By Delaney Dangerfield Crossfit: What It Is and How to Get Started By Delaney Dangerfield

“I welcome you to the community of people who decided that easy will no longer suffice”

Today, I will be discussing… What is Crossfit? Who does Crossfit? How do you get started Crossfitting?

What is Crossfit?

Definition “ CrossFit itself is defined as that which optimizes fitness (constantly varied functional movements performed at relatively high intensity). CrossFit is also the community that spontaneously arises when people do these workouts together. ” (www.crossfit.com/cf-info/what-is-crossfit.html)

Foundation Began in Santa Cruz, CA in 1995 by Greg Glassman for the Santa Cruz Police Department. Crossfit North, the first affiliated box, opened in 2000. (www.theboxmag.com) The first Crossfit Games was held in 2007, with 19 women and 40 men competing for a $500 prize. (games.crossfit.com) (www.ruggedcrossfit.com) (games2010.crossfit.com)

(Data taken from games.crossfit.com) Expansion 2007 2013 Year (Data taken from games.crossfit.com)

Who Does Crossfit?

Froning, Rich Age: 26 Height: 5’9” Weight: 195 lb Dead Lift: 545 lb Clean & Jerk: 370 lb Back Squat: 445 lb Snatch: 300 lb “The way CrossFit is — anyone, on any given day, could beat you. You can’t be afraid to work. Crossfit isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding.”

LebLanc, Camille Age: 25 Height: 5’2” Weight: 130 lb Dead Lift: 300 lb Clean & Jerk: 200 lb Back Squat: 295 lb Snatch: 165 lb “It can be hard for those little girls to understand that you can be more than one thing in life. If you’re pretty, you can be smart, too, and you can be good in sports. You don’t need to be skinny and anorexic to be pretty. Muscle is great, and being smart is sexy. For me, I really want to be a face that everyone knows in the community to better portray what CrossFit is — it’s to help people get better.”

Smith, Amber Age: 26 Height: 5’9” Weight: 195 lb Dead Lift: 545 lb Clean & Jerk: 370 lb Back Squat: 445 lb Snatch: 300 lb “No matter your age, no matter your weight, no matter your fitness level, Crossfit is for you.  Everything can be modified to fit your skill level and your fitness goals.”

Eberhardt, Miki Age: 32 Height: 5’8” Weight: 155 lb Dead Lift: 180 lb Clean & Jerk: 95 lb Back Squat: 100 lb Snatch: 65 lb http://jeberhardtfamily.blogspot.com/2012/01/proof.html “What I didn't expect was the addiction.  I find myself at Crossfit everyday and LOVING it!”

Dangerfield, Delaney Age: 18 Height: 5’2” Weight: 105 lb Dead Lift: 210 lb Clean & Jerk: 135 lb Back Squat: 185 lb Snatch: 100 lb “Crossfit is my sanctuary, my escape from the tests and trials of life. It’s just me against myself. Nothing else matters. And I am constantly surprised by the encouragement and support I find within the Crossfit community. We’re a family of people who push the limits and each other.”

How to Get Started

Finding a “box” 1. Go to http://games.crossfit.com/what-is-crossfit/find-an-affiliate-map

2. Type in location and find the closest affiliate 3. Look on the affiliate’s website to find class times 4. Go when convenient for you (you can phone ahead or just walk in) and bring a signed waiver if under 18

“Newbie” Advice Just keep going! So easy to stop when your body “can’t”. You can, I promise, just keep doing it! Start with a goal in mind and be teachable! Make a promise to yourself that you'll give nothing but 100% every time you come in, you will grow physically & mentally stronger than you ever thought possible. Remember it's you vs. you.

Works Cited Insert works cited