(Photo@ courtesy Boaz Berman)
CrossFit has surged in popularity in recent years, captivating fitness enthusiasts with its unique blend of high-intensity workouts and functional movements. You can continuously challenge your muscles by doing the workout of the day, or WOD - one of the hallmarks of the CrossFit program. The next step is to perform each exercise as many times as you can in a predetermined amount of time. But beyond its reputation for intensity, CrossFit offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the gym walls.
Building strength and stamina
CrossFit is renowned for its ability to build strength effectively. According to Forbes, the combination of weightlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and resistance training in CrossFit workouts helps participants gain muscle strength and stamina. Moreover, CrossFit emphasizes compound movements that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting overall strength and muscle development. This comprehensive approach to strength training makes CrossFit an efficient and effective way to increase physical power and endurance.
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"Most of the movements you do in CrossFit are compound movements, meaning they recruit muscles from all over your body," Grayson Wickham, physical therapist and founder of Movement Vault, told Forbes.
Improving overall fitness and cardiovascular health
In addition to strength gains, CrossFit is also a calorie-torching powerhouse. Healthline notes that CrossFit workouts are designed to be high-intensity, which leads to significant calorie burn during and after each session.
CrossFit also contributes to improved cardiovascular health. While CrossFit workouts may not always resemble traditional cardio exercises, they can provide a cardiovascular challenge in a short amount of time. Shape magazine highlights that even short CrossFit sessions, ranging from three to five minutes, can boost cardiometabolic health markers like VO2 max and blood pressure. This cardiovascular conditioning aspect of CrossFit underscores its holistic approach to fitness, targeting both strength and cardiovascular endurance.
CrossFit promotes functional fitness by incorporating dynamic movements that mimic real-life activities. Healthline emphasizes that these functional exercises, such as squats, kettlebell swings, and overhead presses, improve agility, balance, and flexibility. By engaging in movements that mirror everyday tasks, CrossFit participants develop practical fitness skills that translate into improved quality of life and reduced injury risk.
Supportive community environment
Another notable benefit of CrossFit is its emphasis on community and support. Shape magazine mentions that CrossFit workouts often involve group settings, fostering a sense of camaraderie and motivation among participants. This supportive environment can be instrumental in maintaining consistency and achieving fitness goals, as the community aspect of CrossFit encourages accountability and encouragement.
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CrossFit doesn't only train your muscles — it trains your brain too. "CrossFit creates mental toughness. That's because the workouts give you the opportunity to use positive self-talk and push yourself through challenging moments. It allows you to self-evaluate and reflect once you've made it through whatever barrier you accomplished. We see incredible changes in self-talk and mental positivity levels specifically in women and adolescent girls," Tanya Wagner, a CrossFit Level 2–certified trainer told Shape magazine.
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CrossFit offers a comprehensive approach to fitness, encompassing strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, functional movements, and community support. Whether you're aiming to build strength, burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, enhance functional fitness, or cultivate a supportive fitness community, CrossFit has something to offer for everyone seeking a transformative fitness experience.
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