How Does CrossFit Work?

How does CrossFit work? Many people begin looking into CrossFit when they see the amazing results from other CrossFitters. However, it takes going to a class to see why it works so well. At a CrossFit gym, there is an extremely motivating energy and supportive community to help you take your fitness to the next level.

How Does CrossFit Work: What are the Workouts?

CrossFit workouts are comprised of functional movements. They do not require a lot of complicated equipment or machinery. They are actually based in weightlifting, gymnastics, and high-intensity cardio. This hits not only every part of the body, but several systems within the body, to boost your cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, speed, balance, and much more. If you have specific goals, your CrossFit coach can help you achieve them.

CrossFit 101

One of the first priorities of any CrossFit coach is to ensure the safety of members. CrossFit 101 is a course that introduces all of the primary movements that are performed throughout a CrossFit workout. This allows you to get a safe basis for your exercises with the correct techniques. CrossFit 101 prepares you to perform at sessions safely and effectively, while also giving you a great workout to start.

Once you have those movements down, you can begin to intensify them with different variations, and also pick up the speed to get a better burn. All of these can also be catered to the ability level of each participant, whether that be adjusting weight, modifying a movement, or slowing things down, so you can start working your way up to more intense workouts.

Workout of the Day

One of the cornerstones of CrossFit is the Workout of the Day. Just because the workouts are comprised of functional movements, does not mean they stay the same or get easier over time. Workout of the Days are the routines that members perform when they get to the gym that day, and the goal is to complete that circuit with as many reps as possible. CrossFit is based in constant variation and keeping your muscles guessing. According to CrossFit,

“The fitness CrossFit advocates and develops is deliberately broad, general and inclusive. Our specialty is not specializing. Combat, survival, many sports and life reward this kind of fitness and, on average, punish the specialist.”

Working with a Time Limit

The other part? You are working against the clock. One of most important parts of a CrossFit workout is the ability to get as much accomplished within a small amount of time. That is why CrossFit is an excellent option for someone who wants to make their workout as efficient as possible. If you have a difficult work schedule or can only sacrifice an hour of your day, attending a CrossFit workout is the best way to use that hour to the fullest. During that time, the goal is to keep the workouts varied, and surprise your body with challenging movements.  According to CrossFit,

“For the fitness that we are pursuing, every parameter within your control needs to be modulated to broaden the stimulus as much as possible. Your body will only respond to an unaccustomed stressor; routine is the enemy of progress and broad adaptation. Do not subscribe to high reps or low reps or long rests or short rests but strive for variance.”

Getting the Most from a Workout

How does CrossFit work? It gets the most out of every minute you are in the gym. When you walk into a session, you will see people who are completely focused on getting their best workout. Once the circuits begin, you can get into the zone and work on improving your game. Because the workouts are catered to the individual, you will be able to modify those movements as much as necessary.

Functional Movements

Functional movements are the basis of all CrossFit workouts. That means that they are based in the classic workout movements you have learned throughout your life, like squats, pull-ups, pushups, and more, often with a bit of a twist. These cover all areas of the body and maximize the effectiveness of every movement. According to Greg Glassman, Founder of CrossFit,

“Typically, the world’s best athletes are minimalists when it comes to their training. They work hard and fast with few exercises. They master the fundamentals and work with them for years. This is the secret that no one wants to hear.”

Leveling Up and Competing

Once participants reach a certain level in their CrossFit journey, there are opportunities to compete with members from other gyms and areas. If your workout needs an extra layer of motivation, signing up for a Denver CrossFit competition will give you something exciting to work toward. It encourages adding new challenges and more complicated movements into your routines to level up training and eventually compete against other people.

On top of that, CrossFit has been a powerful tool for athletes to get in shape before a season, and even actors and celebrities who want to stay in shape for a role. When done right, CrossFit is well-known for getting people in shape extremely efficiently. That is why so many people who need to stay fit utilize CrossFit to get efficient and noticeable results.

Open to Everyone

CrossFit is not easy, but it is not limited to any specific group. People of any age, shape and size can get involved and challenge themselves to a highly effective workout. Because they are based in doing as many accurate reps as possible, people can go at their own pace and work their way up to a faster, more intense experience. Whether you are a lifelong athlete, or new to fitness, this workout will work for you.

If you are feeling intimidated by attending a gym, know that CrossFit will be a challenge, but you can definitely accomplish it, and quickly improve your abilities. The CrossFit community is extremely supportive, and the gym has a great team atmosphere. Everyone is there to improve themselves and their abilities, so we hold each other accountable and cheer each other on.

How Does CrossFit Work to Improve Your Lifestyle

How does CrossFit work? It combines effective movements with high-intensity cardio, gymnastics, weightlifting and more. It uses a fast-paced, highly effective workouts to activate every area of the body, build strength and boost cardiovascular fitness. With competence in these physical skills, you are set up for success. Once you have a strong foundation of physical health, those benefits can seep into all different aspects of your life. You can begin to improve your nutrition and also notice a boost in mood. When your body is feeling stronger, everything else starts to feel better.

Getting Started

Want to see for yourself, how does CrossFit work? The first step is to learn more about started our fitness lifestyle. You can sign up for a CrossFit 101 course and talk through your goals with a coach. Get in touch with a DTC CrossFit today to see how these workouts can transform your fitness and lifestyle.

Contact DTC CrossFit today to get started with our Denver gym.