Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Makes It Different?CrossFit TrainingAre the Exercises Adaptable?Should You Do CrossFit?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Makes It Different?
CrossFit Training
Are the Exercises Adaptable?
Should You Do CrossFit?
MoMo Productions / Getty Images
What Makes CrossFit Training Different?
CrossFit training differs from other workouts because every session is unpredictable. One day, you might lift heavy weights with a barbell, and the next day, you may run sprints and do pull-ups. CrossFit aims to prepare you for any physical challenge in your daily life.
CrossFit workouts are always high-intensity and competitive. Workouts are often performed as fast as possible or focus on completing the most repetitions possible in a given amount of time.
CrossFit is a franchise, and locations—called affiliates—are independently owned and operated. However, all CrossFit affiliates are required to follow the same CrossFit methodology.CrossFit facilities are typically called a “box” rather than a “gym.”
CrossFit is more costly than a typical gym membership due to CrossFit-exclusive equipment, extensive facilities, and personalized coaching.CrossFit provides trainer-led workouts adaptable to any fitness level and is often described as a lifestyle because it allows for a strong sense of community and support.
Beginner CrossFit ExercisesJust as you do not need to be in shape to step into a gym, you do not need to be fit to participate in CrossFit. Affiliates often have an introduction class for people who are new to the sport. The purpose of this class is to introduce the basic movements used in CrossFit workouts.
Beginner CrossFit Exercises
Just as you do not need to be in shape to step into a gym, you do not need to be fit to participate in CrossFit. Affiliates often have an introduction class for people who are new to the sport. The purpose of this class is to introduce the basic movements used in CrossFit workouts.
Top Benefits of Cardiovascular Endurance (Plus 5 Exercises)
Training in a Gym With a Professional CrossFitter
The structure of a typical CrossFit session may vary among locations since they are all independently owned and operated. However, since they all follow the same CrossFit methodology, you can expect the workout to last for about an hour and include the following certified trainer-led activities:
CrossFit trainers are responsible for the athletes' health and safety and will modify the workouts according to your fitness level.
Types of exercise you may do during a CrossFit workout include:
Terms CrossFitters UseCrossFitters use a variety of terms and abbreviations, such as:Box or affiliate:CrossFit gymWOD:Workout of the dayAMRAP:As many rounds or repetitions as possibleEMOM:Every minute, on the minuteRx’d:Workout was performed as prescribed (specific weights and/or technique) without modificationsScaled:Workout was performed with modified technique and/or less weight
Terms CrossFitters Use
CrossFitters use a variety of terms and abbreviations, such as:Box or affiliate:CrossFit gymWOD:Workout of the dayAMRAP:As many rounds or repetitions as possibleEMOM:Every minute, on the minuteRx’d:Workout was performed as prescribed (specific weights and/or technique) without modificationsScaled:Workout was performed with modified technique and/or less weight
CrossFitters use a variety of terms and abbreviations, such as:
CrossFit exercises can be adapted to any fitness level, even if you have never worked out. During workout sessions, beginners perform the same activities as everyone else—with movements modified to their fitness level. This is called scaling the workout.
Reasons to Skip or Save CrossFit for Later
Although CrossFit workouts are adaptable, they might not be appropriate for some people—particularly those with certain medical conditions present or preexisting injuries.
CrossFit workouts are high-intensity, and exercises are often done quickly, which can increase the risk of injury—especially if the movements aren’t done with proper technique. The most common CrossFit-related injuries affect the shoulders, back, knees, elbow, and wrists.
CrossFit can also cause a rare but serious condition calledrhabdomyolysis. Excessive exercise can cause muscles to break down, releasing toxic chemicals into the bloodstream. This can lead to life-threatening kidney or other internal organ failure in severe cases.
Rhabdomyolysis can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level, and should be treated immediately.Symptoms can include:
Summary
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
CrossFit.com.What is CrossFit?.
321WOD.com.Why is CrossFit so expensive? Exploring the reasons behind the cost.
Wagener S, Hoppe MW, Hotfiel T, et al.CrossFit® – development, benefits and risks [CrossFit® – Entwicklung, Nutzen und Risiken].Sportorthopa¨die-Sporttraumatologie. 2020;36(3):241-249. doi:10.1016/j.orthtr.2020.07.001
Wagener S, Hoppe MW, Hotfiel T, et al.Crossfit® – development, benefits and risks.Sportorthopa¨die-Sporttraumatologie. 2020;36(3):241-249. doi:10.1016%2Fj.orthtr.2020.07.001
CrossFit.com.Welcome to CrossFit.
Torres PA, Helmstetter JA, Kaye AM, Kaye AD.Rhabdomyolysis: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.Ochsner J. 2015;15(1):58-69. doi:
Lawrensia S, Henrina J, Cahyadi A.Crossfit-induced rhabdomyolysis in a young healthy indonesian male.Cureus. 13(4):e14723. doi:10.7759%2Fcureus.14723
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rhabdomyolysis.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
