“CrossFit is a fitness regimen developed by Greg Glassman over several decades. Glassman, CrossFit’s Founder and CEO, was the first person in history to define fitness in a meaningful, measurable way. Increased work capacity across broad time and modal domains. He then created a program specifically designed to improve fitness and health.
CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements. These movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and more. These are the core movements of life. They move the largest loads the longest distances. So they are ideal for maximizing the amount of work done in the shortest time. Intensity is essential for results and is measurable as work divided by time—or power. The more work you do in less time, or the higher the power output, the more intense the effort. By employing a constantly varied approach to training, functional movements and intensity lead to dramatic gains in fitness.
The community that spontaneously arises when people do these workouts together is a key component of why CrossFit is so effective, and it gave birth to a global network of CrossFit affiliates that number over 13,000. Harnessing the natural camaraderie, competition and fun of sport or game yields an intensity that cannot be matched by other means.”
That’s the definition of CrossFit directly from their website, www.crossfit.com. For a visual presentation watch the following video.
For a more varied view, we asked some local participants at Fenton’s CrossFit Tuebor West to describe what CrossFit was to them. Here are their responses.
Matt V. CrossFit is my physical and mental therapy to improve my life today and in the future.
Joyce B. Crossfit is family, support, inspiration, and motivation.
Michelle V. CrossFit gives me a place to work on ME and allows me to be apart of a community that is supportive, inspiring, and just a downright amazing group of people!
Ron H. CrossFit for me is a place to go with non-judgmental people where I have a chance to compete against myself no matter how poorly that might be in comparison to the others present.
Sarah & Ryan K. CrossFit is a way of life that provides both mental and physical fitness allowing me the confidence to overcome adversity and face any challenge in life with confidence.
Matt L. Crossfit is the discipline that starts my day and carries into all the other aspects of my life all while sharing the experience with the best community of people I could ask for.
Rance H. CrossFit is my home away from home and what keeps me sane on a daily basis.
Fidel C. Crossfit gives me community, motivation, accountability, mental toughness, competitive spirit hard to find in adulthood, time with my son and oh yeah it makes me healthier.
Mike S. IT MEANS progress equals results!!!
It’s interesting that of all the responses only one individual mentioned “fitness” directly. While many referred to a community, the group, a family. My favorite response came from Chelsea H.: “CrossFit is my getaway, my stress relief, an hour all to myself and my body craves it, almost like an addiction. Now that’s a powerful statement.
How Can CrossFit Change Your Life?
Our bodies are built for activity, we choose the sedentary lifestyle. Movements are required to work, to meet life’s needs and to enjoy life’s pleasures. Activity is so important that during repeated body movements endorphins are released directly into the bloodstream. These hormones improve our mental and physical processes. It is like a drug, that addicted feeling is real.
Whether you go to a regular gym, a Crossfit gym, or exercise on your own, that physical rush often accompanies the workout. Then, why is it so difficult to maintain a consistent schedule of daily exercise sessions? You only need to re-read the comments from CrossFit participants to understand.
The Secret of CrossFit
While Crossfit exercise regiment is different from a regular gym session. It’s the sense of communal support that sets CrossFit apart. The family working together to make sure each individual thrives at their level. Joyce in her 60’s cannot outperform Mitch in his 20’s. But, they can each achieve the goals set for their individual circumstance. And support each other in working towards those goals.
That is really the secret of CrossFit. Yes, it can change your life mentally and physically. Most importantly it can change your life socially. Having a group of people jointly cheering you into becoming a “better you” is life changing.
How to Get Involved
If CrossFit sounds like something that could fill a void in your life, here are some suggestions you might consider.
Visit the Gym
Stop by CrossFit Tuebor West and talk to coaches and participants. Here is a link to the Schedule Page of their website. Their address is 14261 Torrey Rd Suite B in Fenton. Their phone number is (810) 354-5025. Watch a workout, see the community aspect of Crossfit for your self.
Free Trial
CrossFit Tuebor West offers a 1-week Free Trial. Sign up and give it a try. The best way to see what CrossFit is all about is to experience it for yourself.
CrossFit Kids
Parents, get your kids to try it for you. Watch their enthusiasm, experience the family connection, and get them some positive physical activity this summer. CrossFit Kids is a 6-week program for kids 5-10 years old. the program begins July 10th, every Tuesday, and Thursday. Times are from 10:15 am to 11:00 am.
It’ sure to be the highlight of the week for your kids. Basic gymnastics, air squats, box jumps, tag, dodgeball. all in a supervised fun atmosphere. The goal is to introduce Crossfit concepts in a fun, engaging, and positive environment. Sounds like fun, I’m going to see if they have a Senior program with a similar agenda, I love dodgeball.
Make this the summer you choose to do something that will improve your mood, physical health, and fitness. Make this the summer you change your life. Try Crossfit.
