What's So Great About CrossFit?

CrossFit is a high-intensity fitness program that integrates ideas and movements from several other sports and types of exercise. These include gymnastics, weight lifting, running, rope climbing, jumping, pull-ups and more. This is one popular leisure sport that many people are welcoming into their daily schedules. It is perfect for those who miss participating in sports and for those who are looking to challenge their body and minds and for those who just need to lay off the electronics for a while! Why is this something you should consider? Here are a few reasons for you to find your local CrossFit gym and commit!

1. Friendship

CrossFit gives you the sense of belonging to a sports team again. The program was designed for groups of people to work out together and challenge one another. It is not only meant to improve your health and fitness but it gives you friendships, along with good competition and fun with the motivation you need to continue to push yourself. Just like my track and cheer teams from high school where I found lifetime friendships, you will find those within this program too! Your gym phobia will go away once you realize you all have common goals and you all took on the same self-test!

2. Location

The CrossFit program can be found almost anywhere in the world. There are almost 4,500 just here in the United States. Check out this map to find out where they are located https://map.crossfit.com/! Even when you are on vacation or traveling for business you can find a gym and find that same motivating, high-intensity, welcoming atmosphere.

3. Equal Opportunity

Although everyone has different levels of skill, strength, and speed, anyone can commit to the challenges of improving themselves. What’s neat is even children can get involved. CrossFit can be used as extra training for those who seek that or for the parents to encourage them to get off those IPad’s. Check out the programs here: https://kids.crossfit.com/. They never change the program but they will adapt weights and reps and adapt to your ability. The program will help anyone willing to commit with enhancing movement, endurance, strength, and their outlook on themselves. It cannot be said enough that this program is meant to get people involved in exercise.

4. Change Your Mindset

You are only competing against yourself at the end of the day. Sure, you can see if your times are better than the other participants but it is within you that you are challenging yourself for change, and leading to a better and healthier lifestyle. Like any other sport or activity there will always be frustrating moments, moments where you may want to give up. Return the next day and try again. The cool thing about this fitness program is it is measurable and it will show you results. Some gyms write your scores on the board for you, or take videos of your performance. When you finally beat your own scores or times you will be the one to feel the pride within yourself!

You only have one life! So why stop participating in sports because you are not in school, or on a community team anymore? CrossFit is not just about changing your appearance if that is what you are thinking. It is about changing your mindset to “I CAN DO ANYTHING!” This is just one of several other leisure sports that you can get involved in to get you up and excited about life! I know I will be looking into this because I personally miss sprinting down my school track, and doing back-flips on our cheer mats in the gym. Plus, you make friends! What more could you ask for?