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Have you ever found yourself wondering: WTF is a WOD? Or, overheard someone talking about Grace, Angie, and Helen—only to discover that they’re workouts…not women? Welp, if so, chances are you’ve encountered a CrossFit junkie.
It’s not that surprising seeing as the global fitness family that's more than a million strong and counting. So, even if you’ve been hiding under a yoga mat for the last 20 years (CrossFit started our of a garage in Santa Cruz, California in 2000), you have probably at least heard about CrossFitt. Chances are you’re already aware of the fact that it’s known for intense workouts, a close-knit community, and lots and lots of abs. Still, so much about CrossFit remains a mystery—especially for folks who have never stepped a Nano-clad foot into a box (CrossFit speak for gym).
But CrossFit isn’t Vegas—as in, what happens in the box doesn’t have to stay there. Whether you want to get stronger, lose weight, are seduced by the promise of a ride or die #fitfam, or are just vaguely intrigued, this CrossFit crib sheet will clue you in on the fitness phenomenon.
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Previous VideoPauseNext VideoUnmuteCurrent Time 0:04Loaded: 11.71%Remaining Time -6:06CaptionsFullscreenWATCH: Alexis Ren 'Fridge Tours' VideoSo, what is CrossFit…you know, other than super intense?First things first: “The basic definition of CrossFit is constantly varied, functional movements, executed at a high intensity,” says CrossFit Games competitor Brooke Ence, CF-L2 and founder of Naked Training.
"CrossFit is constantly varied, functional movements, executed at a high intensity."
In basic terms, that means that CrossFit focuses on movements that best mimic everyday happenings such as sitting on the toilet, walking up stairs, chasing your dog in the park, putting cereal away in the top cabinet. Why is this a good thing? The exercises make their everyday equivalents easier now—and as you continue to age. Most of the exercises you do in a CrossFit class are borrowed from other sports like Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, gymnastics, track, and rowing.
When Ence says “constantly varied” she means the fact that you’ll (very) rarely do the same CrossFit workout twice because there are so. many. movements. That may sound more overwhelming than walking into Lululemon during a sale, but it’s not. There are nine fundamental moves, which you’ll learn your first few classes— and all other workouts are iterations of these.
RELATED STORY5 CrossFit Moves That Deliver Jaw-Dropping ResultsFinally, high intensity means that the workouts are executed at a (drum roll please)... max level of output. “The intensity is what makes all of the good stuff happen,” explains CrossFit Games Commentator, Tanya Wagner, CF-L2, of CrossFit Apex in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. (More on that in a sec).