What is Crossfit?
CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program. CrossFit combines weightlifting, sprinting, and gymnastics. CrossFit says that proficiency is required in each of ten fitness domains: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination, and accuracy. It defines fitness as increased work capacity across all these domains and says its program achieves this by provoking neurologic and hormonal adaptations across all metabolic pathways. [Via Wikipedia]
History of Crossfit
CrossFit was founded by former high-school gymnast Greg Glassman and Lauren Glassman. The first CrossFit affiliated gym opened in Santa Cruz in 1995, the same year Glassman was hired to train the Santa Cruz police department. In a seven week test conducted in 2005 at the Canadian Infantry School in Gagetown, New Brunswick, CrossFit scored higher in most fitness categories when compared to the previous physical training program. However, in the vertical jump one Crossfit group actually decreased 0.7cm on average while the control group showed a slight increase, and in another Crossfit group there was no increase in pull-ups while the control group again showed a slight increase. The number of affiliated gyms grew from 18 in 2005 to almost 1,700 in 2010. Weightlifting coaches associated with CrossFit include Louie Simmons, Bill Starr, and Mike Burgener. Former NFL player John Welbourn developed the CrossFit Football program. Other CrossFit subject matter experts include Dr. Nicholas Romanov, inventor of the Pose Method of running and Dr. Barry Sears, originator of the Zone diet. Fitness experts formerly associated with Crossfit include Mark Twight, Dan John, Mark Rippetoe, Robb Wolf, Garrett Smith and Greg Everett. CrossFit offers speciality certification seminars in gymnastics, Olympic weighlifting, powerlifting, running and endurance, kettlebells, mobility and recovery, CrossFit Kids and CrossFit Football. In the past, Crossfit also offered a specialty certification seminar on jumping a rope. [Via Wikipedia]
