The sport of CrossFit has taken the world by storm over the last 10 or so years, and has grown to approximately 15000 gyms, or “boxes” as they are affectionately known, worldwide.
This evolution of the fitness industry was once thought to be a “fad” that might lose its traction, however the health industry has had to accept that CrossFit is here to stay, and is quickly becoming the new go-to for people who want to improve their overall health and fitness (instead of just joining a regular gym that offers no real guidance, programming, coaching or support.)
CrossFit has also been incorporated into many different genres of sports to improve overall strength and conditioning in athletes which prepares them for their specific sporting demands.
Most individuals that have never really dedicated any consistent time to an exercise regime, but know that they aren’t getting any younger, are lost when it comes to starting a journey of improving their health & fitness.
So, if you still need some convincing when making your decision about how to invest in your health, here are the top 6 reasons you should start CrossFit as soon as possible!
1. CrossFit movements can be adapted to ANYBODY’S fitness level or capability
The beauty of a CrossFit class is that every movement/exercise performed can be adapted and scaled to accommodate everyone’s level of capability. It’s like having your own personal exercise program within a group program. This allows CrossFit classes to be an eclectic blend of people who are extremely capable and athletic, in amongst people who are very new to exercise and/or dealing with physical limitations that require special adaptations to perform movements safely.
2. It never gets boring
Every day is different! One of the reasons the CrossFit methodology is so effective is because your body doesn’t get a chance to get comfortable or used-to any particular exercise. Your movements and the combinations thereof are so widely varied that you are challenged in every workout, every day.
3. You are coached, held accountable and your program is already in place for you
Attending CrossFit regularly means that you will be following a program. Your coaches will deliver this program to you in a way that you understand what the desired outcome of the workout should be (fast paced and sweaty? Or moderate, long paced intensity that can be maintained? Or, heavy and hard with rests in between?) Coaches will also provide the scaled options for each movement, and you can expect to be coached while you train. The coaching team’s most important task is to ensure that every individual is moving safely and effectively and having FUN while you’re doing it!
4. It can improve performance in other sports
Being fit in general (not just in a sport-specific way) means that almost anything you try to physically do will be better. Being functionally fit and generally prepared for almost any physical demand allows you to avoid injuries, prolonging your sports career, as well as helps with the mental load of being a performance athlete as it has a stress relieving effect on the mind. (see no.6 for more details on this)
5. CrossFit provides MEASURABLE results
Following the program, you will get to know your own personal fitness capability in actual, recordable numbers (like your 400m run time; your heaviest weight capability for a deadlift; and how many rounds of the workout “Cindy” you can do in 20min…)
Knowing what you are capable of gives you the opportunity to set new goals, as well as do things you may never have thought to try before, such as spending a day at Total Ninja on the obstacles, or going for a 10km hike while on holiday.
6. It’s a great way to make friends! And it’s cheaper than therapy
Not only is doing CrossFit great for your body and your mind, it’s also great for your social life! The people who belong to your CrossFit box are a community of passionate individuals who share similar interests and goals as you. The friends you make while bearing your sweat and soul on the workout floor are the real kind. You’ll soon find yourself sharing partner workouts and even weekend braais with the awesome people you meet at CrossFit!
It’s also amazing how much easier the burden of your responsibilities feel when you’ve survived a crazy, fun, transformative workout. CrossFit makes you feel invincible, and ready to take on any challenge. If that isn’t improving your mental health, we don’t know what is!
