CrossFit has emerged as a game-changer in the fitness industry, offering a unique blend of strength and conditioning exercises that challenge the body in new and exciting ways. This high-intensity workout program is designed to push your physical limits and transform your fitness routine. In this article, we'll debunk some common myths about CrossFit, highlight its benefits, key exercises, and how to incorporate it into your home workouts.

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is a branded fitness regimen created by Greg Glassman, consisting of functional and constantly varied movements performed at high intensity. These functional movements are ones you perform every day — lifting objects, squatting, jumping, or stretching exercises. A CrossFit workout takes these everyday movements and leverages them for a workout by adding higher weights, faster movements, or longer distances.

The idea is to increase the overall power necessary to perform these movements, building muscle and strength, improving flexibility, and increasing stamina.

The Benefits of CrossFit

CrossFit is a high-intensity workout combined with function. These movements build strength and endurance, while having practical applications within your everyday life.

It isn’t just for people with athletic backgrounds. The functional benefits help people of all ages. Strength training is beneficial to support our bodies through activities needed in everyday life. CrossFit workouts are designed to help build strength and ensure that you work towards your goals.

 

5 Myths about CrossFit

1) CrossFit is dangerous:

Like any sport or fitness program, CrossFit carries its share of risk. However, the majority of injuries that occur are often due to athletes pushing beyond their limits rather than the program itself. With proper coaching and programming, CrossFit can be safely practiced by anyone.

2) You need to have an athletic background to do CrossFit:

CrossFit is designed to fit everyone’s ability level, regardless of their athletic background. The shared passion for fitness and health is what connects all CrossFitters.

3) You need to be 'in shape' to do CrossFit:

CrossFit is scalable to the abilities of the athlete, meaning that anyone, regardless of their current fitness level, can start CrossFit. The workouts can be modified to suit your abilities and gradually increased as your fitness improves.

4) CrossFit isn't for the elderly:

Thanks to the scalability of CrossFit programming, older athletes can also participate in the workouts. The exercises can be modified to take into account range of motion, mobility, and health issues, allowing older adults to exercise safely but at a high intensity.

5) CrossFit will make women bulky:

Many women fear that CrossFit will make them bulky. However, gaining significant muscle mass requires specific training and dietary choices. CrossFit workouts, which combine cardio, weightlifting, and gymnastics, are more likely to result in a lean, toned physique than a bulky one.

 

 

CrossFit Exercises for Beginners

Starting CrossFit can be as simple as incorporating basic exercises into your workout routine. Here are a few foundational CrossFit exercises:

Air Squats: A bodyweight squat that targets the lower body.

Push-ups: A classic bodyweight exercise that strengthens the upper body.

Pull-ups: A challenging upper body exercise that can be modified for beginners.

Kettlebell Swings: A full-body exercise that improves strength and cardiovascular fitness.

Remember, the key to CrossFit is not just about doing the exercises but doing them at a high intensity and varying them regularly.

 

Essential CrossFit Equipment for Home Workouts

Having the right equipment can make your CrossFit workouts more effective. At Better Body Equipment, we offer a range of products that can help you get the most out of your workouts:

Better Body Weight Barbell: 

This 45lbs barbell is perfect for a variety of CrossFit exercises, from deadlifts to cleans.

Better Bumper Plates:

Available in sets of two (10-45lbs), these plates are essential for weightlifting exercises.

Air Bike:

An excellent tool for cardio and strength, the Air Bike can help you improve your endurance—a key aspect of CrossFit.

Adjustable Heavy Duty Bench:

This exercise bench is versatile and can be used for a range of exercises, from bench press to step-ups.

Better Body Power Rack:

Ideal for strength training exercises, this power rack can help you safely perform squats, bench presses, and more.

How to Incorporate CrossFit into Your Home Workout Routine

Incorporating CrossFit into your home workout routine doesn't have to be a daunting task. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1) Start Small: If you're new to CrossFit, it's best to start with one or two basic exercises. This could be functional movements like air squats, push-ups, or kettlebell swings. The goal is to get your body accustomed to the style of CrossFit workouts, which often involve high-intensity, functional movements

2) Learn the Correct Form: Before you increase the intensity of your workouts, it's crucial to ensure that you're performing each exercise with the correct form. This not only helps to prevent injuries but also ensures that you're working the right muscle groups and getting the most out of each exercise.

3) Gradually Increase Intensity: Once you're comfortable with the basic exercises, you can start to increase the intensity of your workouts. This could mean adding more weight, performing more reps, or reducing the rest time between sets. Remember, the goal of CrossFit is to keep your workouts high-intensity, so push yourself, but always listen to your body and don't overdo it.

4) Add Variety: One of the key principles of CrossFit is variety. Try to mix up your workouts regularly to keep your body guessing and to prevent plateaus. This could involve trying new exercises, changing the order of your workouts, or incorporating different types of training like cardio or strength training.

5) Consistency is Key: As with any fitness regimen, consistency is key when it comes to CrossFit. Try to stick to a regular workout schedule, whether that's three times a week or every day. Remember, it's better to do shorter, more frequent workouts than to do long workouts sporadically.

 

As Mat Fraser, a five-time CrossFit Games champion, says, "Hard Work Pays Off." Read more about Mat Fraser's inspiring journey here.

CrossFit offers a unique approach to fitness that can help you improve your strength, agility, and endurance.

With the right equipment and mindset, you can start your CrossFit journey today.

So why wait?

Check out our range of products and start your CrossFit journey today.