What is CrossFit?
It’s a fitness program that combines high intensity interval training (HIIT) with Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics and calisthenics. The aim of CrossFit is to enhance fitness by targeting aspects such, as cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, power, speed and coordination.
Now lets dive into the philosophy and principles that underpin CrossFit. The core belief is that fitness isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. CrossFitters firmly believe that the key to improving fitness lies in challenging oneself and pushing beyond comfort zones.
Here are some key principles
Functional Fitness: CrossFit workouts are designed to improve your ability to perform activities efficiently.
Constant Variation: To keep things interesting and avoid plateaus CrossFit workouts are constantly changing.
Intensity: While the workouts are designed to be challenging they’re also structured in a way that allows you to complete them.
Community: One of the aspects of CrossFit is its sense of community. Being part of this community provides support and motivation.
How did CrossFit originate?
Lets take a moment to look back at the history of CrossFit. It was established in 2000 by Greg Glassman, who himself had a background, in gymnastics and bodybuilding.
Glassman drew inspiration from the training methods utilized by the weightlifting team of the Soviet Union and the US military. He believed that these methods could be harnessed to establish a fitness regimen that’s both more effective and efficient.
The inaugural CrossFit gym came into existence in Santa Cruz, California in 2001. Since then CrossFit has experienced growth transforming into a phenomenon, with over 15,000 affiliated gyms spread across more than 100 countries.