So you’ve heard about CrossFit from a friend, a family member, someone at work, or perhaps you’ve seen it on TV. What exactly is CrossFit? The official definition is “constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity”. But what does that really mean?
CrossFit is a comprehensive health and fitness program designed so that anyone can do it: as long as you are committed, you can get started regardless of age, experience, or fitness level. Rather than change the activity, we modify the amount of weight you are lifting or the volume of work you are performing to meet everyone’s needs (this is called “scaling”). We have used the same routines for elderly individuals with heart disease and for cage fighters one month before a televised bout.
Our program delivers a fitness that is broad, general, and inclusive by design. Our specialty is not specializing in one type of athletic motion (i.e. only running, only weightlifting). Combat, survival, many sports, and even daily life reward this kind of general physical fitness while punishing the specialist. Our definition of fitness is based on these ten general physical skills:
- Cardio and Respiratory Endurance
- Stamina
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Power
- Speed
- Coordination
- Agility
- Accuracy
- Balance
CrossFit Success
Community is key to success with CrossFit. Because everyone who participates is doing the same program together, it is natural for friendships to be forged along with fitness. Working toward a common goal strengthens everyone’s resolve, and those who finish tasks early will turn to cheering on those who are struggling.
CrossFit is the principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies, tactical operations teams, military special operations units, champion martial artists, and hundreds of other elite and professional athletes worldwide. This program has also improved the fitness and lives of thousands of everyday people. Check out this short video for more: