What Is CrossFit Exercise? 3 Health Benefits To Level Up Your Fitness Game

Imagine an exercise program that constantly challenges you, both mentally and physically. That’s the essence of CrossFit exercise. So, what is CrossFit exercise? And what makes them so effective?

What you need to know:

What is CrossFit exercise?
The core principles of CrossFit
Why is CrossFit exercise beneficial for your overall fitness?
Types of CrossFit exercises list

What is CrossFit exercise?

CrossFit exercises are a combination of strength training, cardio and conditioning exercises that are also a part of the HIIT (high-intensity interval training) program. These exercises include everyday movements like pulling, squatting and pushing. Variations of squats, push-ups and weight-lifting are involved to strengthen all the muscles in your body.

As CrossFit exercises can be adjusted to match any fitness level, they can practised by anyone who wants to stay fit and healthy. However, it is best to start slow with CrossFit exercises and increase reps as you get accustomed to the exercises.

The core principles of CrossFit

Now that you understand “What is CrossFit exercise?”, let us look into the core principles of CrossFit –

Constantly varied functional movements

In CrossFit, the workouts are constantly varied, high intensity and include functional movements. Functional movements are the actions that you need to perform to get by every day without the help of others. These include:

Standing up
Picking something up off the ground
Pulling yourself up over an object
Carrying something for a certain distance

…actions that have a purpose.

For each of these movements, comes a matched exercise. For example, to get better at picking things off of the ground you may need to work on movements like deadlifts and squats.

High-intensity workouts

CrossFit is a high-intensity strength and conditioning program. Intensity is a critical component of CrossFit because it is the key to achieving the fitness results you desire. You want to run a faster mile, lose excess body fat, or improve your next blood panel? Higher intensity in your workouts will get you there more efficiently and effectively than anything else.

Scalability and adaptability for all fitness levels

It is important to work out at your own relative intensity. The speed, load, rep range, and distance required to achieve high intensity for you will be different from another. An athlete might deadlift 90 kgs and jump to a 30-inch box. In contrast, if you have never worked out before, you might do as per your ability. No matter what your fitness level, the workout will be more challenging than what’s comfortable to hone your abilities.

Why is CrossFit exercise beneficial for your overall fitness?

Now that you understand “What is CrossFit exercise?”, let us explore the various benefits of CrossFit exercise that you can get by practising them daily.

Improves mobility and flexibility

CrossFit exercises like squats, overhead presses, and kettlebell swings can enhance agility, balance, overall mobility and flexibility. In addition, they can also reduce the risk of sporting and movement injuries while improving your quality of life.

Increases oxygen intake

When you perform these intense exercises, your heart pumps more blood with every heartbeat and your muscles work harder. Therefore, to cope with this demand, your body uses more oxygen and produces more carbon dioxide, which improves your lung function capacity.

Helps in weight management

These CrossFit exercises can burn more calories than any other type of exercise. You burn 18 calories every minute you perform CrossFit exercises. As a result, incorporating these exercises into your routine can help you manage your weight effectively.

Types of CrossFit exercises list

Here’s a list of CrossFit exercises that you can incorporate into your daily routine to enhance your overall strength and fitness:

1. Burpees

Burpees_Activ living Community Burpees are a full-body exercise that is great for metabolic conditioning.

Steps:

From a standing position, lower your body to a squat position.
Lower your hands on the ground and kick your feet back to get into a pushup position.
Perform the pushup and go back to the squat position.
Go back to the starting position and repeat.

2. Box Jumps

Box jumps_Activ lliving Community Box jumps are a form of jumping exercise that strengthens your muscles and improves mobility and flexibility.

Steps:

Stand straight in front of a stable box or a platform.
Begin with a squat pose, then jump upwards to get up on the box.
Land with your feet on the box in a standing position.
Get down the box and repeat.

3. Kettlebell Swings

Kettlebell Swings_Activ living Community

Kettlebell swings are a part of the HIIT regimen that work your entire body, enabling a faster heartbeat and optimum blood circulation.

Steps:

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and straight back.
Squat down and grab the kettlebell with palms facing towards your body.
Move into a standing position. As you do this, put your weight into your heels.
Swing the kettlebell between your legs like a pendulum as you change your stance from a squat to a standing position. Repeat this to strengthen your glutes and hamstrings.

CrossFit exercises are an effective approach to extreme fitness. These exercises involve intense exercise sessions along with dietary changes to enhance your overall strength. You can also modify this exercise type according to your goals and fitness level.

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