Why I like CrossFit
CrossFit is a conditioning program that mixes Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, calisthenics, gymnastics, sprints, plyometrics, and a few hard-to-categorize exercises like rope climbing. Most of the workouts are measured by how fast you finish a workout, how much can you lift, or how many reps you accumulated over a given time.
Its unique approach to training has attracted the many fitness enthusiasts that are tired of the same old aerobics class or machine circuit at their local gym. The big beef that people have with CrossFit is it’s one-size-fits-all mentality. If you are prone to injury, or not in the best condition you run the risk of getting hurt.
The use of highly technical lifts such as Olympic lifts, deadlifts, hand stand push-ups and gymnastics takes great skill and a lot of practice to do correctly. The programming of the workout also is called to be suspect as there is argument that there is no reason to the ideology of the workouts. Putting all of this aside I personally have a lot to like about CrossFit despite some of its shortcomings.
Here is why:
Competition pushes us
Competition can be a great motivator. Scientists have found that training in a group boosts people ability to push past pain during exercise. Competition also releases endorphins that can push you through a painful, yet successful workout.
Functional total body exercises
The days of isolating muscles and using machines are a thing of the past. Utilizing the whole body in a functional manner has been proven to boost your metabolism, and build muscle more efficiently and effectively. Exercises such as cleans, squat, and pull-ups will work more muscle, causing larger releases of fat burning and muscle building hormones and enzymes. The more muscle you work, the more calories you burn.
Short and intense is best
You no longer need to have the mentality that more is better when it comes to exercise. Short, intense, and efficient workouts are exactly what the busy American needs. Studies have shown that overweight adults who trained with weights for just 11 minutes a day, 3 days a week increased their muscle strength and burned more calories at rest 24 hours after exercise than non-exercises. You also reduce the risk of overtraining and the release of cortisol, a hormone that can blunt your ability to build muscle and burn fat.
If it’s not hard, it’s not exercise
Our bodies were meant to walk and do manual labor. These are not examples of exercises! When you pair exercises together and go at a high intensity you burn a much larger amount of calories. You also release a lot more growth hormone and testosterone—two key hormones that help you get in shape. Our bodies were made to work hard and fast, not slow and long. The next time you workout push your self a little faster, and add a little more weight to the bar. Your body will thank you.
They have fun doing it
It is not only about the competition. It is also about making friends that will have a vested interest in you succeeding in living a healthier lifestyle. It has been shown that people with a great support system are more likely to succeed in an exercise program than people who don’t. When we are held accountable for things we usually step up to the plate and get the job done. CrossFit has created an environment that encourages people to stay consistent with their workouts, push hard, and have fun doing it. Something we do at State of Fitness everyday.
written by
Justin Grinnell B.S., CSCS is the co-owner of State of Fitness in East Lansing. He’s also a regular contributor to Healthy & Fit Magazine and has several columns and vidoes on the Healthy & Fit Magazine Web site. You can reach him at 517.708.8828 or mystateoffitness.com
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