CrossFit is one of the single best ways to get in shape. It’s amazing. The diet, the exercise and the community make it a one-stop shop for top tier fitness: those that stick with it see amazing results. Unfortunately, many people think it’s too hard for them, and that they need to prepare prior to participation with their own weightlifting and cardio routines. This is ludicrous. CrossFit is a general physical preparedness program that builds strength, cardio, endurance, coordination and other physical skills and it does it faster and more efficiently than doing the modern split of weight training and cardio. Sure it’s tough but it’s far from impossible. Doing new things, breaking out of ruts, and growing as people is what keeps us alive and vital as we age. Sticking with the same old routine day-in and day-out makes us old before our time.
The basis of the CrossFit workout methodology is the workout of the day (wod). The wod varies considerably from day to day; each workout taxing your body differently, allowing you to push your limits while recovering from previous workouts.
CrossFit programs are completely scalable and easily modified to suit ANYBODY and EVERYBODY! Weight, reps, times, etc., can be reduced or increased, or an alternative exercise or activity can be used. Anyone looking to improve physically and athletically, or just take on a new fitness challenge will find it with CrossFit.
Because of CrossFit’s emphasis on workouts that challenge the body in a variety of ways, it has become a favourite tool of Firefighting, Military and Law Enforcement personnel the world over. CrossFit prepares the body for bursts of maximum effort followed by short recovery, such as a soldier running from cover to cover. CrossFit also emphasizes strength in a variety of modalities and positions, similar to real life situations. There are active CrossFit programs within the FBI, CIA, DEA, National Parks Service, DOE, DHS, Treasury Department, US Marshals, and Justice Departments among others.
Another group that has discovered the advantages of using CrossFit principles are Martial Artists, particularly Grapplers and Mixed Martial Arts Fighters. CrossFit workouts challenge your metabolic conditioning, and train your body for intense efforts in a variety of situations and movements. Several top MMA fighters train with CrossFit, including Chuck Liddell, Paul Buentello, and BJ Penn.
Of course, there are many workout systems out there which can improve one or another aspect of fitness. But the CrossFit system has been incredibly successful with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, with different goals and abilities. CrossFit builds community where everyone shares success.
A short film depicting the 1st year, members & friends of CrossFit Northern Ireland
If you’re trying to “get big”, then by all means, stick to a rotating schedule of isolating muscles, hit the protein powder hard, skip the cardio, and enjoy the ditzy chicks you can pick up at the bar.
If you dig that ematiated Ethiopian look, like to run marathons, and want to pick up the vegan chick from Whole Foods then keep at those super cardio sessions!
If you’re truly interested in challenging yourself, being in the best shape possible, and improving your abilities across numerous domains, then get in touch with us and join our Foundation Class. You’ll never look back.
