What is CrossFit and How Is It Beneficial?

The evolution of CrossFit-inspired workouts began when top-performing athletes who went through rigorous CrossFit trainings were seen with great improvement in terms of build, strength, and overall fitness. From then on, CrossFit has been recognized as a high-intensity workout program which consists of constantly varied functional movements.

CrossFit routines target improving and conditioning the body’s core strength by using the trainee’s own bodyweight for resistance. CrossFit participants will go through a high intensity interval training that is far from the same with regular cardio workouts. If properly and regularly executed, CrossFit can help the body build power and strength all over.

Before, CrossFit used to require few hours at the gym without the use of any equipment or added weights but these days, most CrossFit movements are performed with a twist using extra equipment like kettle bells.

The populace of CrossFit certified trainers, gyms, and programs across the world has grown and with it is the impression that more people from different backgrounds are now wanting to be more physically fit because of its promises in terms of the following areas:

Agility and Accuracy
Balance and Coordination
(in) Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health
Flexibility and Power
Stamina and Strength
Speed

Here are six benefits of CrossFit workouts that may explain why CrossFit has been making a fuss globally.

CrossFit training provides better conditioning than regular endurance workouts.

CrossFit programs are designed to boost one’s physical performance in many ways. They include daily routines but each day, trainees are expected to perform the routines better than they did the last time. Stamina boosting workouts like CrossFit are an ideal workout when one wants to prepare their body for tough competitions in terms of posture, flexibility, health, balance, and strength. Hence, CrossFit is what many athletes today enrol themselves in to train their muscles, ligaments, and joints using functional movements.

CrossFit workouts can keep you from plateauing.

CrossFit training consists of widely varied movements done in a high-intensity manner. Among all kinds of workouts, CrossFit is known to be one of the most effective workouts that provide quick results. CrossFit routines are addicting to many because they are made more challenging as the program continues. Every day, workout routines are switched up to engage more muscles and add intensity. The routines will keep your muscles constantly working in a variety of ways; you would not even know you have already broken through your old plateauing practice.

CrossFit will help you lose weight fast.

The usually repetitive cardio exercises can be quite boring for many but for those people who want to lose weight they did them anyway because they were left without a better choice. Thanks to CrossFit, this is no longer an issue. CrossFit workouts are naturally fun and challenging and since they are usually made of high-intensity movements, more fat can be burned in less time. With proper diet, dedication, and consistency, CrossFit workouts can affect the weight drastically unlike many other workouts. As a matter of fact, a study published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning discovered that body composition improvements including muscle gain and weight loss were highly impressive for those who went through a CrossFit program.

CrossFit demands less time but guarantees more results.

Not everyone has the luxury of time to spend at the gym and this makes it one of the most common reasons why a portion of working professionals are stuck without hope to get back in shape, until CrossFit became popular. CrossFit’s HIFT or high intensity functional training has been showcasing time-efficient aerobic and resistance results depending on the trainee’s intensity level. Most HIFT programs do not require too much time but results are not compromised.

In 2013, a study by the Department of Kinesiology at Kansas State University looked into the effects of high intensity functional trainings and compared them to the effects of moderate intensity aerobic and resistance training (ART) in terms of adherence, intentions, exercise initiation, and enjoyment. Results have shown that HIFT trainees spent less time working out weekly compared to ART trainees but the outcome was the same. Furthermore, it showed that HIFT participants were able to maintain their enjoyment while exercising unlike those under ART programs all due to the short sessions.

CrossFit is a great support system.

CrossFit’s strong sense of community built by its group-based exercise setting is what sets it apart from other workouts. CrossFit trainees also benefit from companions that help motivate and encourage them to push further and overcome all the obstacles. Studies suggest that it is better to work out in a group to face challenges positively and with CrossFit’s setting, this goal is achieved. Not only does it promise quick results, it also makes the road to success a smooth one.

CrossFit encourages you to eat like an athlete and makes you confident about it.

People who have invested significant time in CrossFit training, complement their hard work with a strict diet to help them attain a stronger and leaner build. Hence, you’ll notice most CrossFitters eliminate most processed and sugary foods from their diet. Instead, they fill themselves with lean meats, proteins, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds to help their bodies’ burn fat efficiently.