14 Science-Backed Reasons to Try CrossFit Now
1. Efficient Calorie Burning
CrossFit is also highly efficient at burning calories. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse found that women who do CrossFit burn 12 or more calories per minute. Their conclusion: “CrossFit works.” The high intensity of the workouts significantly improves aerobic fitness while burning a substantial number of calories.
The more muscles you use, the more calories you’ll burn. It is not essential to use machines or heavy weights to reap the benefits of exercising. Bodyweight movements used in CrossFit, such as burpees, muscle-ups, and handstands deliver a comprehensive full-body workout that burns significantly more calories than isolation movements done with machines.
2. Enhances Strength
Lifting weights, Olympic weightlifting, and resistance training are all integral parts of CrossFit, and they are proven to make you stronger. CrossFit’s programming incorporates these fitness modalities, ensuring that your workouts target multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This efficiency is one of the key benefits of CrossFit.
“Most of the movements you do in CrossFit are compound movements, meaning they recruit muscles from all over your body,” explains Grayson Wickham, D.P.T., C.S.C.S., a physical therapist and founder of Movement Vault. For example, exercises like snatches, squats, and deadlifts engage and strengthen muscles from head to toe.
A 2017 study found that compound movements, also known as multi-joint exercises, are more effective for improving strength and general fitness compared to single-joint exercises like biceps curls, calf raises, or leg curls.
3. Boosts Cardiovascular Health
CrossFit’s high-intensity workouts are excellent for improving cardiovascular health. The combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercises helps increase heart rate and improve overall cardiovascular endurance. This can lead to better heart health and reduced risk of heart disease.
4. Enhances Flexibility and Mobility
CrossFit incorporates a variety of movements that improve flexibility and mobility. Exercises such as squats, lunges, and overhead presses require a full range of motion, which helps to increase joint flexibility and muscle elasticity. This can lead to better posture and reduced risk of injury.
5. Promotes Weight Loss
The high-intensity nature of CrossFit workouts helps to burna significant number of calories, which can contribute to weight loss. Additionally, the combination of strength training and cardio exercises helps to build lean muscle mass, which can increase metabolism and further aid in weight loss.
6. Builds Mental Toughness
CrossFit is not just about physical strength; it also builds mental toughness. The challenging workouts push you to your limits and help you develop resilience and determination. This mental toughness can translate toother areas of your life, helping you to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
7. Fosters Community and Support
One of the unique aspects of CrossFit is the sense of community it fosters. Working out in a group setting with like-minded individuals can provide motivation, support, and accountability. This sense of camaraderie can make workouts more enjoyable and help you stay committed toyour fitness goals.
8. Improves Functional Fitness
CrossFit focuses on functional movements that mimic everyday activities. This can improve your overall functional fitness, making it easierto perform daily tasks such as lifting, carrying, and bending. Improved functional fitness can enhance your quality of life and reduce the risk of injury.
9. Increases Bone Density
Weight-bearing exercises, such as those performed in CrossFit, can help to increase bone density. This is particularly important for preventing osteoporosis and maintaining bone health as you age.
10. Enhances Coordination and Balance
The varied movements in CrossFit workouts help to improve coordination and balance. Exercises such as box jumps, kettlebell swings, and rope climbs require precise movements and control, which can enhance your overall coordination and balance.
11. Provides Scalability and Adaptability
CrossFit workouts can be scaled and adapted to suit any fitness level. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, the workouts can be modified to match your abilities and goals. This makes CrossFit accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level.
12. Offers Variety and Fun
CrossFit workouts are known for their variety and unpredictability. Each workout is different, which keeps things interesting and prevents boredom. The constantly varied nature of CrossFit can make workouts more enjoyable and help you stay motivated.
13. Encourages Healthy Competition
The competitive aspect of CrossFit can be a great motivator. Competing against yourself or others can push you to work harder and achieve new personal bests. This healthy competition can drive you to improve and reach your fitness goals.
14. Supports Overall Well-Being
CrossFit promotes overall well-being by combining physical fitness with mental and emotional health. The sense of accomplishment from completing challenging workouts, the support from the community, and the improvements in physical health all contribute to a greater sense of well-being.
Footnote: This article was summarized from a publication on Shape.com Healthand Fitness Benefits of CrossFit (shape.com)