Good Fit for CrossFit?
A large number of people have little or no understanding of what CrossFit entails, but you also have some people that live, breathe, and dream about CrossFit. You might have been hearing of CrossFit exercises, but are not sure it’s for you. CrossFit is a great workout but is not for everyone. It can be intense, but also rewarding. This type of workout does come with potential risks.
What is CrossFit?
CrossFit is a training program that works for people of all shapes and sizes with a specific target to improve their physical well-being, as well as their cardiovascular fitness, in a tough yet motivating environment.
A trainer and blogger for Nerd Fitness gave a simple yet precise description of what CrossFit is: “In simple terms, CrossFit is a training program that builds strength and conditioning through extremely varied and challenging workouts.”
CrossFit is sometime referred to as the sport of fitness. Tactical units, police academies, military special operations units, martial artists, sports champions and many elite and professional athletes around the world use this kind of exercise as their strength conditioning and training program.
This high-intensity functional exercise theorizes that a person is not fit if they cannot pass the ten general physical endurance skills. The ten endurance skills are cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, speed, power, flexibility, stamina, strength, agility, accuracy, balance, and coordination. For a person to be claimed fit according to the CrossFit program, they must have trained until they mark all the boxes. The goal of CrossFit is to build a body that can do anything and everything.
Who should CrossFit?
The CrossFit program states that it is designed for everyone regardless of their age, health history, job, personality, etc. So regardless of your experience, the program is a perfect fit for you, if and only if, you are ready to be committed to it. Some primary care physicians recommend against this exercise due to the risk involved.
Who is a perfect match for CrossFit?
Weight training beginners: If you have never weight trained before or you have only used machines, CrossFit is great for you. With a coach, you will learn how to do your strength training in a nonjudgmental and supportive environment.
People who are looking for a close community. One of the greatest appeals of CrossFit is its community feel. It makes people inclusive and supportive of each other, like a close-knit family.
Fitness fanatics: CrossFit is designed for regular workout consistency which is perfect for workout enthusiasts who must get a workout in every day. Generally, the program is supposed to be three days on and one day off, however, many CrossFitters end up going to the gym more frequently.
Former athletes: CrossFit is made for teamwork, friendship, and competition. The time component coupled with regimented exercises is a perfect fit for athletes who want to keep up with the pace.
Is CrossFit Safe?
Not necessarily, but the same can be said of any kind of sport, exercise or something as routine as driving your car or walking down the street. However, with a wrong attitude, coach or in the wrong situations, CrossFit can be very dangerous. Pushing yourself too hard and too fast can cause an injury. This is why you need a certified coach who will give you a series of workouts according to your level of endurance. They may push you or demand more from you, but not to your detriment.
As always, if you are considering going the CrossFit way, consult with your primary care doctor or Dr. Dharia and his team at Palm Beach Internal Medicine. Make sure to do your research, get a proper coach, and do not push your body past its safety limits.