Keeping It Real with CrossFit
In the past 15 years, CrossFit has hit the fitness industry by storm. It emphasizes interval training and Olympic weightlifting, but CrossFit also includes modifications making it similar to normal exercises if you aren’t an Olympian. It’s a great way to stay fit with aerobic and strength-based routines.
CrossFit displays five characteristics and/or values:
Intensity: CrossFit is fast-paced that can take less than 15 minutes a day because it is nonstop movement. It normally consists of three to four routines with repetitions during a set time.
Motivation: Through all the intensity, keeping a strong mindset through it all is where you will start seeing results. Putting in the effort isn’t as easy as it seems, and it’s easy to cheat reps. However, CrossFit workouts are tailored to maxing out.
Improved Heart Health: In CrossFit, your heart rate is elevated throughout the entire routine, which leads to increased endurance. With improved heart health, CrossFit contributes to other aspects of your life while also helping with your endurance for other exercises.
Building Relationships: Going to the gym is often times intimidating especially when it comes to trying out new routines. CrossFit training with another person or group of people sets aside that awkwardness and helps build confidence in yourself and others. Working out with people helps you to push yourself to the finish line and through your boundaries.
Variety of Workouts: CrossFit workouts are often described as multi-dimensional. They aren’t basic circuits of weights or cardio. Instead, they’re exercises that work every part of the body and eliminate boredom in routine.
Below are two CrossFit beginner circuits to try out at the gym wherever you are. So, grab a friend or try it out yourself! Any time you want to add in a break, run one lap on the track or try out the rowing machine for 30 seconds, go for it! This helps keep your muscles from tensing up and helps stretch them out.
“The 10 For 10”
Set a timer for 10 minutes and do as many rounds as possible of the following:
10 kettlebell swings
10 box jumps
10 burpees
“Squat Routine”
Start to squat with a barbell in the down position for two minutes (or as long as you can)
3 rounds of:
10 burpees
15 sit-ups
20 air squats
In addition to doing this on your own, LU Rec Centers offers a variety of CrossFit classes that are led by one of our trained Group Ex instructors. This is a great way to get the general idea of what CrossFit is, and how to incorporate the routines learned into your everyday training.