Friday

Why has CrossFit grown from 300 affiliates worldwide 1 year ago when CrossFit Geneseo affiliated to almost 1000 affiliates worldwide one year later?

Because it works. That's the simple answer. Why does it work?

The CrossFit method uses constantly varied if not randomized functional movements executed at high intensity. That's the short definition that I think leaves out one key element - community. Regardless if you crossfit on your own, at an affiliate, or in a globogym with your friends, you belong to a worldwide community that does the same workouts, and has the same training philosophy. We share a language: "What's your Fran time?" "Cindy is a bitch" "Yeah Burpees". We have all been to that scary, painful place these workouts take you to and have survived together. That is how relationships are built and those relationships keep bringing us back to the workout. This builds consistency in our training. Consistensy is essential to the success of any exercise regimen.

Another significant component missing in the short definition is correct form or virtuosity. The CrossFit method insists that the functional movements are done with correct and precise form to decrease risk of injury and exercise the joints through a full range of motion. This results in a body that is trained for whatever life throws your way.

Constantly varied because the demands of life are constantly varied and that is how we need to train. Also, a constantly varied exercise regimen is going to create the greatest physical adaptions. In the words of our very own JP Mummey..."these workouts will never get easier, but the rest of your life will".

Functional movements are multi-joint and elemental. Functional movements are or mimic actual movements required in our daily lives. We don't isolate muscles. You will never be asked to do a bicep curl in this gym, and if I catch you doing one.....25 burpees for you! Our muscles were meant to work together as a team and that is how we train them.

High intensity. I'm sorry, but if you can concentrate on watching TV or reading a book while you are exercising you are not performing at the appropriate intensity and you are possibly wasting your time! You should be...... gasping for air, heart beating out of your chest, muscles failing, dripping with sweat, every ounce of concentration on the task at hand..... exercising. Only then will you truly realize the benefit of exercise. That is what we do here. That is why we use a stop watch and encourage some friendly competition! Very few people can start crossfit at this level of intensity, but it is what we work up to.

We can work with any one who is not afraid to work hard. All of the exercises and movements can be adapted to any level of fitness, but hard work is absolutely required.