Benefits of crossfit: why it’s one of the trendiest exercise options

Crossfit has gained great popularity in recent years as one of the most popular fitness trends in the world. But what exactly is crossfit? And what are its main benefits? Below, we find out all about this training method.

What is crossfit and how is it practised?

Crossfit is defined as a constantly varied, high-intensity functional training method that combines aerobics, gymnastics, weight lifting and functional movements. It involves using Olympic bars, dumbbells, kettlebells, rowing machines, air bikes, medicine balls, ropes, rings… and even one’s own body. It was created in 2000 by Greg Glassman and has become one of the greatest fitness movements worldwide, with around 15,000 boxes (affiliated gyms) in over 150 countries.

The sessions usually last about an hour and include a warm-up, a technical part to learn movements and strength, the WOD (‘Workout of the Day’) and a final stretching phase to conclude the workout and avoid injury. It’s practised in small groups, always under the supervision of certified trainers, and the exercises can be adapted to the specific physical level of each person, progressively increasing the workload.

Benefits of crossfit: what’s it for?

The benefits of crossfit are many and varied, as it allows you to develop strength, endurance, mobility, agility and coordination, skills that are very useful in everyday life. 

But what is crossfit for? This is how it can help you:

• Improves overall fitness. Crossfit works the whole body, including muscles that we sometimes forget to exercise. As a result, you can achieve greater strength and endurance.
• Builds strength and muscle. Weight training is an excellent way to build strength and muscle mass. In addition, the variety of exercises, from squats to deadlifts, allows you to work all muscle groups and develop power, flexibility, coordination and agility at the same time. 
• Increases cardiovascular health. High-intensity cardiovascular exercises, such as running or cycling on an exercise bike, improve blood circulation, strengthen the heart and increase endurance. 
• Promotes weight loss. Crossfit workouts allow you to burn calories efficiently in a short time. 
• Creates a community. One of the great benefits of crossfit is the sense of belonging. Training in a group generates motivation, support and commitment, as everyone is facing the same physical challenge. 
• It promotes mental health. This type of exercise releases endorphins, reduces anxiety and improves self-esteem thanks to the feeling of physical progress and self-improvement. Some studies also corroborate that physically active people tend to feel better emotionally. 
   

How crossfit helps with weight loss and muscle toning

Many people turn to exercise as a way to burn calories and reduce body fat. If this is what you are looking for, you should know that crossfit is highly effective for weight loss. As we’ve seen, high-intensity workouts that combine aerobic exercise, strength training and functional movements increase calorie expenditure, promote body fat reduction and produce the well-known afterburn effect (where the body continues to burn calories even after training has finished), making them ideal for weight loss. 

Downsides of crossfit. What should I be aware of?
 

Although CrossFit offers numerous benefits, this practice, like any other, also carries certain risks. Among the disadvantages of CrossFit are injuries, particularly to the shoulders, knees or back, which can be exacerbated by poor technique, insufficient rest or overtraining.

Nonetheless, crossfit is an effective and comprehensive method for training strength, endurance, mobility and mental well-being. Based on functional movements at high intensity and performed in a group, it remains one of the most attractive and effective exercise options of the moment.