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If you have any exercise fanatics as friends, you'll already know that CrossFit one of the biggest fitness trends around right now.
Devotees claim that once you try it, you won't stop coming back for more. But newbies are often intimated by the prospect of this tough training regime.
However, CrossFit isn't as scary as you might think. In fact, it could be a great way to become stronger, lose weight, and maybe even be fun... well, eventually at least!
Here's everything you need to know about the latest exercise craze.
So... what exactly is ‘CrossFit’?
CrossFit is a training regime that builds strength and conditioning through extremely varied and challenging workouts.
It involves attending an intensive one-hour session several times a week. Classes are normally limited to 14 people or less, so that a qualified instructor can give each attendee individual attention.
They’ll also keep an eye on your technique, and help you make any adjustments needed for safety and your fitness level.
CrossFit involves ‘constantly varied movement’ – from weight training to gymnastics to cardio – and every class features a different WOD (‘workout of the day’). So if you get bored easily, this could be the one for you!
Who is it suitable for?
CrossFit gyms and practitioners claim it’s suitable for everyone; from those who are totally unfit right up to complete gym bods. This is because the intensity of workouts can be dialled up and down to suit a person's individual needs.
That said, be prepared to sweat... a lot. This is labelled high-intensity exercise for a reason.
Is it pricey?
Owing to the personal attention in class, and carefully crafted sessions, CrossFit tends to be more expensive than just going to the gym.
On average, you’re looking at a couple of hundred Euros per month.
To start out, you might want to sign up for a taster class or two online, and most CrossFit gyms currently offer this option.
What are the benefits?
Because CrossFit involves high-intensity exercise and constantly mixes up your training, you can likely expect to see results quickly. If you’re consistent with attending, that is.
It can build up your strength, speed, flexibility and endurance, as well as help you lost excess body fat.
Many people also enjoy Crossfit’s ‘community’ feel and the opportunity to train alongside peers rather than alone, which could be useful motivation-wise.
Anything else I should bear in mind?
Although it might be billed as ‘suitable for all’, there are plenty of people out there who claim CrossFit is the hardest exercise regime they’ve ever undertaken.
So it’s advisable to build up a decent base level of fitness first, in order to feel fully confident and comfortable in CrossFit’s typical group setting.
That said, if you’re willing to suffer the initial awkwardness, then don’t let us stop you!
Most CrossFit ‘boxes’ (as its training communities are known) also offer personal one-to-one sessions to get you started. They say they welcome those who’ve been rooted to the couch for too long as much as the fitness fans out there.
Where can I find out more?
CrossFit has really taken off in recent years, and a quick online search throws up tons of providers throughout the country. Many of them are even providing online classes during lockdown. Could now be the time to investigate this growing trend further?
