What is CrossFit?

Exercise keeps your body in shape and in good physical condition. I’ve heard about one kind of intense exercise which is called CrossFit. CrossFit is a kind of exercise program which offers a full-body workout. It combines weight lifting, cardio, core training, and gymnastics among other kinds of exercises to prepare the body for various kinds of physical engagements. You can think of it as a great way to strengthen your body in a lot of aspects.

Since it involves several kinds of exercises, CrossFit is actually something which cannot be done by those who are only beginning to get in shape or those who are in bad shape. This kind of intense workout enables one to maintain a body which is already toned, and because of the intensity of each workout, it is important to have an able body to perform it.

CrossFitters usually work out anywhere from 5-6 times a week and will never do the same workout routine twice. Each workout would last from about 45 minutes up to an hour, depending on the kind of routine the person chooses. From what I understand, CrossFit would mean having to perform as many exercises as you can in a set amount of time. To help you understand it better, here are two of the most common terms used for CrossFit training:

• WOD – Stands for workout of the day. This is the set of exercises which has to be performed in the indicated timeframe.
• AMRAP – Stands for as many rounds as possible. Beating your previous AMRAP count is a great way to get motivated for CrossFit training, although not really necessary.

Some of the exercises which are used in CrossFit training include burpees, air squats, pull-ups, crunches, reverse crunches, sprints, push-ups, and other exercises which exercise all major muscle groups. CrossFit training can really make you catch your breath, so being prepared for the intensity is a must.

I’ve read that starting gradually with an easy WOD and progressing to something more strenuous as time passes can help you with the transition. The pain will come, but as your body gets used to it, you’ll be pleased with the effects!