ABC's of CrossFit

Surely you have heard of CrossFit or even have already practiced it. It is a trend around the world, with many sports centers and gyms offering spaces for its practice. It may seem like the latest fad in training, but it was 50 years ago when CrossFit began to take shape. Greg Glassman, a then college athlete, was fixated on improving his performance not just in one discipline, but in several.

So he created a dynamic, high-intensity workout to increase strength and power quickly and powerfully. After applying the training for several years in groups of police and marines, in 2000 CrossFit became a registered trademark.

With the advice of Carlos Andrés Reyes, leader of Bodytech Innovation and CrossFit Certified Trainer, we help you to solve some frequent doubts regarding this type of physical activity.

What is CrossFit?

It is a training system based on functional movements of high intensity and constant variation. It is unique in its approach to maximize endocrine responses, develop power and combine multiple exercise modalities, such as weightlifting, metabolic training (HIIT) and gymnastics (which stimulates the neuromuscular system and brings benefits for balance, flexibility, endurance and strength).

Why is it trendy?

Because it's a cutting-edge workout that works, both for high-performance athletes and the general public.

What care should be taken to practice CrossFit?

As with any type of physical activity, it is very important to first identify risk factors and training intensity levels for each individual. With this information, it will be possible to generate a precise prescription of the movements and their intensity, the equivalent of a CrossFit exercise routine. It is also essential to be followed by a professional to ensure that each exercise is performed with the correct technique.

Is the accompaniment of a trainer mandatory?

Yes, more than a personalized trainer, it is very important that it be one certified in this modality, since, due to the complexity of the exercises, the methodology and planning, it is necessary to count on his or her follow-up. Precisely, this has generated the bad reputation of CrossFit in recent years, since in some cases those who prescribe it are not experts and, therefore, its planning and execution is not adequate.

For whom is it contraindicated?

CrossFit is not contraindicated for anyone, not even for those who have never exercised in their lives. As with any high intensity practice, it can be harmful, not because of its method, but because of deficiencies or omissions in its planning and execution.

Before starting the practice, a physical evaluation and the prescription of exercises with a progression of loads and intensity levels that meet the specific needs of each individual is essential.

What type of exercises are done in CrossFit?

Weightlifting: allows the development of explosive power, control of external elements and mastery of motor recruitment patterns, fundamental in an athlete.

How long can a CrossFit session last?

Maximum one hour, because the intensity of the training that optimizes physical conditioning is not sustainable for longer.

Its benefits

- Improves cardiovascular endurance, strength, speed and power.
- Strengthens all muscles of the body, with emphasis on the core area, with a broad adaptive response.
- It is key to the development of flexibility, agility, balance and lung function.

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