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WHAT IS CROSSFIT... Will it work for me?

Elliot Hutchinson

Some people think it's a powerful fitness revolution, some think it's too far. But one thing is for sure... it's a fitness cult that produces some of the most well-rounded fitness athletes in the world & its growth shows no sign of slowing anytime soon! So let's weigh up what CrossFit really is, how it works to aid your fitness & whether it's something you should try. No opinions here, just facts & the ability to make your own decision.


In simple terms, CrossFit (standing for "cross-discipline fitness") is a fitness brand that introduced the world to their new type of functional fitness in 2000. It started in the USA & has now taken off in over 150 countries around the world. CrossFit incorporates elements of HIIT training, olympic weightlifting, plyometrics, powerlifting, calisthenics, strongman & sporting/fitness methods are combined to create diverse & challenging competitive sporting events.

This is an amazing array of fitness feats with some impressive health, fitness & mental wellbeing benefits, which you're sure to never get bored of due to the high intensity, full body circuit format of most CrossFit classes. However they are just that, high intesity! And some would argue they aren't a good idea to take part in more than twice a week, which at the higher level of strength or cardio based training, could prevent progress.


CrossFit tends to follow the following structure:

Cardio-based station: Usually completed for a specific, measureable target such as time, reps or calories burned. This sets the precedent for the challenge & pre-fatigues the body before strength training.

Strength-based lifting: Usually complex movements using multiple muscle groups at a high intensity. More often than not this is measured in the same way as the cardio element of the circuit, but it may also be measured for a quick time or as many reps as possible (AMRAP).


The above elements are often repeated several times & CrossFit is famed for its high level of flexibility in how sessions are structured. It's something which is in all honesty very hard for us to explain to you for this reason, so your best option is to watch some of the 'CrossFit Games' on YouTube.


Now as for whether it could work for you... Well firstly you need to evaluate your time. CrossFit works great for those without the luxury (or priority) of time in the gym every week, as it's perfect as a once or twice a week, full body workout that throws a range of challenges your bodies way. However, somewhat contradicting this, CrossFit is an advanced method of training with a very high risk of injury, partly due to poor technique & partly due to the high intensity causing people to lose form &/or overtrain. It consists of complicated compound lifts, gymnastic/calisthenic movements & all of this is usually after the pre-fatigue of cardio elements. So find the right gym for you with excellent coaches, trained with an affiliated CrossFit gym & happy to help build you up from the bottom.


To summarise, here are some pro's & con's to help you make your own decision on whether to dive into your local CrossFit class!

Pro's:

  • Less training days per week (1-2)

  • Full body workouts

  • Very varied workouts, keeping it more interesting than, arguably, any other fitness method out there

  • Big on community & a friendly atmosphere

  • Complex & varied movements, making for great all-round fitness once grasped

Con's:

  • High risk of injury

  • High level of gym competence needed

  • Easy to overtrain

  • Less accessible for all

  • Limited energy left for any other fitness-related activity each week


Unlike our other concise, "this is what you should do" style articles, this one was much more subjective (which is what we were aiming for). This is because lots of people are unaware of CrossFit & we'd like you to make your own decision. When completed in a safe & welcoming environment with experienced coaches, you can't go far wrong with it. Just make sure to look after yourself & contact us if you need any help or advice. We're always free for a chat, whether you're a client or not. Have a wonderful Sunday!


Elliot Hutchinson // 02.06.2024

© 2024 The Coaching Collective


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