Benefits of CrossFit

You may already know, but in case you don't, I have started CrossFit. So today, I want to give you the benefits of CrossFit from my perspective.

You can read more about what CrossFit is if you are not familiar with it. But, you have probably heard of it by now. Basically, Crossfit is one of the hottest fitness trends out there right now.

It combines many of the techniques that top athletes use. And uses high-intensity training to produce the benefits of Crossfit that is known for.

In the exercise community, there doesn’t seem to be much of an in between. Either you love Crossfit or you have no use for it at all (hate it).

Because you’re still reading, I’m going to assume you’re one of those people who either see the benefit, or you’re curious about what Crossfit can do for you.

I just got tired of being out of shape. And honestly, (keeping it real here) being self-conscious of my arms in sleeveless tops/dresses. But, whether you are just working on getting back into shape or you are looking to increase your athletic performance, the benefits of Crossfit are real.

Crossfit is popular for a reason. To put it plainly, the exercise technique is changing lives. People are gaining muscle, losing weight, and discovering a love of fitness they have never had before.

I have talked with quite a few people at the gym and the changes they have experienced as a result of the benefits of Crossfit have been huge. Former couch potatoes (by their own admission) now active and fit people!

5 Benefits of CrossFit

Wondering if you have some fitness needs that Crossfit can fill? Look no further, here are some great benefits to the exercise craze that just keeps getting better:

1. All Around Amazing fitness

When I think of the benefits of CrossFit, probably the first one is that it pulls from many different types of training for an all over type of fitness.

From different types of sports, from martial arts to gymnastics, to weightlifting - CrossFit uses them all. This gives a total body approach to fitness that you don't get with a program that focuses on only one area.

This approach helps to increase your flexibility, stamina, and endurance. You are constantly challenging new muscle groups and pushing new boundaries to your fitness level.

Stubborn weight will come off, and because of the intensity and variety of the workouts you do, you find that you rarely hit a fitness plateau.

2. Faster Results

Another one of the benefits of Crossfit is its use high-intensity training. High-intensity training (HIIT) has been proven to give the people who are employing the technique faster results.

That means increased strength, stamina, and weight loss. When you start to see results right away, that will motivate you to keep going. That motivation carries you on until you accomplish exactly what you wanted to when you began Crossfit.

I am not where I want to be but, the results have been faster than with other types of exercise I have tried! It is exciting to see the progress from not being able to lift anything but the weight bar to now adding weights to the bar!

3. Time Saver Workouts

Many of the WOD (workout of the day) can be done in about 20 minutes. That means that you aren’t committing to spending a lifetime at the gym.

Feeling less than motivated today to exercise? It is so much easier to convince yourself to spend 20 minutes working out than it is to commit to a workout that is an hour or two long.

This to me is another huge benefit! I have a life and a family that needs me to be present. I can't spend my whole day (or a large part of it) working out.

And, believe me, at the end of the WOD (about 20 mins), you are tired!

4. Becoming Involved in a Community

In the Crossfit gym (or "box"), you are working together with a group of people that you will get to know. Some of the workouts are done with a partner as you go through the WOD.

I can tell you, though, that as a beginner, I have not been made to feel a lesser member because I can't lift heavy. Just the opposite - everyone has been very encouraging!

Even with the classes in which the workouts are done on your own, everyone works on the same moves, at their appropriate level, for a set amount of time.

Having people around you also helps with accountability. Making new friends and working together towards a goal creates a human connection that will spill over from the gym.

So, not only are you reaching new heights in your health, you’re making new friends as well.

Going to the gym also brings out a competitive spirit in me that helps me push myself to keep going and finish. This is within reason, of course.

You need to know your body, what you can tolerate and stop when needed.

5. Freedom from Boring Workouts

Every day when you walk into the gym, you are going to be faced with a new challenge. That means you won’t ever have the chance to get bored.

When we spend every day working on a treadmill or elliptical, it can become dull. Then, it is easy to quit because of boredom. Plus, your body learns how to become efficient at the exercise done routinely and you lose some of the benefits.

When exercise becomes boring or we don't see results, it can cause us to lose our focus. Read: give up on our exercise goals.

Changing your workout on a daily basis means you are going to stay interested, challenged and stick with it.

Remaining engaged in what you are working on will make such a difference when it comes to sticking to it. You are going to love how Crossfit keeps your interest.

What Are You Looking For?

There are so many benefits to Crossfit, that it is difficult to name them all in one article. For each person, there is a different benefit that they are looking for.

Maybe you are:

• looking to lose weight
• recognizing that you are out of shape and ready to make a change
• wanting to get out of the house
• desiring to meet new people.
• wanting to get your energy and fitness level back so you can keep up with your children or an active spouse

That’s the beauty of Crossfit. There is something in these workouts that can benefit you no matter your fitness level or fitness goals.

Have you tried Crossfit? What benefits do you see?