If you want to start a program of total physical fitness, you probably have been researching different types of exercise plans and systems. You might have heard a lot about CrossFit, which has become one of the most popular fitness programs in the country, with more than 6,000 CrossFit gyms now in operation. Here are some facts about CrossFit and what it is all about.
Many fitness programs center around cardiovascular exercises only, and while those exercises do include exercises that tone muscles, CrossFit takes this all a step further. With CrossFit, weight lifting is included in the workout, as well as body weight exercises. This total body plan is meant to build muscle, increase cardiovascular strength and improve the condition of the body as a whole. This total body approach is one reason why CrossFit is so popular, and another is because CrossFit workouts generally are only about 30 minutes in length, which makes it easier to fit a workout into your daily schedule.
Each day's CrossFit routine is different from the day before, which tends to increase interest and enthusiasm for the program. In addition, the creators of CrossFit designed the program to increase your level of fitness in 10 different areas, so a myriad of exercises are taught in order to reach this goal of total body fitness. These areas include improving agility, flexibility, strength, stamina, power, balance, coordination, accuracy, cardiovascular fitness and respiratory fitness.
As stated before, exercises range from cardio movements, weight lifting and body weight exercises. The cardio exercises typically include running and jumping rope, as well as use of a rowing machine. Weight lifting exercises include typical deadlifts and presses, as well as tire flips and working with kettlebells. For the body weight-type exercises, you will be doing everything from sit-ups and push-ups to rope climbs, lunges, back extensions and air squats, all designed to use the weight of the body as resistance to build muscle mass and strength.
If you become a CrossFit expert, you might consider taking part in the annual CrossFit Games, which have been in existence since 2007 and include competitors from around the world. The prize money was once just $500, but has grown to more than $250,000, and there are categories for both women and men. There are also Masters categories for participants that are older than 40.
CrossFit is an intense physical exercise program and probably not an option for some people. Before beginning any exercise program, it is always best to consult with a trusted medical professional.
Many fitness programs center around cardiovascular exercises only, and while those exercises do include exercises that tone muscles, CrossFit takes this all a step further. With CrossFit, weight lifting is included in the workout, as well as body weight exercises. This total body plan is meant to build muscle, increase cardiovascular strength and improve the condition of the body as a whole. This total body approach is one reason why CrossFit is so popular, and another is because CrossFit workouts generally are only about 30 minutes in length, which makes it easier to fit a workout into your daily schedule.
Each day's CrossFit routine is different from the day before, which tends to increase interest and enthusiasm for the program. In addition, the creators of CrossFit designed the program to increase your level of fitness in 10 different areas, so a myriad of exercises are taught in order to reach this goal of total body fitness. These areas include improving agility, flexibility, strength, stamina, power, balance, coordination, accuracy, cardiovascular fitness and respiratory fitness.
As stated before, exercises range from cardio movements, weight lifting and body weight exercises. The cardio exercises typically include running and jumping rope, as well as use of a rowing machine. Weight lifting exercises include typical deadlifts and presses, as well as tire flips and working with kettlebells. For the body weight-type exercises, you will be doing everything from sit-ups and push-ups to rope climbs, lunges, back extensions and air squats, all designed to use the weight of the body as resistance to build muscle mass and strength.
If you become a CrossFit expert, you might consider taking part in the annual CrossFit Games, which have been in existence since 2007 and include competitors from around the world. The prize money was once just $500, but has grown to more than $250,000, and there are categories for both women and men. There are also Masters categories for participants that are older than 40.
CrossFit is an intense physical exercise program and probably not an option for some people. Before beginning any exercise program, it is always best to consult with a trusted medical professional.
About the Author:
Rod Bourgoine likes writing about mixed martial arts benefits. For more information about martial arts San Diego or to discover San Diego boxing classes, check out The Arena MMA website today.
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