The demand for Seattle CrossFit classes is increasing. A 2016 CNBC feature revealed that there are at least 4 million people who enjoy the program. The workout also has a presence in over 100 countries.
There’s a good chance that you heard about it, too, and you’re wondering if it’s something that you can do to tick your weight-loss resolution for 2019. To help you decide, learn more about it here:
1. What Is CrossFit?
There are different ways to define CrossFit. All of them tend to focus on some vital elements:
- High-intensity, which means that it pushes a person to perform an exercise routine 100% within a given amount of time
- Varied, which means that the workouts can differ each day
- Functional, which means that the movements are likely the ones a person uses on a daily basis
2. How Many Calories Can You Burn?
Many people who desire to do CrossFit have weight loss in mind, so the most basic question is, how much calories can you lose when you do the exercise? According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), it can be between 13 and 18 calories for every minute, depending on the effort and gender. Men tend to lose more than women.
Weight loss, though, is not the only focus of CrossFit. Instead, it wants to provide doable exercise routines that can help develop endurance, speed, agility, strength, and conditioning. There are also many factors that can affect a person’s weight. These can include preexisting conditions, age, and even genetics. What’s essential is for a person to look beyond the scale and measure health on a more scientific approach.
3. How Different Is It from High-Intensity Interval Training?
Confusing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with CrossFit is easy. After all, aren’t they both high-intensity workouts? There are similarities and differences.
One, they can be the same when it comes to the composition of a workout. Both have mixed modalities. In other words, you can perform a variety of exercises in the program. CrossFit has the term “workouts of the day.” These can be a combination of a sprint, burpee, or squat. Both can also require tools such as medicine balls.
CrossFit, though, can be more comprehensive. Since it emphasizes strength, clean and jerk or weights are part of the equation. There will also be some elements of gymnastics.
The concept of HIIT can also be broad, and one can apply the principles to other forms of exercise. In HIIT, you perform a specific routine within a short amount of time (say, 20 seconds) to 100% of your capacity. Then, you rest for 10 seconds. You can then repeat the set to constitute 30 to 60 minutes of a workout.
4. Do You Need to Be Fit to Start CrossFit?
Walk into any box (or CrossFit gym), and it’s easy to feel intimidated by what you see: strong, fast, and flexible people. The program, though, promotes inclusivity. It means that anyone, from children to older adults, can perform the workouts. Certified trainers, on the other hand, can create a more personalized program for those who need it.
5. How Long Are CrossFit Workouts?
Contrary to popular belief, the actual CrossFit workout takes no more than 20 minutes. After all, it’s already a high-intensity program. Before you perform them, you need to do some warm-ups and end the workout with a cool down. Overall, it might be 45 minutes.
Some people are worried about doing CrossFit due to possible injuries, but with the right trainer, you can avoid these issues. Most of all, you can maximize your workouts to see the results that you have always wanted.