I just prepared a Power Point presentation that I will be delivering to a bunch of chiropractors tomorrow evening at Life University for a continuing education class. “What is CrossFit?” The funny thing to me, is that the power point is really serving one primary purpose. To keep me within the allotted timeline.
I could talk on what CrossFit is, without any power point, prop, note, or cue for hours if given the chance. I have to tell you, the only thing I really don’t like about CrossFit, is that I didn’t invent it. Rarely do I get behind something concocted out of someone elses brain with so much commitment. Chiropractic, CrossFit, and of course the one that trumps them all, Christ as Messiah. I love Juice Plus, Beyond Organic and Genesis Pure for what they are doing with their products. But CrossFit can really change a life in many ways, for the better of course, if you understand it.
I never loved my workouts. I always loved the result. This is very common in the world of CrossFit if you begin asking the right questions. People will begin telling of how much they love the workouts. Do you really love kickboxing? I mean, I know you have fun, you think its cool, you like the feeling of power and the fitness it is giving you. But do you really love it? I think more people love kickboxing than they do step aerobics. I think Yoga falls into the category with kickboxing… probably more love there than the average spin class. But in the end, CrossFit trumps them all. And is better for you. Why? Thanks, I was hoping you might ask that.
The Ten Components of Physical Fitness – Via CrossFit
- Cardiovascular/Respiratory Endurance
- Strength
- Stamina
- Power
- Speed
- Agility
- Flexibility
- Balance
- Coordination
- Accuracy
That first ten had me trusting CrossFit early on. I began CrossFit as my exclusive training program almost nine years ago in my basement, partly because of that list. Partly because FRAN crushed me, and I didn’t want that on my resume. But as I dug in more, it really occurred to me, that I had nver really understood fitness. I had been a personal trainer, and I had a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology, but when it came to understanding the idea of being able to “Do More Work Faster”, a common phrase in CrossFit… I was lost.
So, lets put you to the test, and see how it shakes out. Who is more Fit:
1. Lance Armstrong types – cyclists, runners, triathletes who all focus on endurance (pretty much point # 1 above).
2. Arnold Schwarzenegger types? ( probably more 2 than anything, though an olympic weight lifter would argue that he isn’t strong)
3. Decathletes? Sprinters? Swimmers?
You see, everyone in the list above is a specialist. Though Outdoor magazine usually crowns triathletes as the fittest people on Earth, whereas CrossFit, crowns the winner of the CrossFit Games the fittest on earth. Why? Because they are in the business of building everyone into NON-SPECIALISTS. People who don’t do any one thing exceedingly well, but who do everything better than average.
I am on that path in a small scale, I can Dead-lift 475#, I can run a 5k in sub 20 minutes, and I have done plenty of 24 hour adventure races that have been very successful. Pull-ups, squats, sprinting… I have a good amount of all of that. Thanks to CrossFit.
So what is the value to you? Increased Growth Hormone, ligamentous stability, increased testosterone, greater balance, speed agility and strength; all provided from a simple focused workout. It is infinitely scale-able, so if you have a reason you cannot do it, it is actually only a reason why you can. So, I think I am ready for tomorrow’s presentation now… Thanks!