THE MOVEMENT has been criticized for being a community of haters. While a few of us are more grumpy than others, I don’t think this is a fair characterization of us. We are a culture based on better. For that reason, we like results. It is a part of our creed:
Results first, beliefs second.
There has been a sissification of fitness in the decade or so. But there have been a few fitness organizations who have moved the line back in the other direction…the preeminent being Crossfit.
It is hard to encapsulate what Crossfit is – in a sentence, paragraph, article…hell, even a single workout. I won’t attempt to describe the totality of Crossfit including the WODs, the Crossfit Games and the Black Box Philosophy but I will tell you just some of what I like about Crossfit.
1st: Progress
THE MOVEMENT defines a PR as:
more than before
It’s nice to see another fitness community that values PRs. Crossfit athletes go after density PRs in their WODs (workout of the day). A density PR is when you do more work per unit of time. And what happens when you do more work per unit time?
2nd: Aesthetics
Long time Crossfitters look amazing. And isn’t that why we work out? To look better naked. That’s a big reason why I work out. I appreciate that Crossfitters look as fit as they are.
How much better would the fitness industry be if trainers were:
1. Fit
2. Looked Fit, too
While a trainer doesn’t have to look fit in order to get his clients in shape…it does help to inspire and attract more people into fitness. And we need more people in fitness.
3rd: Variety
While specific practice is absolutely essential, limiting specific practice to two lifts, one tool or even one sport is a formula for disaster. Crossfit has perpetuated the practice of variety with their inclusion of Olympic Lifts, Powerlifts, basic gymnastics, running, jumps as well as a myriad of other exercises or gym movements.
4th: Commitment
People all over the world are participating together day after day striving together to get better performing the Workout of the Day…that’s awesome. They are committed. That is something we could all use a little more of. When we have more commitment, we get more of results…and after what is better than results?
Better Results!
Stay tuned for Part II where we explore how you can get even better results from your Crossfit Practice.
{ 6 comments }
The Crossfit chicks that don’t look like dudes are hot.
Amen.
Nice work Frankie-san.
Rock on
Mike T Nelson PhD(c)
“How much better would the fitness industry be if trainers were:
1. Fit
2. Looked Fit, too”
Really? In every commercial gym I’ve ever associated with, the most successful trainers are the ones with the best physiques. Not the smartest, not the ones that get the best results for their clients, just the best physiques. Style over substance is the current fitness industry business model.
It promotes a “look” to create a “need” then sells you the “solution”.
http://www.amazon.com/Body-Panic-Gender-Selling-Fitness/dp/0814719686
Of course, the idea that either Crossfit (or working out) will somehow turn a sows ear into silk purse is of course bullshit. But it is the name of game for the majority of the fitness industry.
http://videosift.com/video/Penn-Teller-Bullsht-Fitness-Frenzy-27-min
Bring on more ideas that will make me a fitter person, look forward to reading part II
PR today 90lbs plate deadlift (2X45lbs loose plates sandwitched) was able to get this up 10x. Was also able to pinch and rotate 2x25lbs plates for 3 sets of 10reps I took about 4 days off of pinching and come back with a very large PR quite pleased.