What is CrossFit?
BUILDING A FIT COMMUNITY
“Why Crossfit?
Results. Period.
In gyms and health clubs throughout the world the typical workout consists of isolation movements and extended aerobic sessions. The fitness community from trainers to the magazines has the exercising public believing that lateral raises, curls, leg extensions, sit-ups and the like combined with 20-40 minute stints on the stationary bike or treadmill are going to lead to some kind of great fitness. Well, at CrossFit we work exclusively with compound movements and shorter high intensity cardiovascular sessions. We’ve replaced the lateral raise with push-press, the curl with pull-ups, the leg extension with squats, and the mirrors with bumper plates.
Why? Because compound or functional movements at high intensity or anaerobic cardio is radically more effective at eliciting nearly any desired fitness result. Startlingly, this is not a matter of opinion but solid irrefutable scientific fact and yet the marginally effective old ways persist and are nearly universal. Our approach is consistent with what is practiced in elite training programs associated with major university athletic teams and professional sports. CrossFit endeavors to bring state-of-the-art coaching techniques to the general public and student athlete.”
“Courtesy of CrossFit Inc.”
May Athlete Profile
Athlete: Marco Weidmer
Hometown: Floodwood, Minnesota
Age: 23
When did you first start CrossFitting?: February 13, 2012
Favorite WOD: Anything that includes double unders and some heavier weight. Or any WOD where I beat Justin and/or Zach. Then it’s a good day!
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with ring dips and wall balls!
Tell us about you sports & fitness background:
I played basketball and ran track in high school, but nothing after that. Throughout college I did several different workouts with friends. I tried strictly lifting but found myself out of shape, and never really saw any results. Then I found CFT!
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit?
I started doing a workout called Mountain Athlete. It’s a great workout program that incorporates a lot of CrossFit movements, but since I was doing it by myself, I could never really get/stay motivated. A friend mentioned CrossFit and CrossFit Tyler to me, and I was scared, but as soon as I started I was hooked, just like everyone else.
Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?
My first WOD was a 15 minute AMRAP with 5 burpees, 10 wall balls, and 15 box jumps. I though I was somewhat in shape when I came in, but quickly realized that wasn’t the case! I could barely finish and my legs hurt for days from the wall balls, but I loved the intensity. I was anxious before that WOD, and I still get that same feeling before WODs now.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?
The changes have been awesome. I don’t remember where I read it, but someone said that if you didn’t have a six-pack when you were 20, then it was pretty much impossible to get one after that. WRONG. Eating paleo and starting CF has been the best thing that happened to me. I’m lighter than I’ve ever been, but I’m also stronger than I’ve ever been. I didn’t realize how big a role your diet played in your health. Eating clean and doing CrossFit can do wonders for your body, it definitely has for me.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?
To begin with, I’ve never been so passionate about fitness or working out until I started CrossFit. Now I love working out and cant wait to get into the gym, whereas before I dreaded it. It’s also made me a more confident and determined person. Anything in life is just like taking on a hard WOD. Just keep moving, and eventually you’ll get through it. It really changes how I view many things.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFT moments
By far my favorite moment was my first Friday Night Lights. The whole atmosphere was amazing. I was cheering on everyone while they worked out, and everyone cheered me on when I was suffering through the 135# snatches. I also just love the community. Ive met so many great people at CFT, and I love being associated with the “crazy” morning classes. Regardless if its because its just too early in the morning, or because they actually are crazy, I love WODing at 5:30 or 6:30 AM.
Any advice for people just getting started?
Don’t hesitate to come in because you think you’re out of shape. It bugs me when people say, “I’ll try it, but I need to get in better shape first.” Just do it! Everything is scalable so don’t be intimidated. Its going to be hard, whether you’re an elite athlete or not, but the members and coaches are so motivating that it just makes you want to do better. Don’t worry about moving slow either. Progress will come. When I first started, I could barely deadlift 200 pounds, and last week I maxed out at 365.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Believe it or not I actually like school. I also love mountain and road biking, and skiing. I just like to be outdoors. Besides that my family is very important to me, and my friends are the greatest!
