What is CrossFit

CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting and cardio. These are the core movements of life. Intensity is essential for results and is measurable as work divided by time—or power. The more work you do in less time, or the higher the power output, the more intense the effort. By employing a constantly varied approach to training, functional movements and intensity lead to dramatic gains in fitness.

CrossFit is made up of:

Gymnastics

Using nothing but your own body weight to perform movements such as pull ups, muscle ups, air squats. Handstands push ups, burpees and box jumps.

Weightlifting

Just as it sounds. All CrossFit uses Olympic Weightlifting. This includes lifts such as: dead-lift. Clean, Snatch, Power Clean and Clean and Jerk. The reason they are used is because nothing else in fitness or life for that matter produces such a high output of power.

Cardiovascular Exercise

CrossFit doesn't contain the usual lengthy cardio exercise but uses rowing, running and air bikes for interval training to increase levels of cardio fitness.

The Programme

No two days at CrossFit WODs( Workout of the Day) change every day. By varying workouts and exercises constantly it can lead to a vast improvement to fitness and health. You don’t have to be the fittest to do CrossFit because all workouts are scale-able to an individual’s capability. Due to its versatility there has been a huge growth in the CrossFit Kids programme. Kids still use all the movements and equipment an adult CrossFitter would use but it is all scaled down to their ability. There is also a large number of the older generation that take part. The oldest recognised CrossFit it a lady called Betty Anderson who at 96 used to walk with a cane due to her arthritis. Since starting CrossFit she longer uses it. Even though CrossFit started as a fitness programme it is now also a sport. Competitions are becoming more and more popular, none more so that the annual CrossFit Games held in America. Athletes from all over the world compete individually or as a team to challenge for the title 'Fittest on Earth'. It is also a celebration of a the worldwide community coming together to support one another.