Are you curious about starting at a CrossFit gym, but aren’t sure how it’s different from a regular gym? Crossfit combines high intensity interval training (HIIT) with functional movements. Here are five benefits that CrossFit provides that you might not see at a normal gym.
One. YOU WILL GET STRONGER THROUGH COMPOUND MOVEMENTS
At a normal gym, you will find yourself doing ‘isolation movements’ that focus on one core body part per day. At CrossFit, you will focus on compound functional movements, usually completed at a high intensity. Both will make you stronger, but in different ways.
Two. YOU WILL BECOME MORE FLEXIBLE
When you isolate muscle groups like at a normal gym, you can eventually lead to stiffness of certain muscles and around the body. CrossFit includes a dedicated period for flexibility training where your coach takes you through movements that ensure you are loosening up parts of your body. Also, a number of CrossFit movements center around gymnastics and mobility exercises, so you will definitely see more flexibility over time.
Three. You’ll have a DEDICATED COACH IN EACH CLASS
It can be frustrating when you’re at the gym but don’t know how to use a machine or how to work certain muscle groups. At CrossFit, there are fully trained coaches who will guide you through all of the movements, and help you modify those movements when you need to. Think of CrossFit as having a shared personal trainer. You’ll often find that you receive dedicated coaching advice and feedback.
Four. IT IS TIME-EFFICIENT
If you’re worried about spending way too long at a gym without achieving anything, I can guarantee you won’t feel that way after a CrossFit session. CrossFit sessions typically go for one hour and works in flexibility, strength training, and a WOD (Workout of the Day). And sessions happen at regular intervals throughout the day, so it’s easy to find a time that works in your schedule.
Five. YOU WON’T GET BORED & YOU CAN MEASURE PROGRESS
At CrossFit, there will be a new WOD every day. You might row one day, squat the next, and biking the next. Don’t worry about what’s on the agenda. Bring all the shoes you need, and just show up. You won’t ever get bored, and if you do, it’s time to shoot for an Rx instead Scaling a WOD. You can also measure your progress over time. Every six months or so, you’ll encounter a workout you’ve done before and you can measure (and celebrate!) your performance against what you’ve done in the past.
Still have questions? Reach out to Erica at [email protected]!
Happy sweating,
Meghan
