Crossfit

Hajdúné Petrovszki Zita

http://thebrandxmethod.com/crossfit-kids/

CrossFit is a high-intensity functional form of training which moves the whole body, progressing forward from station to station, along a predetermined set of practices, which can be performed alone or in a group. Special emphasis is placed on the development of strength, endurance and joint mobility. CrossFit differs from bodybuilding mainly in that the workouts of the body parts are not divided into days, but the different muscle groups receive the work load consecutively, one after the other. Different exercises need to be performed in a specified order and with a given number of repetitions. The method essentially is that the exercises are performed continuously, with active rest, which means that, for instance, while one exercise mainly engages the leg muscles, the following exercise focuses on the abdomen; this way the hitherto overworked leg muscles receive some relative rest. When continuous practice is taking place, the cardiorespiratory system is exposed to training load, so the heart beat rate for the entire duration of the training can be kept at a required value. In case of power exercises performed in a conventional manner, the heart rate decreases between the exercise series and individual exercises, which also results in a reduction in calorie intake.

CrossFit uses a large set of practices which are constantly diversified. Basically, it does not require a lot of equipment; moreover, more creative participants can go through a CrossFit workout in the gym or even outdoors without any props. However, those who do this form of exercise with props can choose among numerous items of equipment and gym apparatus. Within the framework of physical education classes, we can primarily use: hand dumbbell, medicine ball, weighted bucks, jump rope, rubber rope, rubber bands, rope, gymnastics box, wall bars, bench, gymnastics rings, and so on.

Looking at some of its elements, CrossFit does not use novel components, however, due to the specific training system, which is manifested in a unique compilation of these elements, CrossFit becomes more popular in our country. The training method has long been used; in fact, it is a kind of circuit training or in the preparatory part a simple interval (e.g. Tabata) training, in which, originally, gymnastic exercises are mainly used. Still, CrossFit draws on the movement inventory of a number of sports, such as athletics, weightlifting, rowing, or gymnastics (1, 2). It is an excellent method to develop fitness and endurance in various sports, especially during the foundation phase and winter workouts in a gym. In addition, since most of the exercises are performed dynamically, it increases the explosiveness as well as speed.