03 Mar CrossFit: That Crazy Thing You’re Too Scared to Try

              A fixture in many CrossFit workouts.

It’s been called many things:  Grueling.  Elite.  Insane.  A fitness cult, even.

No matter what you’ve heard, one thing is indisputable:  CrossFit takes things to the next level and challenges you to do the same.  Whether you join a CrossFit gym or CrossFit at home, you’ll emerge a stronger, fitter version of your former self after pushing yourself to do things you never thought you could.  Here’s a quick overview of what CrossFit is and whether it’s right for you.

What is CrossFit?

According to CrossFit’s official website,

“CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at relatively high intensity.  All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements [that] reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and more.  These are the core movements of life … intensity is essential for results.”

So to put things into perspective, imagine a workout of jumping, lifting, rolling, pulling, and pushing—some of it even done at the same time—with little to no rest in between.  You do not count 30 seconds between each set and then loaf and steal an extra 15.  And you don’t get to do half-assed sets with poor form while you check out everybody at the gym.  CrossFit ensures you are 100 percent focused and put your very best into everything you do, even if it’s for only 45 seconds.

You probably won’t see much of this in your regular gym.

Is CrossFit Right for ME?

Obviously, the folks at CrossFit would say “of course.”  But we aim to keep things a little more real here at VitaStrength, so we’ll say “it depends.”

If you’re already in good shape and aspire to train like a professional athlete, are willing to put in the time and hard work, and are bored with your current workout, CrossFit is probably for you.  It will challenge you and make you sweat puddles as it rips your body to shreds and builds you a way better one.  It’s also good for those who’ve plateaued despite consistent clean eating (and possible low-carbing) and regular workouts, or for those who have metabolic issues that respond to only high-intensity exercises.

But if you’re not the fittest person, have knee or other joint issues, lack fitness motivation and maybe aren’t fully committed to working out yet, CrossFit might be something you need to work up to. This also applies if you haven’t worked out in ages, or if you’re pregnant (or recently were pregnant).

Still, you can always adapt the workouts to fit your needs, and can even CrossFit at home if grunting it out at a CrossFit gym (also called a Box) sounds intimidating; daily workouts are posted online for you to follow.  If you go this route, however, we must advise that you visit a Box at least once to make sure you’re getting the most out of your workouts and aren’t endangering yourself.

After all, leaping around your house while holding barbells overhead could get a little out of hand.

          CrossFit abs speak for themselves.

For more information about CrossFit, check out the following video .  You can also click here to find a Box near you.

Keep up with all our blog posts, promotions and tips, or find us on Facebook and join the conversation!

Have a question or comment? We’d love to hear from you!