fitness
Higher, swifter, stronger – together! Community-based program inspires fitness at all levels by Tania Tetrault Vrga
Looking to put the ‘fit’ back into your fitness routine? CrossFit, a strength and conditioning program, combines various movements together into intense, but fun, workouts that are very effective. CrossFit has rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years, from a single garage gym in the ’90s to over 2,000 affiliates worldwide today.
deadlifts. This culture of support and empowerment that creates long-term health and fitness also translates to real life, both physically and mentally. “I now feel truly strong, and I’m not just talking about my new-found muscles. I mean at life! I’m more in love with life than ever,” says CrossFit Winnipeg member Nicole Stewart.
CrossFit has a unique community-based approach. CrossFitters from around the world do common benchmark workouts, with names like “Cindy” and “Helen,” often performed for time or for points so athletes can measure progress and maintain intensity while training. The workouts are tough, but the shared experience is a powerful motivator with amazing results. When you walk into local affiliate CrossFit Winnipeg Inc., you won’t find rows of machines. Instead, you will find pull-up bars, kettlebells, barbells and space for squatting, running, jumping, climbing, lifting and throwing—everything you need to learn how to move your body the way it was meant to move. And rather than flexing your muscles in front of a mirror, you’ll see men and women of all ages, shapes and sizes training hard together and cheering each other on. You’ll see them doing things they never thought they could do, from pull-ups and rope climbs to handstands and winnipegwomen.net
Members don’t need to plan what they will do in the gym, they simply walk in and follow the coach through a warm-up, a “workout of the day” and a cool-down, all within an hour-long group class. The workout programs and coaching can be modified for various fitness levels. Although a fitness program at its core, in the past few years CrossFit has become synonymous with “sport of fitness.” The competitive aspect of CrossFit is important for maintaining strong community ties, both at the elite and local level.
With a million-dollar prize purse, ESPN coverage and Reebok as the primary main sponsor, the 2011 CrossFit Games was a monumental event, featuring elite competitors who are beyond fit. This event brings thousands of CrossFit fans together as spectators, cheering for their favourite competitors. However, you don’t have to be an elite athlete to benefit from the sport of CrossFit. Competition is a growing trend in the CrossFit community, with categories designed to include people of all skill levels. These local events motivate and unite CrossFitters, and help “regular people” train, eat and feel like an athlete, while creating a culture of respect for health, sport and fitness. Competitions usually include tests of strength, agility, endurance and stamina, and events are often not announced until shortly before the competition, so competitors must train to be ready for anything. No one is too old, too weak, or too out of shape to experience the benefits of CrossFit. All it takes is a genuine desire to improve health, fitness and performance. Many CrossFit affiliates, including CrossFit Winnipeg, offer free trial classes, or check out CrossFit Winnipeg’s second annual FrostFit Games competition in January 2012!
FALL 2011
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