What is CrossFit?
Arilene introduced me to CrossFit in August 2022. She had always been a CrossFit enthusiast. Initially, I really wasn’t sure. My first day at CrossFit was okay. I did a combination of strength and body-weight-based cardio cum calisthenics workouts. It was not a traditional gym setting. It was a garage-type setting. No big screen TVs, no distractions. Just a bunch of people focused on the task at hand. For the first week, I dragged myself out of bed at 4:30 am. Initially, I decided I will go 3 times per week. The first week was hell. My whole body was sore. I wasn’t really liking the garage setting either. I missed the traditional gym setting with big screen TVs, a lot of machines and weights to choose from, and pacing my workout at my own convenience which could range from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
However, CrossFit was totally different.
CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program that combines elements from high-intensity interval training (HIIT), weightlifting, gymnastics, and other disciplines. It was founded in 2000 and has since become a popular form of exercise and competitive sport. CrossFit workouts typically consist of a combination of functional movements performed at high intensity, such as pull-ups, squats, deadlifts, and burpees, designed to improve overall fitness and athletic ability. CrossFit workouts can be adapted to any fitness level and can be performed in a group or individual setting. With loud music in the background.
After 4 weeks, I was SOLD! After the first month, Arilene and I maintained a minimum consistency of 3 times per week. Monday through Friday. If we missed during the week for whatever reason, we tried to go on the weekends. But we preferred consistency during weekdays and took a rest on weekends.
Each CrossFit workout consists of a bunch of 10-12 people and begins by doing some form of light cardio for warm-up such as a 400 m run, 3-minute jump rope, and/or 3-minute rowing/bicycling followed by a few minutes of light stretching. Then, the instructor/coach would explain and demonstrate WOD aka workout of the day. Each WOD typically consists of 2 segments including a 10-20 minute fast-paced cardio/strength workout called METCON such as below-:
8 pull-ups,
10 burpees, and
20-calorie rowing for as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes.
The strength segment of the WOD consists of a compound movement such as deadlifts, squats, clean and jerk, snatch, etc. Look an example below-:
6 sets of 3 reps maximum of elevated deadlifts. Build each set to record 3 reps maximum.
The point being each CrossFit workout is hyper-focused with little to no room for distractions, unlike the traditional gym setting. Each workout is designed to make you get the best out of yourself and push yourself to your highest potential. The instructor/coach ensures you perform each movement with proper form to maximize the benefit and minimize the risk of injury.
I am sure many of you must have witnessed ego lifting by wannabes in a traditional gym setting trying to impress their girlfriends or friends. There is always a dude on the Leg Press with all the plates in the gym and grunting at the top of his voice. Then there is a dude who is swinging like a boxer while doing bicep curls. And the dude who is trying to squat 400 lbs. with his knees barely bending past 30 degrees but his grunts can be heard from the parking lot. But in CrossFit, there is no room for that. Because it is extremely intense and hyper-focused, the only goal of a person is to complete the workout to the best of their ability within the stipulated time with proper body mechanics. DAY IN AND DAY OUT.
How has CrossFit changed our life?
CrossFit has changed our life on many levels. Firstly, it has instilled the habit of working out first thing in the morning. My alarm goes off at the crack of dawn at 4:30 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I won't lie. It is hard. Especially when it's cold outside. Your brain wants to trick you to stay in bed. But Arilene and I keep each other accountable. We drag ourselves out of bed anticipating the WOD and the encouraging and supportive words of the coach and our CrossFit community.
Secondly, since we have such a power-packed start to our day, we feel energetic and refreshed throughout the day. After completing CrossFit WOD, we feel a sense of accomplishment on many levels that enable us to tackle any challenges at work full of confidence.
Lastly, showing up for CrossFit at 4:30 am has instilled discipline and accountability that helps us in the other aspects of our lives. No matter what you do. Just develop the habit of showing up. Things get hard. Life gets in the way. But develop the habit of showing up. Because there is no fear greater than the fear of regret.
Is CrossFit for me?
Some of the benefits of CrossFit include:
1. High-Intensity Workouts: CrossFit workouts are designed to be short, intense, and high-energy, making them an efficient way to improve cardiovascular endurance and build muscle. 2. Community Focus: CrossFit gyms, or "boxes," often have a strong sense of community, with members encouraging and supporting each other during workouts. 3. Variety: CrossFit workouts are designed to be constantly varied, keeping workouts fresh and challenging, and reducing the risk of boredom. 4. Functional Movements: CrossFit incorporates functional movements that mimic everyday activities, improving overall functional fitness and reducing the risk of injury.
CrossFit is great BUT!
CrossFit can be a great workout program for many people, but it may not be the best option for everyone. CrossFit is a high-intensity, challenging workout that requires a certain level of physical fitness and is not suitable for those who are just starting to exercise. It may also not be the best option for those with pre-existing injuries or health conditions. CrossFit may be a good option if you are looking for a challenging, full-body workout that can help improve cardiovascular endurance, strength, and overall fitness. However, it's important to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns. If you're unsure whether CrossFit is right for you, consider trying a beginner's class or talking to a coach at a CrossFit gym to learn more about the program and see if it's a good fit for your fitness goals and abilities.
About the author
My name is Shashank Mittal. I am a licensed Realtor and a Physical Therapist in the state of Maryland. Arilene and I love traveling. We both are CrossFit enthusiasts. Recently, I have found a passion for writing and sharing my thoughts on travel, real estate, fitness, and personal finance.
You can find me on IG @shashank_realtor and @boardingzonethree.
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YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@shashank_realtor
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