CrossFit is becoming more and more popular. Have you recently started with this challenging training method or do you want to start with CrossFit? We tell you all about it in this blog. For example, what exactly is CrossFit, what do you need before you start with CrossFit and what is the difference between CrossFit and fitness training? Read on and start well prepared for your next CrossFit training What is CrossFit?
Is the CrossFit world still unfamiliar territory for you? Then let’s start at the beginning.
What exactly is CrossFit?
In this training method, different sports disciplines come together. These are athletics, weightlifting and gymnastics. The exercises you perform at CrossFit can differ greatly from each other. However, there are some clear commonalities. This way you always perform these high-intensity exercises at a high pace. In contrast to isolated exercises, which often return to fitness, CrossFit focuses on functional exercises. With isolated exercises the focus is on training one muscle group and with functional exercises you need your whole body to perform the exercise. Finally, technique is an important part of CrossFit. Many exercises are complex and therefore, especially when you are just starting out, it is very important that you first master the technique of the exercise. Only in a later phase will you train with weight. Don’t go too fast, because that way you can avoid injuries.
Getting Started with CrossFit
CrossFit is the perfect training method to improve your overall fitness. It is a challenging method where the intensity depends on your physical and psychological ability. The level is therefore easy to adjust, making CrossFit suitable for everyone. To start with CrossFit, it is important that you first master a number of basic movements. It can therefore be useful to start with an introductory lesson or course, which covers all the basic principles of CrossFit. Basic moves that you can think of, for example, are the back squat, medicine-ball clean and deadlift.
What is a WOD?
When you start with CrossFit, you come across this every time: the WOD. This stands for the ‘Workout of the Day’. This is the workout that is central during the CrossFit class. There are several types of WODs. The focus can be on the workload of the training. This is the case with AMRAPs (as many reps/rounds as possible). A time is determined in advance (for example 20 minutes) within this time you perform the exercise circuit as often as possible. With EMOMs (Every Minute on a Minute) you have a number of exercises that you go through every minute. Are you ready in 30 seconds? Then you rest for 30 seconds. Did you only do all the exercises at 50 seconds? Then you only have 10 seconds of rest before the next round starts.
The WODs can be easily adapted to the fitness and experience level. Usually a lesson starts with a warm-up, then an element focused on strength or skill and then you get started with the Workout Of the Day.
Where do you train?
The perfect place to get started with CrossFit is in a CrossFit Box. A true gym, but with a slightly more modest design. In a CrossFit Box you will generally find fewer extras such as mirrors and machines. Instead, space is being made for, for example, dumbbells, barbells, gymnastics rings and ropes and kettlebells. In short, everything you need to run your WOD. When you train in a CrossFit Box, you do not need to purchase any equipment to start CrossFit. Sportswear and a subscription to the CrossFit Box are sufficient.
The benefits of CrossFit
Do you want to improve your overall fitness? Then CrossFit is the ideal training method. The big advantage of CrossFit is that you target your entire body through the functional exercises. The idea behind CrossFit is therefore that specializing in a specific part has a negative influence on the other parts. At CrossFit you do not specialize, but you focus on various skills in order to achieve the highest fitness!
