Over the course of the last decade, CrossFit has becoming one of the biggest movements in the history of fitness, with over four million athletes visiting 15,000 CrossFit gyms located in 120 countries all over the world. Those that join the community in this fun and competitive sport simply can’t get enough of it once they’ve started. Athletes quickly find themselves in the best shape of their lives and competing in ways they maybe never thought possible.
There’s a good chance you’re reading this because you’ve heard a lot about CrossFit but want to know some of the basics in order to get started. You’ve come to the right place. The following is an exciting introduction to the world of CrossFit:
Originally developed by Greg Glassman, CrossFit is a fitness regimen that has evolved considerably over the last few decades to become the first program to define physical fitness in a way that is measurable. It is designed to increase work capacity over a long period of time through different types of exercise, but more than anything, CrossFit’s primary goal is to improve athletes’ fitness and health.
This is done through daily workouts, known by CrossFit athletes as the Workout of the Day, or WOD. These days, there are many places to find a great CrossFit beginner WOD, which typically involves exercises like weight lifting, kettlebell swings, the pull-up bar, and other customized workouts. Many CrossFit workouts are timed and all of them exist to help build muscle and improve overall health. Depending on your program, your WOD log may include all sorts of different exercises.
There are CrossFit boxes, or gyms, all over the world, finding one nearby should be easy! Check out this handy map of CrossFit Affiliates to get started. These gyms love beginners and are helpful and friendly in assisting rookies eager to get their start. It all can sound quite intimidating, but CrossFit communities really do a great job helping new members feel comfortable.
Your CrossFit exercise list will grow more challenging as you get more familiar with the sport and improve your general fitness, but at the very beginning, the trainers at your box will help you get started at whatever level is appropriate for you. In other words, there is no “minimum” requirements in terms of weights or times. There are plenty of stories of athletes starting at the bottom and working their way up to greatness. You obviously could do the same!
At Wodify, we’re committed to being part of the CrossFit community because we believe in health and fitness and have witnessed firsthand how CrossFit has been able to make that happen for so many millions of people. Getting started is as easy as walking into a gym, so find your nearest box and take your first steps toward improved fitness today!
