What is CrossFit?

First, lets get the technical terms used by CrossFit and what they teach as their definition.

“CrossFit is a strength and conditioning system built on constantly varied, if not randomized, functional movements executed at high intensity.”

“CrossFit is a fitness program focused on maximizing 10 areas of fitness. Strength, cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, power, speed, stamina, flexibility, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. In other words, general all-around athleticism.”

CrossFit is a broad and inclusive program encompassing the standards you would expect; weightlifting, body weight exercises, and traditional cardio. However what CrossFit added were sometimes forgotten areas in what we call ‘Globo-Gyms’. Those are Olympic lifting, climbing, throwing, basic tumbling, and gymnastics. It taxes both the aerobic and the anaerobic energy systems. CrossFit focuses on whole body, functional movement patterns that occur in activities of daily living. Core strength is a foundation of the program. CrossFit makes us better general athletes and allows us to specialize outside of the gym, be it on the track, the court, at home or the streets.

Everyone can do CrossFit but CrossFit is not for everyone. Lets be honest, CrossFit is hard work. There is no book reading, no TV watching and definitely no static/isolated exercises in here! The people who thrive in CrossFit are committed to hard work, dedicated to consistency, willing to try without fear of failure, and eager for challenge. Rarely will you do the same workout twice. Routine is our enemy and will lead to mediocrity, complacency, and injury. Now the next part is key; CrossFit is a training program that can be tailored to suit ANYONE and ANY fitness level.

So to sum it up in my words and what I will use to explain CrossFit when asked…

CrossFit is an ever-changing fitness program done at high intensity that prepares us for everyday natural movement that can be scaled to the need of the athlete.

By using constantly varied, functional movements executed at high intensity, we can improve the physical fitness, or what we call general physical preparedness, in everyone from elite athletes to sedentary office workers and kids to seniors. So now that you know CrossFit is for everyone, why aren't you in here? If you are, why aren't you bringing in everyone you know?!