CrossFit: Intense Workouts for Peak Physical Fitness

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is a strength and total physical conditioning program. It is based on incrementing the ten most recognized physical capabilities, according to specialists in the fitness training field:

• Strength
• Flexibility
• Balance
• Respiratory-cardiac resistance
• Power
• Speed
• Agility
• Coordination
• Muscle resistance
• Precision

The Objective of CrossFit

The objective of CrossFit is to develop the maximum performance level in all of these physical capabilities, not to carry out a specific training program. This is why we usually say that CrossFit's specialty is not to specialize.

History of CrossFit

CrossFit was created by a gymnast during the 1990s. The first CrossFit gym opened in Santa Cruz, California, in 1995. The number of members grew from 18 in 2005 to 1700 in 2010.

In the US, there are CrossFit gyms in practically all states. In Latin America, it has become very widespread. In Spain, there are only six centers, although the number of participants is growing day by day.

In a short amount of time, CrossFit has become a giant in the fitness world. It even has its own Olympic-type games celebrated in California.

Health Benefits of Sports and CrossFit

Athletes are protected against the bodily damage caused by illnesses and aging, something not experienced if sports are not practiced. Sportsmen and sportswomen contain a greater amount of bone density, a more resistant immune system, suffer less from coronary disease, have less risk of cancer, less cardiovascular incidents, and less depression compared to those people that don't do sport.

Advantages of CrossFit Training

• Helps you save lots of time: A great benefit of CrossFit exercise is that it takes no more than 20 minutes to complete.
• It contains a wide range of exercises: With CrossFit workouts, you do not have to be bothered about routine. You will realize that you will not perform the same workout more than twice every 6 months.
• Develops your muscles quicker: Since CrossFit training is very intense, you can enhance your level of fitness and develop very strong muscles faster. If you want the best results, ensure you complete all workouts and stick to the plan.
• Prepares your body for other sports: With CrossFit exercises, you can easily make your muscles stronger, improve your flexibility, and boost your balance. All these will assist you to be a competitive player and a professional one if you really like that sport and you are talented.
• All exercise used is functional: They are exercises that use various different muscles and articulations. They generate power in the muscles that are most used in the body and even to the smallest muscles used, from the center out.
• The training sessions are highly intense but of short duration: High cardiac intensity or the anaerobic intensity drastically increases power, speed, strength, and muscle mass. Anaerobic conditioning allows us to execute a great force but only in a short lapse of time.
• The program is creative and constantly varies: In CrossFit, "routine is your main enemy." It involves trying to overcome any situation. All of the training parameters are susceptible to being modified; in fact, this is a must.
• Each training has a motivational part to help exceed your personal limits: CrossFit training sessions are essentially competitive events that can be determined by time, intensity, repetition, or rounds, and each time one must try to improve his or her results.