June 1, 2015
What is Cross Fit?
Cross Fit is the principle strength and conditioning program originally designed for many police academies, military special operation units, and hundreds of other elite and professional athletes world-wide. It was founded in 2000 by fitness experts Greg Glassman and Lauren Jenai. It was promoted as both a physical exercise philosophy and also as a competitive fitness sport.
Such a program incorporates elements from high intensity interval training, Olympic weight lifting, plyometrics, power lifting , gymnastics and calisthenics.
The workout sessions are a combination of constantly varied high intensity and functional movement patterns. The exercises incorporate strong core stabilization activities, while the different joints of the body incorporate natural effective and efficient movement patterns.
Cross Fit attempts to optimize physical competence in ten fitness areas. These include cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy.
The Cross Fit gyms are not your typical health and fitness clubs. Instead they are usually warehouse looking facilities where the exercise equipment consists of bumper plated Olympic weights, plyometric boxes, medicine balls, dumb bells and kettle bells. Pull up bars, climbing ropes, gymnastic rings hang from the ceiling. There are rowing machines for cardio work and sometimes the Cross Fit exercise groups will run outside the surrounding area.
The exercises are completed in a group setting. Every day the workout is different so that varied muscle groups are worked.
If you like high intensity exercise, constantly changing programs and the ability to see marked changes in your strength and stamina, you may enjoy Cross Fit. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to participate. Cross Fit programs have educated trainers who have been schooled in safe body mechanics and exercise patterns. However one must realize the program is only as safe as the program/gym leader.
Remember that any movement patterns, exercise sessions and sports have their risks associated with them. Generally the exercise benefits outweigh the risk of injury.
If you are interested in Cross Fit but are new to weight lifting or exercising in general, you should visit a Cross Fit gym to understand how the workouts are laid out and to make sure your gym offers the necessary personalized attention that you may been before you even participate. Should you have any further questions, concerns, or any pre-existing physical pains or injury, contact of the physical therapists at MMI for a personal consultation/evaluation.