CrossFit offers a unique fitness experience that combines high-intensity workouts with a supportive community.
For beginners, before jumping into a program, it’s important to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to ensure a safe and successful start.
Learn more about the program and how beginners can get the most out of their CrossFit journey.
What is CrossFit?
CrossFit is a results-oriented fitness program that focuses on lifestyle changes through training.
Workouts in this program feature consistently varied, high-intensity, functional movements.
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CrossFit was founded more than 20 years ago in a garage gym in Santa Cruz, California, and has since become one of the world’s most popular training programs for improving health and fitness performance.
CrossFit is dedicated to helping its members excel in a variety of physical activities and challenges in and out of the gym.
CrossFit is known for high-intensity training that combines elements of weightlifting, gymnastics, and aerobic exercise. (CrossFit LLC)
How is CrossFit different from other fitness programs?
CrossFit is known for its workouts that combine elements of weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardio.
Austin Maleolo, CrossFit’s senior director of affiliate strategy and operations, told Fox News Digital that the company has more than 12,000 CrossFit affiliates in 146 countries.
“Our affiliates are staffed with trainers who are equipped to teach people how to move safely, effectively and efficiently,” Mareolo said.
The CrossFit program is based on three pillars: variance, functionality, and strength.
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Variance refers to regularly changing your training routine or exercises.
Variance provides CrossFit members with a wide range of physical challenges by incorporating a variety of movements. This approach exposes the body to a variety of stimuli, promoting continuous growth and adaptation.
CrossFit classes are one-hour group sessions led by a coach.
Functionality is about performing exercises that mimic real-life activities. By building strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination through functional movement, members can better perform their daily activities outside of the gym.
Intensity is the level of effort exerted during training. This word may seem scary, but it is just a guiding principle that symbolizes the importance of working hard to achieve visible results.
What are CrossFit classes like?
CrossFit classes are one-hour group sessions led by a coach.
Sessions typically begin with a whiteboard overview, where the coach outlines the flow of the workout, provides timing examples, and demonstrates the moves.
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The coach then discusses the goals of the workout and explains the intended stimulation to help the member understand the purpose behind the session. Scaling options are provided for workout movements, allowing members to adjust based on their level of skill.
CrossFit classes are designed to fit a member’s current fitness level and ability. (CrossFit LLC)
Physical activity begins with a general warm-up to get the members moving and introduce movement patterns, followed by a specific warm-up tailored to the workout. The main focus of the session is on the workout itself, with participants working through the exercises outlined.
The session concludes with a cool-down that incorporates stretching and mobility exercises to reduce muscle soreness. This approach allows members to receive a well-rounded training experience.
How does CrossFit accommodate people with different fitness levels?
Maleolo told Fox News Digital that CrossFit classes are designed to suit members to their current fitness level and ability.
“Coaches begin by adjusting the day’s workout to ensure that all members of the class achieve the intended goals for that day’s workout. I’m going to do a good warm-up so I can practice. I’m working on my training,” Mareolo said. “Coaches adjust training loads, reps, and times based on the member’s needs to suit that day’s training.”
Does CrossFit really work?
Throughout the class, your coach will teach and refine your movements and provide guidance to improve your performance.
CrossFit promotes inclusivity and accessibility by accommodating people of different fitness levels, allowing participants to safely progress at their own pace.
Starting your fitness journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it can be a powerful step towards a healthier lifestyle. (CrossFit LLC)
How do I start CrossFit?
Starting your fitness journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it can be a powerful step towards a healthier lifestyle.
“Trust me, getting through the front door of the gym is the hardest thing to do,” Mareolo said. “Once you’re there, we’ll take care of you! No matter where you are in your fitness journey, CrossFit Affiliates is designed to be a part of your journey, no matter where you are today.”
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Start this process by researching a CrossFit facility near you and setting up an introductory session.
Mareolo told Fox News Digital that many CrossFit facilities offer programs aimed at teaching beginners basic movements in a supportive environment.
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Programming can be difficult, but it can also be fun.
Participants are encouraged to embrace the process, celebrate their accomplishments, and cherish the friendships built within the CrossFit community.
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