Because not everyone knows what CrossFit is... yet!
Unless you've been living under a yoga mat since the year 2000 (with no 4G, Instagram or smoothie bars), you've almost-definitely heard about the fitness craze that is CrossFit -- and it probably conjures up images of Eddie Hall-style weightlifting, massive muscles, paleo diets, sweat, hardcore workouts, six-packs and a heavily-filtered feed chockfull of #fitlife. That's how popular this workout has become.
But unlike most fitness trends born out of a garage in California, we wouldn't bet against this one because it is here to stay. It doesn't matter whether you want to get stronger, shed some weight, join the tight-knit community of ride or die gym-lovers, or you're just slightly intrigued -- CrossFit has become a fitness phenomenon because it appeals to everyone.
But what actually is CrossFit... you know... aside from being a super-intense sweat-maker? Well, to help you finally answer that question, we've created a beginner's guide that will decipher every question you have:
What is CrossFit?
Where's better to start than the official definition of CrossFit, which reads: "constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity." To which you're probably thinking, "okay, but what does that mean, errr, in Layman's terms?"
Let us answer that for you... simply: it means hitting a bunch of different workouts as hard and fast as you can for a set period of time; workouts that typically require basic (or even no) equipment, like push-ups, crunches, burpees, rowers, barbells, jump ropes, medicine balls, pull-up bars and that sort of stuff.
And that's what makes it so awesome. Everything is adaptable and setup to accommodate different people with different goals and at different stages in their journey. It's a high-intensity workout that's all about getting the most bang for your workout buck, whatever that buck looks like to you.
As anyone that's into CrossFit will tell you: instead of using machines, you are your machine.
What's the idea behind it?
Everyone uses CrossFit to achieve different aims and reach different targets, but they use CrossFit as their medium because it's freakin' great at helping you develop multiple things at simultaneously. It's a one-workout-builds-all situation, meaning you can build strong muscles in your arms, legs and core, while improving your balance, agility, speed and stamina at the same time.
But here's the best part: because you're constantly mixing it up, matching the different moves, and learning different styles as you grow, you're able to improve your health and fitness without any specific objective in mind. Basically, it's a mash-up of all the different fitness trends - gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing, everything - handing you the biggest benefits of them all.
Is it too intense for beginners?
Hell no. CrossFit is a workout you can ease yourself into and then work your way up.