You'll Grow Stronger Through Compound Movements In a normal gym, you'll usually find yourself performing “isolation movements” that focus on one central part of the body per day. At CrossFit, we focus more on practical compound functional movements, which are usually completed with high intensity. CrossFit is a training hybrid like no other. This is because it borrows movements and programming techniques from a large number of sports and training methods, says Wendy Hurd, P, T.
In contrast, CrossFit was designed to meet more generalized goals of achieving general fitness. Many CrossFit moves incorporate standard weightlifting movements, but the focus is not only on increasing the weight, but also on doing more repetitions in a certain period of time. CrossFit is a lifestyle characterized by safe and effective exercise and healthy nutrition. CrossFit can be used to achieve anything from improving health to losing weight to improving performance.
The program works for everyone who is just starting out and people who have been trained for years. This is possible thanks to the “Workout of the Day” exercises that are a direct part of the CrossFit regimen. The CrossFit website recommends that people follow a Paleo diet (rich in lean meats, healthy fats and products, and excluding dairy, legumes and grains). In many ways, sticking with a handful of exercises is better than doing a half-baked version of CrossFit.
CrossFit is one of the best ways to increase the maximum VO2 or the maximum amount of oxygen you can use during exercise. A common criticism of people both inside and outside the CrossFit world is that the requirements to become a coach are not very strict. On the other hand, CrossFit is a trademarked training methodology that combines elements of strength, endurance, gymnastics and interval training. Whether you decide to do cross-training or CrossFit will depend on your goals and whether or not you are training for another sport.
CrossFit is “one of the fastest growing high-intensity functional training modes in the world and its popularity is undoubtedly growing. You'll need to perform HIIT CrossFit workouts with body weight at your maximum heart rate with as little rest as possible between rounds. As I mentioned earlier, CrossFit tests your strength, endurance and ability to train at high intensity. CrossFit boxes tend to be very welcoming to non-members who are traveling and want to work out, giving you the opportunity to interact with people from other cultures who share your passion for fitness.
Most Crossfit workouts are high-intensity and too explosive, suitable for increasing athletic strength and burning calories. Another drawback to CrossFit is that some gyms are poorly managed and don't work very efficiently. While considered a little more challenging than traditional gym workouts, CrossFit is designed to start with a person you are in your health and move up quickly. CrossFit can be addictive and you'll be tempted to go to class even when you're sore, tired, or when your body needs a day or two off.
If weight loss is your primary goal, it's probably best to follow a strict weight, cardio, and diet regimen without visiting CrossFit gyms.
