Showing posts with label CrossFit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CrossFit. Show all posts

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Video - Example Of A Typical CrossFit Workout

The first CrossFit video I watched online made me somewhat terrified. It looked sooo hard and fast and hard on the body - and everyone in the video looked incredibly muscular and fit.

But after watching a few more, including this quick example of a typical CrossFit workout, I found myself smiling with excitement - I really wanna try it! Wow, it looks like such an amazing workout, and it's great that you can really get such a good full-body workout in such a short amount of time.

I don't think they mention it in this video, but in one of the others, the trainer was talking about how so many of the exercises in a CrossFit workout are designed to get your body in shape for the everyday movements and tasks that you need to do in your daily life (lifting boxes, reaching up over your head to get something off a shelf, carrying things, etc.), instead of just running on a treadmill for 40 minutes, which really has no useful application for most people. I am all about functional fitness, so this sounds great to me, and seeing how much fun the people are having during this short class is inspiring and exciting.

Check it out, and find a class near you to try it for yourself!

What's a typical CrossFit workout like?
Sample Session

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Thursday, May 3, 2012

Hot Workout Trend: CrossFit - What Is It?

Amongst burgeoning fitness trends you’re sure to hear about a growing trend with strength training and fitness. It’s called Cross Fit and while it isn’t new (the first CrossFit was opened in 1995) it is a growing trend. More gyms are opening up all around the country and more people are learning the benefits of this fitness approach.

What is CrossFit?

July 2007 CrossFit Trainer certification, Sant...
July 2007 CrossFit Trainer certification, Santa Cruz, CA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
CrossFit is a strength and conditioning approach that combines several types of fitness activities including weightlifting, plyometrics, medicine ball training, and even gymnastics. The theory behind the creation of CrossFit is that a healthy and fit person should have a proficiency in ten of the general physical skills. These include cardio, endurance, strength, flexibility, speed, agility and balance.

Many police departments, fire departments, and military organizations use CrossFit in their training programs. However, you don’t have to be training for the Special Forces to benefit from a CrossFit program.

What are The Benefits of CrossFit?

CrossFit can help just about anyone develop optimal physical performance and motor development. When you’re focusing on strength, flexibility, speed, and balance your body is going to learn to move better. You’re also going to burn calories and lose weight.

Another primary benefit of CrossFit is that it is infinitely customizable. Anyone can benefit from CrossFit and start a CrossFit program. Whether you’re a seventy year old woman or a twelve year old boy, CrossFit can be customized to fit your needs, skills, and goals.

How to Get Started

CrossFit studios are popping up everywhere. And as demand continues to grow, you will be able to find more facilities. You may also be able to find CrossFit trainers at your local gym or fitness center. Some personal trainers are trained in CrossFit and can help you get started.

Crossfit Basel
Crossfit Basel (Photo credit: Big Titan)
Finally, if those options aren’t available, there are at home options. Many CrossFit studios have online or YouTube workouts. These can be advantageous because you don’t have to travel to the gym. However, proper form is important for many CrossFit exercises. You can also find many good CrossFit DVDs and books.

If you’re starting at home, consider starting with a video. Once you feel as if you have the hang of things, consider consulting with a trainer to make sure you have good form. Initially, no equipment is necessary and you can perform the exercises with your own body weight. As you improve, you may want to add weights and equipment like kettle bells to your workout.
At Home CrossFit Workouts: 
   
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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

10 Fun Fitness Trends for 2012

One of the best ways to get and stay in shape is to find a fitness activity you enjoy. However, even doing something you love can get boring if you do it over and over. It’s important to keep your fitness activities interesting and fun. One great way to do that is to embrace new fitness trends. The new year is now getting underway, here are ten fun fitness trends to keep an eye out for. Some of these may be new to you, and some you may have already tried, but they're all great ways to mix things up with your fitness goals this year!

1. Forza– Forza is a fitness program that embraces the art of samurai sword fighting. It’s a full body workout that provides both strength training and cardio benefits. If you love the idea of swinging a large sword or wooden stick you can find classes and home workout DVDs to try it yourself.

English: Maria Moline, instructor, coaches her...Image via Wikipedia2. Dance Fitness – Zumba took the country by storm last year. All across the nation Zumba studios opened up and people began working out to a Latin beat. It’s spawned a whole new generation of dance fitness classes. They’re fun, much better than your mom’s jazzercise from the 80’s, and they’re a great way to get in shape.

3. Yogalates– Yogalates is a fusion of yoga and Pilates. The core moves of yoga are blended with the concepts of core strengthening and holding poses. Proper alignment is essential. If you love yoga or Pilates or cannot decide which class to take, consider a yogalates class.

4. CrossFit– CrossFit is a strengthening and conditioning program. It was originally created to help bodybuilders develop more flexibility and endurance as well as proper form. However, people and athletes from all walks of life have found that CrossFit is infinitely customizable to any level and fitness goal.

5. Cy-Yo – Cy-Yo stands for Cycle Yoga. Yes, you read that correctly. No, you’re not trying to do downward dog as you peddle. Instead, you warm up with a yoga class and then get on your indoor bike for a spinning class. It helps gym members get the best of both worlds.

6. Yogafit– Are you starting to notice a trend here? People are blending yoga with everything. Yogafit is a blend of yoga moves and basic fitness moves. A typical YogaFit class might move from downward dog to push ups, to get additional cardio and strengthening benefits in one fun workout that doesn't get boring.

7. Functional fitness. Using strength training to improve balance and ease of daily living. Functional fitness focuses on teaching your body to perform daily movements instead of being able to lift a 100 pound barbell over your chest. It’s practical strength training that you can use in your everyday life to help prevent injury and stay in shape.

8. Hiring a personal trainer or group training. More and more people are discovering the benefit of personal trainers. In this setting, you receive focused attention from a specialist, which helps you reach your fitness goals more quickly.

English: A senior practicing weight training a...Image via Wikipedia9. Golden oldies programs – More and more baby boomers are getting into the health and wellness trend. That’s opened up a market for senior programs. You can now find fitness courses dedicated specifically to the needs of older folks and retirees.

10. Fitness classes for children. As childhood obesity continues to increase, more and more fitness professionals are creating programs specifically to help motivate children to get healthy. If you have kids, keep an eye out for fun ways for them to get involved in more physical activities.

Fitness trends arise from demand. They help keep your workout interesting and fun, and motivate you to continue pursuing exercise and fitness throughout your life. If you're in a rut, check out one of these fun ideas to keep you on track with your fitness goals for the year!

Check Out DVDs Of These Trends You Can Do At Home:
   


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