Crossfit (xfit) training is the ‘latest’ in a long line of  “new “ training techniques….  If you haven’t heard of this term, here is a brief outline of what you might expect from a Xfit session…. 

If you are part of our Boot Camps, or even to a degree our Powercise or Lean Ladies sessions, you’ll already be incorporating this type of training into your fitness regime.  The question is…what is it?

The term crossfit is really just an extension of cross training which has been around for many, many years and has been condensed into a shorter, more strength based session that usually lasts between 20 to 30 minutes (subject to the clients fitness and strength levels).  It was founded by former gymnasts Greg and Lauren Glassman in the mid 1990s.

Xfit is a combination of endurance-based strength work, cardiovascular fitness, plyometrics as well as core stability.

The strength components are things like push ups, squats, chin ups, dips and abs and all done with high reps and speed.

The cardio aspect is of course the running, star jumps, partner push pulls, mountain climbers and the like.

Plyometrics is when you use explosive force to jump or push your body away from the ground when doing push ups or squat jumps.

The concept of Xtraining, is to combine all of the above elements together into the one session.  The cardio portion helps improve fitness and endurance and the strength segment builds muscle and burns calories for up to 24 to 48 hours AFTER you have finished your session.

Xfit can be done with body weight exercises or a combination of weights ie: Kettlebells (those weird cannonball looking weights with the handle on top), tyres, medicine balls, barbells and dumbbells.

The growth of Xfit training across America alone is remarkable to say the least with gyms specializing in this form of exercise regime having gone from 18 in 2005 to 1,700 in 2010.

Many military and policing agencies have become massive advocates for this form of training as it increase both strength, agility as well as fitness..

Crossfit will be with us for a long time to come as it is adaptable for many types of people and sports.