CrossFit for every body

[bluelightzgrl]

Previously considered the domain of firefighters and Navy Seals, CrossFit is quickly becoming the workout of choice for office workers and soccer moms. But what is CrossFit, and how can it help us mere mortals reach our fitness goals?

The myth of “Traditional” exercise

So-called traditional workouts aren’t. The boundaries between strength and “cardio” seen in gyms, the focus on muscles rather than movements, and the insistence on endurance work as the primary source of fat burning took root in the 1970s and ‘80s during the onset of the “Fitness Celebrity” craze. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jane Fonda, and Jim Fixx did a lot to bring fitness to the mainstream, but in so doing introduced those artificial separations.

Coach Greg Glassman developed CrossFit in the 1980s as a training method aimed at creating athletes who were equal parts gymnast, sprinter, and weightlifter. As it grew over the last few decades and underwent further additions and refinements, CrossFit took on a life of its own. Often referred to as “The Sport of Fitness”, CrossFit has proven not only effective but fun for exercisers of all ages and ability levels.

CrossFit is FUN!

As coach Marty Gallagher says “Enthusiasm trumps willpower EVERY TIME”. Running through the same machine circuit week after week gets boring, and we can only drag ourselves through drudgery for so long, no matter how good our willpower.

By changing the workout from day to day, CrossFit keeps workouts new and interesting. It also exposes you to exercises you’ve never tried, never seen, maybe even never heard of. Some of the workouts are fast-paced and high-energy. Some of them are more intense with heavier weights and longer rest periods. But all of them let you know you’ve had a workout!

Alongside the workout itself is the camaraderie of the group. Many CrossFit gyms organize group training sessions (at DEFY! we limit group size to six people, to optimize the group dynamic and allow very individualized technique instruction). This becomes an important part of the atmosphere, and is very different from what most people have experienced.

As Patty, a woman who had never considered herself athletic says “There is no better feeling in the world then hearing the cheers of your peers encouraging you to do your best”. Ellen agrees, saying the entire group is “there for different reasons, and have different struggles and challenges, yet in a session everyone is there and rooting for each other”.

:D:D:D

The rest of the article: HERE