CrossFit for Beginners

Summer is around the corner and we’re all trying to have the best beach body possible. The smarter ones started to exercise in winter but most of us are procrastinating until the last minute. But when we finally decide that its time to shake our bodies, is CrossFit the right choice?

CrossFit Introduction

You’ve all heard about this fitness regimen, right? The ultimate workout program for fitness fanatics. CrossFit was created by Greg Glassman, a former gymnast and personal trainer. It combines elements of high-intensity interval training, Olympic weightlifting, plyometrics, powerlifting, gymnastics, calisthenics, strongman, and other exercises.

CrossFit gyms use equipment from multiple disciplines, including barbells, dumbbells, gymnastics rings and pull-up bars. Also, there are jump ropes, kettle-bells, medicine balls, plyo boxes, resistance bands, rowers, and various mats.

The CrossFit workout program was originally created for the officers of the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Department. Police academies, tactical operations teams and military special operations teams in the States all use this fitness program as their strength and conditioning program.

All workouts are based on functional movements that are considered the core movements of life. They move the largest loads the longest distances, so they are ideal for maximizing the amount of work done in the shortest time. Intensity is essential for results in CrossFit and is measurable as work divided by time—or power.

Glassman named a part of the exercises after female names, saying – “I thought that anything that left you flat on your back, looking up at the sky, asking, ‘What just happened to me?’ deserved a female’s name. Workouts are just like storms, they wreak havoc on towns.” The Girls” are a special group of benchmark workouts. A 2004 CrossFit Journal article explains that the original Girls were “Angie,” “Barbara,” “Chelsea,” “Diane,” “Elizabeth,” and “Fran.” The other part of exercises are named in commemoration of the fallen soldiers.

Interesting fact – out of the 10 million self-described CrossFitters, about 60 percent are female, according to the American Council on Exercise. Really an amazing fact.

CrossFit Community donates a lot to charity. They are helping to conquer childhood cancer, provide education in Kenya and other charitable ventures.

Ready for Cross and Fit, sir?