WHAT IS CROSSFIT?
Constantly varied functional movements performed at a high intensity for you
But what does that really mean?
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It means that we use a variety of functional movements (meaning movements your body is made to do in everyday life), mixed in infinite combinations. These infinite combinations mean every workout is different and every day's exercise or training is different.
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"There are 10 recognized general physical skills. They are cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. You are as fit as you are competent in each of these 10 skills.
A regimen develops fitness to the extent that it improves each of these 10 skills. (link)"
We then perform these workouts over a variety of time domains - some workouts are short and highly intense (under 4 minutes), most are moderate in length (5 - 20 minutes) and occasionally we go long (30-60 minutes). Why? Well longer workouts may make you feel like you are getting 'fitter' by doing more, but they actually have the opposite effect on your body and raise cortisol levels meaning you are more likely to retain (rather than lose) body fat and your body takes longer to recover before you can exercise with full intensity again.
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"To move all significant health markers in the right direction, do more work faster.
Do more work in less time—not more work in more time.(link)"
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What this means for you is that you develop a broad and general fitness. The great thing is this means you can perform life's daily tasks more easily, and even just turn up at a 5K or 10K run, triathlon or weightlifting competition and take part without any special training.
If you want to take a deeper dive into CrossFit as a methodology then have a look here.
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For every single movement, we have a progression, so you never turn up to face a workout you cannot do. We adapt every movement to your fitness level and capability, meaning you get a good safe workout, as well as have the ability to develop your skills. Read more on this here.
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"The same program can improve fitness with Olympians, grandparents and everyone in between.
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Here are some of the types of movements we use:
BODYWEIGHT
This will include the basics such as bodyweight squats, push up, sit ups, pull ups, lunges.
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Can't do a pull up? Don't worry, most people can't when they join us, but we will get you there!
CARDIO/MONOSTRUCTURAL
At the simplest end this means running (whether your run is a slow jog or a fast tempo), but also we use some machines such as Concept 2 rowers, Assault Bikes and ski erg trainers. Oh, and of course skipping (both conventional and double unders- where the rope passes twice under your feet for every jump).
WEIGHTLIFTING
We regularly use movements from both Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting to help get us stronger and to help get ourselves fitter.
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Our Foundations workshops give you the basic weightlifting skills, which we constantly drill and develop, to make sure you are lifting safely whilst getting stronger.
GYMNASTICS
This is where the real fun and challenge is had. Don't worry if you feel you have no gymnastic ability, most people don't when they join us, and most haven't done a handstand since primary school!
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We stick to the basics, so think things like handstands (push ups and walking), single leg squats, toes to bar and muscle ups.
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We start with the basics and you learn these things at your own pace and according to your own confidence levels.
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