Whether you've never done CrossFit, you are relatively new to the training, or you've been doing CrossFit since you were in diapers, it's always refreshing to revisit the tenants of our training methodology.
1. CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at relative intensity.
That sounds nice, but what exactly does that mean?
2. The Sickness-Wellness-Fitness Continuum
We have observed that nearly every measurable value of health can be placed on a continuum that ranges from sickness to wellness to fitness.
Examples of such values include blood pressure, body-fat percentage, heart rate, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, among others.
Done right, fitness provides a great margin of protection against the ravages of time and disease. Where you find otherwise, examine the fitness protocol, especially diet. Fitness is and should be “super-wellness.” Sickness, wellness, and fitness are measures of the same entity.
Learn more about the sickness, wellness, fitness continuum
3. 10 General Physical Skills
CrossFit recognizes 10 general physical skills. They are cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. You are as fit as you are competent in each of these 10 skills, and a regimen develops fitness to the extent that it improves each of these 10 skills.
Importantly, improvements in endurance, stamina, strength, and flexibility come about through training. Training refers to activity that improves performance through a measurable organic change in the body. By contrast, improvements in coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy come about through practice. Practice refers to activity that improves performance through changes in the nervous system. Power and speed are adaptations of both training and practice.
If your goal is optimum physical competence, then all 10 general physical skills must be considered and developed.
Learn more about the 10 General Physical Skills
