Crossfit, in a nutshell, is being Jack of all trades and Master of none! What is special about Crossfit is that it’s speciality lies in not specializing. To be good at Crossfit, you have to be good at everything.
What is Crossfit?
So what does it mean to be good at everything? Crossfit attempts to optimize physical competence across an array of different recognized fitness domains – the cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. Crossfit athletes basically train to excel at completely diverse and random physical challenges.
Photo Credit: Irongate Crossfit
Crossfit WOD?
So what is this WOD thing you keep hearing? WOD is short for Workout Of the Day. The workout is different every day. It takes you by surprise. You need to be ready for the unknown and also the unknowable. Crossfit WODs have names, like Karen or Brian. Cindy is one of the most basic WODs – completing as many rounds as possible of 5 pullups, 10 pushups and 15 squats in 20 minutes. Or meet Angie – 100 pullups, 100 pushups, 100 situps and 100 squats for time.
Why Crossfit?
Photo Credit: Irongate Crossfit
You’ve probably heard that Crossfit is a cult, so why Crossfit? Crossfit has revolutionized the fitness industry. Crossfit forces you to do things you’ve not done before. Crossfit pushes every aspect of your body to become functionally fit. It builds up your strength, power, agility and speed so that you become fit not just in one dimension but in every area of your game.
Crossfit is also refreshing in the sense that really is about the unknown and unknowable. You get surprised by the different WODs. You don’t get to cherry-pick the WODs. You are forced to work on your weaknesses. Say for example you are weak at pullups, when you get down to your local Crossfit Box, and the WOD involves pullups, you are forced to work on it. A weakness may just turn into a strength.
Does Crossfit help runners?
Photo Credit: Irongate Crossfit
The golden question is whether Crossfit benefits runners? Of course, we’ve heard the best way to get better at running is to of course run more. But actually supplementing your runs with Crossfit can be very beneficial. Crossfit helps build your explosive power, strengthen your joints and condition your muscles such that you are able to perform better at running.
The thing with running is that it is a one repetitive movement pattern and you will be using the same muscles over and over again. This may lead to injury down the road. Crossfit complements your running by training other muscle groups, making you stronger overall. You will be able to hold your running form with ease and with this, prevent injury.
Want to be faster and stronger? Give Crossfit a shot! Come reap the benefits of Crossfit!
