Unlike many fitness trends, CrossFit is more about going back to the basics than reinventing the wheel. In fact, with CrossFit, you’re far more likely just to pick up the wheel and throw it, caveman style.
CrossFit was created in the 1970s by a Californian named Greg Glassman, a former gymnast. He started tinkering around with the back-to-the-basics concept when he was working in a weight-lifting gym. He noticed that a lot of the exercises the bodybuilders were doing would make them bigger but not more effective.
He started incorporating gymnastics-type exercises, such as handstand push-ups, into his own weight-lifting routine and began to see that his body performed better.
He then pulled a few moves from power lifting and added techniques such as dead lifts to round out his program. The end result is an exercise philosophy that is more concerned with creating fit, capable, people than it is with building bigger muscles. Glassman says it’s a program that virtually anyone can follow and benefit from doing.
“The needs of Olympic athletes and grandparents differ by degree, not kind,” explained Glassman.
Comparing CrossFit to most gym workouts is like watching the training sequence in “Rocky IV.” Rocky is getting ready to fight the Russian, Ivan Drago. Drago’s got the latest, greatest, most high-tech equipment and a team of clipboard-wielding exercise scientists at his disposal. Rocky has an old wagon, a ton of snow, and a drunk guy puffing on a cigar. With CrossFit you are Rocky — not Ivan — only without the drunk guy or the wagon.
“The bulk of what you see in fitness are trends, trends to make fitness interesting or easier,” said John Velandra, a Fayetteville trainer and owner of Designs in Fitness, who uses CrossFit to help his clients. “But trends don’t address physical needs, and trends don’t hold up over time. CrossFit is not just a program; it’s a philosophy that stands the test of time.”
Sport specific training is used to optimize your athletic performance and minimize your risk of injury. Programs are focused on improving core strength and balance, increase explosive power , and enhance agility and speed in your sport of interest.
