What exactly is CrossFit?

“This regimen is a combination core strength and conditioning program that includes several aspects of physical fitness. Instead of specializing in one type of exercise or a particular niche or group of people, CrossFit is designed for inclusion. The basic premise of the CrossFit philosophy is that Olympic athletes and aging grandparents can benefit from the same type of workouts – just at varying degrees. Some of the exercises common to CrossFit include climbing rope, sprinting, jumping rope and weightlifting. Through variety, the CrossFit program attempts to challenge different muscle groups and parts of the body and keep fitness interesting to participants.

What happens in a CrossFit routine?

In general, CrossFit workouts are short, often 20 minutes or less. The quantity of time is not as important as the quality of the workout within those minutes. Instead of stretching  out a workout over a longer period of time, CrossFit participants commit intensity and exertion to their movements. Ten fitness goals are intrinsic to CrossFit success: agility, speed, power, strength, stamina, coordination, heart and lung endurance, balance, flexibility and accuracy. People familiar with CrossFit culture often talk about the “WOD,” or workout of the day. Affiliated CrossFit gyms often host these routines and people who do them individually post results online.

What are some common CrossFit exercises?

The basics of CrossFit movement can be divided into three categories: movement with weights, distance movements and body weight exercises. Some of the exercises a CrossFit subscriber can expect to do include burpees, squats, lunges, sit-ups, running sprints,barbell presses and rowing. If you have never tried these activities, do not feel too intimidated. Start slowly and work up to the level of intensity you want to achieve.

What are the specific benefits of CrossFit?

While all exercise is beneficial to overall health, CrossFit is especially helpful because it teaches proper body mechanics, points out specific flaws and builds athletic versatility. Instead of avoiding activity areas where a participant is weak, or falling into an exercise rut, CrossFit pushes the limits of its athletes and leads to greater fitness results.”