The Power of GPP: How CrossFit prepares you for anything

At Onyx Tribe CrossFit, we believe in training for life, not just for the gym. That’s why our CrossFit programming is built around a powerful concept called General Physical Preparedness (GPP). It’s the foundation of everything we do, and it’s what makes CrossFit so effective for individuals of all abilities.

CrossFit will prepare you for the known, the unknown, and the unknowable i.e. life!

But what exactly is GPP, and why does it matter?

Let’s break it down.

What is GPP?

GPP stands for General Physical Preparedness, a training philosophy that focuses on building a broad, adaptable base of fitness. Instead of specialising in one skill or sport, GPP prepares you for anything and everything life might throw your way, and CrossFit embodies this approach through constantly varied, functional movements performed at high intensity. The result? A well-rounded individual who’s strong, mobile, and resilient.

CrossFit is about being YOUR best self, and the beauty of GPP is that all movements are executed at a high intensity, relative to YOU. Your high intensity is different to anyone else's and in fact your own high intensity levels will vary daily.

What's also amazing about GPP is the transferability of every movement to other movements, i.e. the benefits you gain from doing squats will transfer over to other movements that don't "look" like a squat, for example, walking up and down the stairs! What does this mean? We explain further on in the article.

Let's debunk some common myths

1. “I need to be fit before I start CrossFit.”

This one couldn’t be further from the truth. CrossFit is how you get fit. Every workout is scalable, meaning it can be adjusted to meet you exactly where you are. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, the goal is the same: consistently show up, work hard, and improve over time.

2. “I need to practice a skill over and over to get better at it.”

While repetition is vital, CrossFit’s GPP model proves that progress doesn’t always look like practice. You might not be doing handstand walks every week, but you’re building the strength, balance, and coordination needed for them through other movements, like overhead squats, core strength exercises, and presses.

You can’t train everything every day

Even elite athletes can’t train every skill daily. There are simply too many elements in CrossFit. From cardiorespiratory fitness and stamina to bodyweight movements (gymnastics) and Olympic lifting. Not forgetting mobility, agility, and more.

That’s where GPP shines. It builds the foundational qualities that transfer across multiple skills. For example:

·         Olympic lifts improve maximal (hip) extension, vital also for muscle-ups.

·         Overhead squats develop shoulder stability for handstand walks, whilst improving total body mobility.

·         Wall balls and box jumps improve coordination and explosive power.

So even if you’re not directly practicing a skill, you’re still making progress toward it!

Fitness That Transfers to Life

GPP isn’t just about performance in the gym, it’s about being ready for life. Whether it’s carrying shopping bags, chasing your kids, or hiking up a mountain, CrossFit gives you the strength, stamina, and confidence to handle it all. You’re not just training for a workout. You’re training for whatever comes next.

Want to Learn More?

We dive deeper into this topic in Episode 32 of our QuickCast, where we explore:

·         Why GPP is the foundation of CrossFit.

·         How it helps you progress, even when you’re not training a skill directly

·         Why it’s the most effective way to build real-world fitness.

👉 Listen or watch now

Final Thoughts

The programming at Onyx Tribe CrossFit is designed to help you become the most capable version of yourself, in and out of the gym.

You do not need to be fit to start. You do not need to master every skill. You just need to show up and trust the process.

📩 Have questions or want help with your current exercise regime? Call on 01480700506, send us a WhatsApp or drop us an email: theonyxteam@weareonyx.co.uk