Image courtesy of Beyond Gym Walls
Original article courtesy of CrossFitinfo.com
For those of you Zoners who have joined us over the years, and for whatever reason have never actually completed our traditional Introductory session, here is a detailed look at what the actual History of CrossFit is:
The History and Evolution of CrossFit Training
The CrossFit training method is a relatively new form of physical training, but the definition of the technique goes much deeper than that. CrossFit proponents see their training as a way to build whole-body functional fitness coupled with preparing a person for most physical challenges. The method employs various calisthenics, free weights, gymnastic rings, kettlebells, and pull-up bars. The goal of CrossFit training is to create the “Quintessential Athlete.”
The method is also being adopted by an increasing number of sports teams on both the high school and college level. Currently there are five different adaptations of the CrossFit Method — in the park, for combat athletes, for kids, for seniors, and for soldiers in austere environments. Additionally, there are two other programs that are offered in most CrossFit gyms, namely “Boot Camp”, and “Elements of CrossFit” which are the introductory classes for beginners.
Back in the 1970’s, A former gymnast named Greg Glassman probably didn’t have a clue as to where the concept of CrossFit Training would be over 30 years later, but it was his idea, and he introduced it as a completely different, but totally thorough physical fitness training method. And he started the concept in his Santa Cruz, California garage where it was the only training facility for many years. Little did he know that it would grow to about 450 CrossFit affiliate gyms on a worldwide scale. (*)
In 2001, Glassman launched his website, crossfit.com, in order to spread the word about his program, and now when you do a websearch, there are numerous sites in a variety of cities worldwide. Basically, the use of an open source and virtual community model is how Glassman grew from his Santa Cruz garage into the worldwide entity that it is today. The majority of the “intellectual property” belonging to CrossFit is found at this particular website.
Glassman took the methodology a step further by forming affiliate sites for the program which was all part of the marketing plan that he developed as the popularity of the concept was growing. However, the affiliate model, which the worldwide websites are patterned after is not the typical affiliate form of internet marketing. It allows for a diversity of approach which make the affiliate’s sites look that much more unique and it rejects the franchise concept. Also, from a financial standpoint, very little start-up capital is needed.
Business News Network of Canada has been quoted as saying that the CrossFit Training technique is now the fastest growing fitness program in the world. The method is also unique in the fact that you do not need to join a CrossFit affiliate gym in order to participate in the training. Glassman has always felt that despite the 80% drop-out rate of his fitness program that what he offers is better than the typical fitness clubs in that the CrossFit method has applications beyond the health and fitness realm. It prepares the individual for more physical challenges in life.
As of 2007, the United States Marine Corps started shifting its focus from the more traditional exercise platform involving distance running to more of a CrossFit oriented training program. In the US and Canada, many of the police and fire departments, as well as branches of the military in both countries are basing more and more of their physical training on the CrossFit principle.
*This article was originally written in April 2008, and since that time the number of affiliates has risen to approximately 2500 worldwide.*
If any of you who haven’t had an Intro session are interested in booking one, please email Sandy at admin@crossfitzone.ca
Just a reminder that this is the last week for the CrossFit Open and we are hosting a BBQ for all Zoners on Sunday, March 25th to wrap it up starting at approximately 2pm. Please R.S.V.P in the office so we know how much meat to buy.
Today’s Workout:
Buy In – Front Squat – Build to a heavy 3 reps in 6 sets
WOD – “Cleaning thrusters on the run”
3 rounds for time of:
- 400 meter Run
- 10 Squat Clean Thrusters (75lbs/115lbs)
Zone 3 – scale bar to 65lbs/95lbs
Zone 2 – scale bar as needed
Zone 1 – scale workout as needed
Cash Out – MWOD
- Pigeon pose – 1 minute per side
- Couch stretch – 1 minute per side
- Roll out upper back and shoulders
