The Tour de France completed, Ligue 1 which has not yet resumed, the summer break in F1… Fortunately (or not), there are still the CrossFit games 2022, which take place all week in Madison (United States). A true global phenomenon, this intense practice combining bodybuilding and cardio exercises has revolutionized the codes of fitness. We explain all this to you.
What is CrossFit?
This discipline has spread like wildfire in French sports halls, the second country in the world in number of practitioners. It attracts both men and women, and even children, because of its multitude of exercises suitable for everyone. CrossFit combines different physical activities in the form of intense workouts and varied exercises. A mix of bodybuilding, cardio and gymnastics that appeals to athletes from all walks of life. Like its cousin weightlifting, CrossFit is practiced in groups, and everywhere.
Collective emulation and surpassing oneself
The common point between all this: high intensity work. Indeed, even if it can be considered a fun activity, CrossFit is above all a discipline that encourages self-transcendence through the social aspect. This is the principle of “boxes”, the name of CrossFit rooms. Unlike traditional gyms, they offer a community experience and collective emulation. Everyone surpasses themselves together and we celebrate the victories together. This explains the success of the discipline among athletes who are looking for a different experience from solitary practice.
A complete workout
The WOD (Workout of the day) is the classic CrossFit session. It allows you to perform a list of predefined tasks in weight, repetition and duration. We will mobilize the muscles, work on balance, strength, improve flexibility, endurance… The advantage of CrossFit is to solicit the whole body, all the time. Unlike bodybuilding, where practitioners work a specific part of the body every day.
A discipline for all, but expensive
CrossFit is a physically demanding discipline, so it is important to take precautions when practicing due to potential injuries caused by intensive training. Only downside, CrossFit rooms are more expensive than the usual gyms. This is justified by equipment that is not found in traditional gymnasiums, with coaches available for the majority of “boxes”.