Since its origin in 2000, CrossFit has grown into a global phenomenon. More than 12,500 CrossFit boxes and affiliate gyms operate worldwide, including over 500 in Australia.
CrossFit has experienced sustained, impressive growth over the last 20-plus years, and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.
You’ve likely heard of CrossFit, but you might also wonder if there’s a reason for all the hype.
The reason so many people rave about I is because it has some amazing benefits. If your CrossFit friend hasn’t chewed your ear off about it already, here are 7 main benefits you’ll get out of it (even if you’ve never done it before).
How Is CrossFit Different from Other Workouts?
Some people hesitate to try CrossFit because they don’t understand it. Why do this instead when you could just follow along with a workout video at home or run on the treadmill at their local gym?
Here’s what makes CrossFit unique to other styles of training:
- Experience multiple training protocols (strength training, cardio, Olympic lifting, etc.)
- Various workouts (no two training days are the same)
- Regular performance reviews (“benchmark” workouts let you assess your progress consistently)
- Regular socialisation opportunities from group classes
- Functional exercises mimic real-life movements
- Workouts are scalable to all fitness levels
CrossFit offers something for everyone, whether you want a lot of variety in your workout regimen or want to work out with others who share your passion for fitness.
What Results Can You Expect from CrossFit?
If you’re still on the fence, consider the impressive results this type of training can produce if you participate regularly. Here are seven of the most common effects that CrossFit lovers report experiencing:
1. Increased Flexibility and Mobility
Many exercise modalities neglect the importance of stretching and mobility work. CrossFit is not one of them.
If you struggle to incorporate mobility work into your routine on your own, try CrossFit. Most CrossFit trainers build flexibility and mobility exercises into their warm-ups.
This built-in training helps you increase your range of motion and reduce your injury risk. It also saves you from having to think about which mobility exercises you should do or how long you should hold a particular stretch. All of that information has been figured out for you.
2. Improved Body Composition
CrossFit workouts are unique because they combine multiple types of workouts, including cardio and strength training. Combining strength and cardiovascular exercise helps you burn calories, shed body fat, and gain muscle simultaneously.
Some people (especially women) are wary of lifting weights or doing strength training exercises like push-ups or squats because they worry about getting “bulky.” However, strength training can actually help you lose weight and develop a lean physique.
These results come from the fact that lifting weights helps you build muscle. The more muscle mass you have, the faster your metabolism is, and the more calories you burn.
3. Increased Heart Health
Cardiovascular (heart) diseases cause 27 per cent of deaths in Australia. Regular exercise helps improve your heart health and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
CrossFit workouts, in particular, get your heart rate up and your blood pumping. When you participate in these workouts consistently, you can experience several cardiovascular-related health benefits, including lower blood pressure and improved circulation.
4. Sense of Accomplishment
One reason why CrossFit is unique is that it provides you with regular opportunities to measure progress. For example, you can compare your performance in benchmark workouts to see if you’re improving (and by how much).
In addition to using benchmark workouts for easy progress monitoring, every CrossFit workout also provides you with an incredible sense of accomplishment.
CrossFit workouts are strenuous, and it’s amazing how great you can feel after you finish one. Nothing quite compares to that feeling of lying on the floor with your heart pounding after the timer has stopped and you’re done training for the day.
5. Be Part of a Like-Minded Community
CrossFit allows you to be part of a community of like-minded people who care about their health, enjoy exercising, and want to be a little better every day.
Remember that CrossFit classes are also open to people of all fitness and experience levels.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never taken a class before or have been taking classes for years. You can step into a CrossFit class and know that you’ll be met with a killer workout and a group of enthusiastic people who are ready to welcome you with open arms.
6. Better Sleep
Nearly 60 per cent of Australians experience a sleep issue like difficulty falling or staying asleep, and 14.8 per cent experience clinical insomnia.
Regular exercise can help you get better sleep and wake up feeling more rested. When you sleep better, you have more energy to get through your day, from your morning training session to your afternoon work meeting.
Any type of exercise, done consistently, can improve sleep quality. However, many people find that high-intensity workouts like CrossFit are more effective than others.
7. More Free Time
At first, the idea of adding another thing to your routine — such as attending multiple CrossFit classes per week — might seem like the worst thing to do if you want more free time. In reality, though, CrossFit is one of the best workout options for people who are short on time.
CrossFit workouts are short but intense, meaning you can get a lot out of them without committing hours to your training.
If you like exercising but think you don’t have time, CrossFit might be the perfect solution to help you make more room in your schedule.
Ready To Try It For Yourself?
Whether your goals are physical, psychological, or social (or all three), regular CrossFit workouts can help you achieve them.
If you’re ready to give it a crack, visit CrossFit Noble Park. We’re the only 24-hour CrossFit gym in Melbourne, and we can’t wait to help you reach your fitness goals.
Contact us today to learn more or sign up for a membership.
Mitch Hills
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