Crossfit
Crossfit is a form of training that focuses on constantly varied, high-intensity functional movements - functional movements usually being defined as movements we would do in the real world, such as lifting heavy bags or boxes, etc. This is another type of training focused around HIIT style programs. It utilizes everything from free weights, barbells, and bodyweight exercises, to tires and sledgehammers - the focus usually being on completing several sets of high reps for a particular exercise at a high intensity to the point of complete muscle fatigue.
This is a great way to train to burn calories, and build killer endurance. Crossfit gyms who remain true to core principles train on movements considered primal and natural in human movement, and from this perspective focus on exercises the human body is designed to handle.
The key to utilizing this type of exercise is to find a location with solid instructors who truly know human movement science, since crossfit has come into the mainstream, the true form has become watered down by trendy trainers trying to jump on the bandwagon. The dangers of this type of exercise exists in the fact that it deals a lot with complicated, compound movements that can easily create injury if done improperly, and some of which are completely inappropriate for less fit individuals, or those with certain health problems or injuries.
If the instructor doesn’t know how to account for these, or doesn’t pay attention to this at all, it can easily result in injury. The other primary risk with crossfit is with the training intensity. The classes are generally based around the WOD or workout of the day, which often times involve completing hundreds of reps for a particular exercise. If the instructor isn't taking care to pay attention to the individual’s level of fitness and is all about pushing everyone to the max, overuse and overwork injuries are likely to occur.
This is a great way to train to burn calories, and build killer endurance. Crossfit gyms who remain true to core principles train on movements considered primal and natural in human movement, and from this perspective focus on exercises the human body is designed to handle.
The key to utilizing this type of exercise is to find a location with solid instructors who truly know human movement science, since crossfit has come into the mainstream, the true form has become watered down by trendy trainers trying to jump on the bandwagon. The dangers of this type of exercise exists in the fact that it deals a lot with complicated, compound movements that can easily create injury if done improperly, and some of which are completely inappropriate for less fit individuals, or those with certain health problems or injuries.
If the instructor doesn’t know how to account for these, or doesn’t pay attention to this at all, it can easily result in injury. The other primary risk with crossfit is with the training intensity. The classes are generally based around the WOD or workout of the day, which often times involve completing hundreds of reps for a particular exercise. If the instructor isn't taking care to pay attention to the individual’s level of fitness and is all about pushing everyone to the max, overuse and overwork injuries are likely to occur.
BEST FOR:
Overall Conditioning, Muscular Endurance, Improving Cardiovascular Performance, Building Lean Muscle/Toning
GOOD FOR:
Increasing Strength, Power
NOT FOR:
Specific Focus of Mass Gain, Increasing Flexibility, Injury Rehab, Inexperienced Weightlifters (depending on Facility/Coach)
Overall Conditioning, Muscular Endurance, Improving Cardiovascular Performance, Building Lean Muscle/Toning
GOOD FOR:
Increasing Strength, Power
NOT FOR:
Specific Focus of Mass Gain, Increasing Flexibility, Injury Rehab, Inexperienced Weightlifters (depending on Facility/Coach)