There are many different fitness “crazes” or “fads” out there and some people may think that CrossFit is grouped into this category. But I think CrossFit is here to stay— not only for the physical changes that can result, but also for its ability to change your lifestyle. You see, CrossFit is defined in the books as “constantly varied, functional movement executed at high intensity.” This is universal principle for CrossFit, and while that does seem like a very broad definition, it can help us in every aspect of life.
The Importance of Functional Movement
If you think about it, functional movement is used everywhere— from your job, to taking care of children and doing simple tasks around the house. I think we can lose sight of being able to move and perform everyday tasks. Functional movement can be found anywhere because we were made to move.
As time passes and we don’t practice any functional movement, it can quickly deteriorate. That’s why we see many elderly people who need help for just the simplest things, like sitting down to go to the restroom and getting back up (squat); needing help to put items high up a closet (shoulder press); picking things up from the ground (deadlift); and picking up a gallon or two of water (clean). It all goes hand in hand. This really hit home when I had to do that exact thing with my late Grandma. I had to help her sit up from the couch and sit down, and she actually told me she wished she had started working out at an earlier age. Seeing that debilitating state she was in really made health and fitness a big priority not only for myself, but for my family.
Doing these movements at high intensity will increase your results. Plus, CrossFit is supposed to prepare you for anything that comes at you (the workouts at CrossFit— called or WODs or Workout of the Day— are different every day). That’s why I love it. It’s going to prepare you for the unknown and unknowable. Life can throw a lot at you, so you might as well be as prepared as possible!
Try It!
Many think only “elite” athletes or young bucks are fit to do this. But it can be beneficial to anyone at any age. It allows fitness to be measurable, observable and repeatable. Meaning, if someone at an older age thinks they can’t do a particular CrossFit workout with everyone, they actually can do it— the workout would just be a little different and be scaled by reps, load and weight. But it would still be an intense and challenging workout to fit their needs.
So that’s why I encourage everyone to try it just once. It’s not for everybody, but it’s good to get out of your comfort zone sometimes. If you cannot find a CrossFit affiliate right away, there are many different workouts you could do at home to get started. Visit www.crossfit.com to find an affiliate near you.
Here’s an example two workouts. They look pretty quick, but a lot of workouts look easy on paper until you actually do them!
Workout 1
3 rounds for time:
15 air squats
10 push-ups
15 sit-ups
Workout 2
21-15-9 Reps of:*
Thrusters with 20-pound dumbbell
Burpees
*This means you do 21 reps of both thrusters of burpees, then 15 reps of each, then 9 reps.
