CrossFit appears to be a hot topic of discussion at present. But what does it really encompass? And does it truly warrant the buzz it’s generating?
CrossFit is a fitness program created by Greg Glassman. It combines gymnastics, running, weightlifting, and similar sports. CrossFit uses functional movements and focuses on high intensity. Moves are sort of complex, so make sure you have good CrossFit shoes on to give you stability.
It is all about motivation and using data. CrossFit is done in groups. People motivate each other. Workouts are usually timed, so you are competing against the clock too.
It all sounds great, but how does it compare to your average gym?
The Surroundings
You wouldn’t do a CrossFit workout in a gym, but rather a box. Boxes are called so, because of their simplicity. The first thing you will notice is blank walls. There are no mirrors or motivational posters. The equipment is pretty simple too. There are usually some bars, weights, kettlebells, and battle ropes. Whiteboard is a must in every box.
So, don’t expect any fancy machines, treadmills, and benches.
The People
CrossFit is the sport of the people. It is done in groups. The best groups are the ones that consist of people with different fitness abilities. This way, the beginners will have someone to work with, and someone to look up to. Just think about how intimidating would it be if you were the only beginner in a group of athletes.
While in the gym you can walk in, say hi at the reception, and spend the rest of your workout listening to your tunes. This is not a possibility for CrossFit. You need to interact with people. You all work together and motivate each other. Forget about your earphones, as you have to listen to the coach during the session. Don’t be disappointed. The music will be blasting throughout the workout.
The Workout
Yes, there are weights, bars, and ropes, but the way you use them differs a lot. The main difference is the intensity. In traditional weight lifting, you work out in a gym, using weights from 5 to 200 pounds, and do exercises in sets. It can last quite a while, and even after a long workout, there may not be much sweat.
A CrossFit workout is completely different. It focuses on bars, kettlebells, medicine balls, tractor tires, and boxes. The workouts are much more intense. It is all about having the greatest power output in the shortest time.
A typical CrossFit workout is AMRAP. It means as many reps as possible. Here you would do exercises for 20 – 30 minutes, taking little to no breaks.
The Equipment
All you need for CrossFit is comfortable clothes (t-shirt and shorts) and a good pair of CrossFit shoes. There is no need for belts, straps, and other accessories you would use in the gym, although some people do like to have some strong gloves and grips.
You may also read: 2021 Guide to 8 of the Best Treadmills
If you want to build your own box, getting equipment is much easier and cheaper than for the home gym. You will need the basics:
- Barbell
- Bumper plates
- Pull up bar
- Kettlebells
- Squat box
- Medicine ball
- Jump rope
- Battle rope (optional).
Burning Calories
CrossFit is all about short high intensity workouts. With a good diet, it can burn a ton of calories. One study was done to show the effects of CrossFit. 16 male and female subjects were included. They were divided into two groups. Both groups did CrossFit, but different workouts. The researchers came to the conclusion that a 12-minute workout burns about 115 kcal on average.
Your average cardio burns about the same, but there are other things to take into consideration. Fun! Cardio is no fun, and we all know it. Running on a treadmill for 30 minutes can seem like an eternity. On the other hand, CrossFit is all about doing different exercises in a short time, so it goes by pretty fast.
The Aftermath
There is a big difference between a feeling you have after a gym workout and a CrossFit workout. If you have ever done a good workout, you know the great feeling of pumped, but tired muscles.
A CrossFit workout will leave you feeling something different. You will feel mostly depleted and out of energy. From personal experience, walking uphill will be a challenge.
Find out why CrossFit is good for you: The Benefits of CrossFit
What About Injuries?
CrossFit get’s a bad rep because of the high injury rate. One study was done on 117 participants to test if the injury risk is higher with CrossFit. It was concluded that the injury rates were not higher than with other fitness activities.
Another study was done on people who did CrossFit, and have sustained some injuries. Injuries to the shoulders, knees, and lower back were shown as the most frequent. Competitors were more likely to sustain injuries than non-competitors.
The good news is that injuries are mostly associated with bad form and movement. So, the next time you do squats, or clean and jerk think about your form and you’ll be fine.
