CrossFit is a postmodern MASH UP of movements and stimuli!
CrossFit is a generalized physical fitness program. This means that when you show up, commit yourself to the W.O.D.S, and practice healthy and ethical dietary choices (more and more I do not think there is much difference between healthy eating and ethical eating) your fitness improves. But what is Fitness? CrossFit outlines 10 key elements that make up general physical preparedness. These include: Cardiorespiratory and endurance, stamina, strength and flexibility, power, speed, coordination, accuracy, agility and balance. CrossFit shows no mercy for the specialist, and yet more and more athletes across the world are using the principles of CrossFit to train for specific sports. Want to become a better football player, soccer player, runner dancer? CrossFit! The CrossFit program is based on SCAVENGING from different skill sets and physical movements. CrossFit draws on:
The olympic lifts (the snatch and the clean and jerk) are unrivaled in their ability to increase agility, speed, power and flexibility. One of my biggest pet peeves is the misrepresentation of olympic lifters as brutish oafs who can't touch their toes. Indeed, members of the San Fransisco ballet are incorporating the olympic lifts in their regime.
Strength training: deadlifts, squats and presses. They make you freakin' strong! These movements increase your bone density, increase your metabolism and they assist in making everyday life easier.
Gymnastics: Besides being a lot of FUN, gymnastics (pushups, pull-ups, ring dips, etc) also contribute to the 10 elements of fitness. Gymnasts have tremendous kinesthetic awareness ( awareness of the body in time and space). This kinesthetic awareness is vital to coordination and agility and balance.
Monostructural cardio: the simplicity of running, rowing, swimming and biking is also incorporated into CrossFit workouts.
Last week at the CrossFit Kids certification we talked a lot about the importance of the foundational movements, lifts, and W.O.D.s even when training for specific sports. As we have seen at flux CrossFit, the foundational programming of CrossFit and Agatsu can be adapted to suit all kinds of sports - but the foundation is key to becoming an all around better more efficient athlete.
ReplyDeleteOver the past few months we've seen the ringette girls' team become faster and stronger. Steve, Jack, Josh, and Tony have greatly improved their performances in soccer. And Deb from the Pile O' Bones Roller Derby Club has started to see some important benefits.
For me, flux CrossFit is helping me move better and more efficiently in the world.
Charity