The PROGRAM - Part 1

If I am to have any chance at meeting my goals I need a training program that is effective at creating the maximum metabolic response for the fastest progress. Since my goals span several characteristics of fitness (endurance, stamina, speed, power, strength), I need a program that will rapidly develop these various characteristics. The program that will give me the best chance for success is CrossFit.

CrossFit is a training program aimed at developing an elite level of function fitness that is, by design, general and inclusive. It's specialty is in not specializing. Combat, survival, many sports, and life reward this kind of fitness and, on average, punish the specialist. CrossFit is designed to induce the greatest metabolic response by utilizing complex, high-intensity, multi-joint exercises based on Olympic lifting, gymnastics, intervals, plyometrics and sport application.

"...strive to blur the distinction between "cardio" and strength training. Nature has no regard for this distinction." - Greg Glassman, Founder of CrossFit

So why does someone that is training for a marathon want a strength and conditioning program that practices deadlifts, handstand push-ups and rope climbing? Besides the obvious of also training for strength goals, I would also argue that this type of training is a need even when training for an endurance event. CrossFit is based on the scientifically supported idea that "cardio" training is very ineffective in building overall fitness. That is, an athlete that only utilizes endurance training will develop a high level of cardiovascular fitness but that athlete will be grossly underdeveloped in the functions of speed, power, strength, agility and coordination. Conversely, an athlete that trains predominantly at an anaerobic level will not only develop speed, power and strength but also develop a high level of cardiovascular fitness.

A simple comparison to help explain the concept: if you took a world class decathlete and a world class distance runner and had them compete in a long distance run the distance runner would most likely win this race BUT that win would be by a smaller margin, in terms of percentage, than the decathlete would win in a sprint or any contest requiring speed, strength or power...the decathlete would be more competitive in endurance events than the endurance athlete would be in anything else. CrossFit would consider the decathlete to be fitter.

I am seeking CrossFit fitness.

(to be continued)