The CrossFit program is intentionally broad, general and inclusive. Our specialty is not specializing. Combat, survival, many sports, and life in general reward this kind of fitness and, on average, punish the specialist.
CrossFit is designed for universal scalability making it the perfect application for any committed individual regardless of experience. The fitness needs of Olympic athletes and our grandparents differ in degree not kind. We scale load and intensity; we don't change programs.
Specifically, CrossFit is constantly varied functional movement performed at high intensity. Constantly varied combinations of movements are the best way to stimulate muscle developement, avoid injury, and keep workouts fun and engaging. Routine is the enemy of fitness.
Functional movements are those movements unique in their ability to produce athletic power. Generally, they are multiple joint movements as opposed to isolation exercises. You won't find many machines in a CrossFit gym. Your body is the machine. Fitness is about increasing the efficiency, strength, and power of that machine.
Intensity is the most essential element to any training program. If you're not sweating then why bother working out? An effective way to ensure intensity is to perform a set amount of work (specific sets, reps and movements) as fast as possible. However, intensity is relative to each person. This is why CrossFit is infinitely scalable to individual abilities. The body only adapts when challenged. There are no shortcuts to real fitness.
A hallmark of the CrossFit gym is that the workouts are done in a class setting under the instruction and guidance of an experienced trainer. The shared experience of hard work builds friendships and community while holding each other accountable in reaching fitness goals. Plus it's just a heck of a lot of fun. Come join in.
