Some of you may have been pondering this question, or even why should I try CrossFit. Coach Glassman says it best when he delivers his definitive phrase: "CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program built on constantly varied, if not randomized, functional movements executed at high intensity."
Yeah, but what does that mean???
Simple... Force x Distance/Time = Power
Force = The weight you are moving. Be it a barbell, dumbbell, or bodyweight.
Distance = The distance you move that weight. At 5'11", my weight travels 0.45 m during a squat.
Time = The time it takes you to complete the movement/workout. Thus why we time our workouts.
Yeah, so, but why so intense??
Let's say that before you started with CrossFit, you were only capable of putting out a max of 100 units of power. Typical fitness activities, i.e. aerobics or long slow running, has you operating at about 70% of your max output. This would equate to 70 of those power units. After high intensity training with CrossFit, we raise your max power output to 120 units. Your new 70% output is now equivalent to 84 units. This means you now have a more powerful body to participate in other activities you may enjoy.
Taking notes from the October 2002 issue of the CrossFit Journal, we are
provided with the following list of 10 general physical skills that a well rounded athlete should possess:
1. Cardiovascular/Respiratory Endurance - The ability of body systems to gather, process, and deliver oxygen.
2. Stamina - The ability of body systems to process, deliver, store, and utilize energy.
3. Strength - The ability of a muscular unit, or combination of muscular units, to apply force.
4. Flexibility - the ability to maximize the range of motion at a given joint.
5. Power - The ability of a muscular unit, or combination of muscular units, to apply maximum force in minimum time.
6. Speed - The ability to minimize the time cycle of a repeated movement.
7. Coordination - The ability to combine several distinct movement patterns into a singular distinct movement.
8. Agility - The ability to minimize transition time from one movement pattern to another.
9. Balance - The ability to control the placement of the bodies center of gravity in relation to its support base.
10. Accuracy - The ability to control movement in a given direction or at a given intensity.
CrossFit training addresses all 10 of these. Does your training?
Through CrossFit, you will be able to go further faster and be stronger longer.
See you tomorrow.
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