CrossFit is King
CrossFit is King
Located in 142 countries across 7 continents, CrossFit boasts around 13,000 gyms and nearly 4 million participants and is arguably the biggest fitness trend in the world.
In an already crowded fitness space, where gyms and workout programs compete for tooth and nail for a share of the market space, CrossFit seems to not only survive but thrive – growing in popularity. But what has caused it to catch on like wildfire? What is the secret ingredient? What’s made them grow, while gyms and other programs struggle and/or fizzle out?
In short, CrossFit is king in the fitness industry right now, and here are some top reasons why.
What Routine?
We, as humans, love routine. We typically have a pre-work and work routine, schools follow a routine with their students, most of us parents have a bedtime routine with our kids – the list really goes on and on. We love routine. But one place a routine is NOT a good idea is when it comes to working out.
As long acknowledged by fitness experts, the best fitness results come from switching up the workout “routine.” You don’t want your muscles to get stuck in a rut, and get used to the movement and weights.
CrossFit not only acknowledges this fitness rule, it’s built around this fitness rule. Just look at this quote from the CEO and Founder, Greg Glassman: “Routine is the enemy. Keep workouts short and intense.”
The Intensity is Intense
This point seems obvious – how can intensity not be intense? But, CrossFit really does take its intensity to the next level. Focusing solely on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, CrossFit helps individuals improve their aerobic fitness while burning a ton of calories in the process – all in a short amount of time (hence the intensity).
Focus on the Core
While a lack of “routine” is CrossFit’s routine, all exercises and WOD (Workout of the Days) focus on the core. According to CrossFit’s website, all CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing, and more. These are the core movements of life. They move the largest loads the longest distances, so they are ideal for maximizing the amount of work done in the shortest time.
Sense of Community
From early on, we learn from youth teams, we learn that sports forge friendships, and as adults, it’s no different. What CrossFit has done that many gyms and workout programs have failed to do is foster a sense of community among its participants. Each gym functions as a type of “family” where they take pride in their gym, encourage one another and accomplish individual goals together as a team.
Competition - CrossFit Games
Nothing drives results quite like a competition – just look at professional sports. Athletes practice day in and day out – but we don’t tune in to ESPN to watch the practice drills, we are glued to the television ready to see the amazing lengths professional athletes push themselves to in the heat of a competitive game. CrossFit has tapped into that with the ever-popular CrossFit Games.
If you are looking to join this growing fitness movement, there are gyms literally everywhere. Find a location near you here. If you are local to the Cookeville, Tennessee area (an hour east of Nashville), make sure to check out CrossFit Mayhem run by Rich Froning. A CrossFit competitor and fitness influencer himself (just check out this spotlight article in Men’s Health), Rich has built a great CrossFit atmosphere and has assembled a winning team to work with.
If you are looking to soothe muscle soreness due to a hard workout, check out ithriveX Performance Cream. It’s an all-natural pain relief cream that will help get you ready for your next workout in no time.
