CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program. We have designed our program to elicit as broad an adaptational response as possible. CrossFit is not a specialized fitness program but a deliberate attempt to optimize physical competence in each of ten recognized fitness domains. They are Cardiovascular and Respiratory endurance, Stamina, Strength, Flexibility, Power, Speed, Coordination, Agility, Balance, and Accuracy.
The CrossFit program is designed for universal scalability making it the perfect application for any committed individual regardless of experience. We’ve used our same routines for elderly individuals with heart disease and cage fighters one month out from televised bouts. We scale load and intensity; we don’t change programs. The needs of Olympic athletes and our grandparents differ by degree not kind. Our terrorist hunters, skiers, mountain bike riders and housewives have found their best fitness from the same regimen.
Our short workouts will improve all aspects of your fitness. CrossFit is constantly varied, functional movement performed at a high intensity.
What is “constantly varied”? Constantly varied means that it is ever-changing and that nothing is the same. Routine becomes the enemy. We need to strive to have capacity in everything we do and to expose ourselves to things that we don’t like to do.
What is “functional movement”? Functional movements are compound movements meaning they are multi-joint movements. They are safe, natural, effective, and efficient locomotors of body and external objects. They work our bodies from core to extremity. However, no aspect of functional movement is more important than being able to move large loads over long distances, and to do so quickly.
What is “high intensity”? High intensity is defined as a lot of work done over a little bit of time. Intensity is almost always the independent variable and is individually defined. Over time your intensity will increase. Intensity is the variable that will give you results.
In implementation, CrossFit is, quite simply, a sport—the “sport of fitness.” We’ve learned that harnessing the natural camaraderie, competition, and fun of sport or game yields an intensity that cannot be matched by other means.
The people you see here are not all athletes. They are doctors, bankers, brokers, lawyers, authors, artists, grandparents, salesmen, mothers, teachers and students. They face challenges and inspire those around them. This is CrossFit.
Diets don’t work and counting calories is a waste of time. We don’t have TV’s or juice bars. We use bodyweight, free weight, kettlebells, ropes, bars, hammers, tires, rowers, medicine balls, plyometrics, athletics and skill. We build strong and beautiful bodies for the real world. We are CrossFit.
Click on the following for explanations from CrossFit’s founder, Greg Glassman.
Understanding CrossFit by Greg Glassman
What is Fitness by Greg Glassman
Still not sure if YOU can do CrossFit? Watch the following video, courtesy of CrossFit Cleveland. Notice the different ages and body types.
