Crossfit training was first started in the early 2000's by Greg Glassman. He believed that it was possible for every person to become fit. The goal of his program is to improve overall fitness. The program is high-intensity, always varied, and uses functional movements that are similar to those movements which are used in everyday life.
Crossfit workouts are designed to keep people in top form for their entire lives. The program develops better muscles and promotes better recovery from illness and surgery.
Glassman suggested that it was not necessary to change exercises for different people, just to increase the weight load and time was enough to adapt the routine for anyone who wanted to get fitter. Obviously, a fireman could lift weights for longer, and use a heavier load, but by reducing the time and weight, the same exercises could be used for a senior person who still wanted to stay fit and active.
Who can do Crossfit training?
Because of the universal scalability, the programs are suited to anyone who wants to get fit and stay that way.
Every day brings a new set of exercises which can be modified either upwards or downwards, depending on the person who is doing them.
If you have never done any weight training before it is a good idea to start in a fitness centre under the supervision of an experienced trainer, who will show you how the equipment works.
Simply by looking at the list of exercises below we can see that these can be adjusted to any person of any age.
The programs include:
- Cardio training
- Building stamina
- Strength and flexibility training
- Building power and speed
- Increasing co-ordination
- Agility and balance
- Accuracy
What are the benefits?
There are many benefits to keeping fit, especially as we get older. Crossfit is designed to be used well into old age.
- Conditioning: Crossfit is designed to condition and tone the body, which in turn will help with better physical performance. It also leads to better posture, flexibility, and balance.
- Working through plateaus: This is very important and as anyone who frequents the gum will agree, can be very hard. Sometimes people are discouraged because they seem to reach a plateau and are not able to increase weight or lose more pounds. Because Crossfit has such a varied routine, plateaus are easily worked through.
- Lose weight quicker: This is everyone's dream – to have the perfect body. After just 10 weeks on the Crossfit program, people were noticeably lighter in weight, and had more toned bodies.
- Less time, more results: Crossfit exercises can be squeezed into any spare time you have. Many of them do not need you to be in a gym and can be done in your home. Studies have shown that shorter, more intense workouts can be used to advantage. Considering that the main reason why people stop going to the gym is because of boredom, Crossfit is designed so that you will never be bored with the program.
- Ongoing support and motivation: Crossfit training is designed to be done in groups as it is known that working together brings better results. Even working with a trainer in a fitness centre brings results because he can motivate you and support you through the workouts.
How do I start?
The best way to start the Crossfit program is to join one of the many affiliates. Here you will find trainers who can recommend a group for you to join or help you with advice and suggestions for your daily workout. We suggest you opt for Pleasanton Crossfit to start you on your fitness pathway.
