A Beginner's Guide To Crossfit

Simple enough question, right? Crossfit is a fitness and training program that combines functional movements and varied and challenging workouts to build strength and improve body conditioning. Consisting of squats, pull-ups, push-ups, and other functional movements, Crossfit measures overall fitness against ten general physical skills:

• Cardio

• Endurance

• Stamina

• Strength

• Flexibility

• Power

• Speed

• Agility

• Balance

• Coordination

• Accuracy

Part of what makes Crossfit so very challenging is that each session tests a different functional strength and body conditioning. The training program is designed to scale with each individual and adjust to various capability levels. These varied, high-intensity workouts aim to train the body to a level of fitness that allows it to do almost anything regarding strength and endurance.

Crossfit gyms, usually called ‘boxes,’ are dotted everywhere. Its growing popularity has seen to that. A simple Google search for a Crossfit Box in your area will likely pull up a few options.

Most CrossFit boxes allow recruits to take their first taster class for free. Call the box first to check. The introduction class usually includes an overview of CrossFit, base-level movements, and a bodyweight workout. 

Following your introduction class, if you find that you would like to get into Crossfit, you will be required to go through an ‘On-Ramp’ course. This is a chance for your instructors to review and assess your ability level and to teach you about correct form and the nine foundational movements of Crossfit.

Crossfit classes generally last for around an hour. All participants begin the course at the same time with various workouts. The instructors move around the class, offering advice and tracking everyone’s progress.

• Crossfit is a group activity. It’s all about supporting and motivating one another, the desire to push as hard as possible, and a profound sense of teamwork and community.

• The class will likely be split into three or four sections, each covering three or four exercises in the lesson. In most cases, there will be a warm-up and cooldown, and the two main parts of the class will be a skill or strength workout and a workout of the day (WOTD).

• The skill/strength workout will require you to work on a pure strength movement like deadlifts or squats, or you’ll have an opportunity to work on a specific skill like muscle ups. The workout of the day is all about reps. The instructor will give you a particular exercise, a certain number of reps, and a timeframe.

Honestly, Crossfit isn’t for everyone… although often, you will hear or read from cross-fitters that it is. It is pretty hardcore. The reason that Crossfit is often pegged as something that anyone can get into is because it is scalable.

Although the workouts are the same for everyone, they vary in intensity and level based on the individual’s strength and ability. It is still a proverbial butt-kicking and seriously grueling fitness program.

• If you hate cardio or weight or have a particular workout preference and one specific exercise you often avoid, then you will not like CrossFit because CrossFit makes you do a bit of everything. If you are an athlete who trains for a particular event, then there may be better options than CrossFit.

• Crossfit is a functional strength and movement workout. It is not easy, but you will see excellent results and receive fantastic support and motivation from your Crossfit Box.

If you are going to get into Crossfit, you should invest in some pre-, intra, or post-workout shakes, and the only way to mix your protein is with the world’s most advanced mixer bottles. Shop here.