What’s Your Image Of CrossFit?
I figured I should start the inaugural blog answering the question What Is CrossFit. To keep it simple I’ll abbreviate CrossFit as CF. It all started a little over a decade ago as a small niche fitness program that hosted an annual competition for competitors worldwide. Surely, we’ve all seen or heard by now what it’s grown into since then. It seems you either love it or hate it. For those that fall onto the “dislike” spectrum, do you really know what you’re hating? I’m here to help provide some insight into why it’s grown in cult-like fashion.
If you ask different CrossFitters what is CF you’ll likely get several different answers. It goes beyond the dictionary definition of constantly varied functional movements performed at [relative] high intensity. It’s about the Workouts. It’s about the Lifestyle. It’s about the Community. All of this combined is what makes CF so special and the reason its exploded in popularity over the last 7 or so years.
What we see in these competitions and Games streamed on various online platforms is the sport of it. It’s exciting and entertaining just as any other sport, but don’t let that confuse you with what CF really is. The CF program and methodology is built for everyone, every body. It’s not just shirtless muscle-bound men and women (not shirtless…) throwing weights around a warehouse. CF is “a lifestyle characterized by safe and effective exercise”; it’s the epitome of functional fitness and any exercise program should be accompanied by sound nutrition.
The magic is in the movements. These movements translate to common movements and tasks performed in our everyday life; whether you’re loading up kayaks for a float, reaching for something high in a cabinet, sitting to the toilet, or playing with kids. The programming is different every day. And that part is already done for you! Everything can be personally modified for you based on your skills, ability, and goals.
How long does it take for something to become a lifestyle? 30… 60 days? That’s what you’d do for these fad diets, right? Why should you treat your fitness differently. I challenge you to give CF the old college try for that long and see how you feel and the progress you’ve made after that time. Don’t be a one-and-done. The CF lifestyle is a combination of sound nutrition and exercise; this is the key to fitness and long-term health. What is sound nutrition you might ask. Well that’s a topic for another day…
The community. It’s your support network. The people you see at the same time nearly every day become your friends and gym-family. If you’re reaching your goals, they’re there to cheer your on. If you’re struggling and feeling down, they’re there to lift you up. Plus, exercise increases dopamine so you’ll get that feel-good after you workout. What’s even greater, the CF community is one that supports diversity and inclusion!
So what is CrossFit?
It’s Constant Variation. It’s different every day and the workouts are tailored to the individual.
It’s Functional Movements. CF uses safe, effective, and efficient movements similar to those you use in your everyday life.
It’s High Intensity. The intensity level is relative to YOU. They are adjusted to challenge you and safely improve your fitness.
My final point will be to answer the common question of whether you need to get in shape before you start CF. That’s a silly yet serious question. To be blunt, the answer is NO. CrossFit is the program that will get you in shape. That’s like asking a pastor if you need to get your life in order before attending church. Getting in shape is the result, the byproduct, of you being consistent in joining us for a workout.
Dr. Spencer Nadolsky recently posted “when patients tell me they’re scared to lift weights because they think they’ll look like a pro bodybuilder… I tell them that’s like being scared to drive because they think they will become a NASCAR driver.
Source: The CrossFit Journal, and personal experience :)