Getting started with CrossFit? Bring your friends

                  

CrossFit is the fitness trend sweeping the nation. It's hard to classify CrossFit because a CrossFit workout can include such a wide range of methods and equipment that it does not fit neatly in to one well-defined exercise category. It's safe to say that, each time you work out you'll be doing something new, unusual, effective and difficult.

CrossFit's mantra is "Forging Elite Fitness" which means that workouts are frequently extremely challenging - certainly not for the fainthearted. That's not to say you need to be an athlete to get started as workouts can be scaled to make sure that beginners can safely finish them; safely however not effortlessly! There are generally different levels for each workout for beginners, intermediate and advanced exercisers and as many workouts are against the clock, you can also regulate your training by going at it as hard and fast or slow and easy as your personal fitness levels allow.

Lots of exercises require little more than some space, an exercise mat, a stop-watch and the determination to work up a sweat while others require access to specialist equipment such as Olympic weights, gymnastic rings, rowing machines, tractor tires and, that exercise stalwart, a jump rope.

Speaking of jump ropes, skipping is an excellent way to warm up before moving onto the more strenuous main CrossFit exercises; many of which involve skipping and, particularly, double unders. In case you didn't know, a double under involves turning the rope not once but twice per jump and, when mastered, is a really cool-looking way to crank up your heart rate and burn lots and lots of calories. It goes without saying, double unders require a good speed rope as a slow-moving, thick rope simply won't turn fast enough for you to rotate it two times before landing.

The workouts are made to establish a higher level of fitness to make sure that you are pretty much fit for anything. The wide range of workouts are made to enhance your:

1. Cardiovascular fitness

2. Stamina

3. Strength

4. Flexibility

5. Power

6. Speed

7. Coordination

8. Agility

9. Balance

10. Accuracy

These 10 fitness attributes make up what CrossFit's creator Greg Glassman calls the foundations of fitness.

The workouts frequently have quirky names such as Barbara, Angie, Fran and Linda, however do not allow those genteel names fool you; these are the "benchmark" workouts whereby performance and progression are determined.

Various other exercises are named after fallen military and public service personnel which is fitting as these are the men and women who make use of CrossFit to ensure they are in good condition enough for every little thing their demanding jobs throw at them.

If you want to establish overall fitness, get rid of fat, build muscle and train like an athlete then CrossFit might well be for you. The workouts are enjoyable, varied and difficult and the community is a really welcoming one. Give CrossFit a go - you might simply adore it!

Keith Colladow is a personal trainer, health and fitness lecturer and writes for several online publications on various topics. If you want to find the best jump rope for Crossfit check out Amazon: Jump Rope

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