know that CrossFit comprises sets of different exercises which are performed at fixed breaks. To make you understand this better here is an example. A typical WOD would include a set of 10 burpees, 10 squats, 10 cartwheels and so on. All of these sets are performed together at once and are repeated after intervals in decreasing order.

The number of times that you perform the sets is known as rounds and they usually written down in a CrossFit Box. You can find these sets indicated as “10-7-5” for each round. It gives you a clear idea of how many times you need to do the exercises in every round.

We are sure that after reading all about this fantastic high-intensity routine you must be excited to try it yourself.  Ready to find a CrossFit gym near you?  Come check out our CrossFit Gym Directory here!