The Secrets of Cross-Fit

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The United States of America is considered one of the most out of shape countries in the world, and has been in desperate need of a way to get in shape, and stay in shape for years. According to CNN, about 80% of Americans do not get the proper amount of exercise. Over the passed few years, cross-fit has become a common house hold name, and has opened the eyes of many Americans to what is now known as the fastest developing, most efficient work out there is. Just about everywhere you go, you can easily access a cross-fit gym and within minutes begin to train with what people like to refer themselves as “cross-fit professionals”.
From 2012 to 2013 the amount of cross-fit locations has almost doubled from 6,775 locations to about 10,000 locations, and that is only including the locations that are certified and licensed. As time goes on, the affiliation process becomes easier and easier. Greg Glassman, The founder and creator of cross-fit, explains in an article written in Time Magazine, “Anyone who passed my two-day seminar could apply to open a box, call it Cross-Fit, then rush paying customers through squats, snatches, or whatever crazy WOD (work out of the day) they dreamed up” (Greg Glassman). He wanted all of his affiliates to have the freedom to open a “box”, also known as a cross-fit gym, wherever desired to train people how they wanted, and charge people what they felt was fair, without following or teaching any of the necessary safety guidelines. That is where the primary source of cross-fit injuries stems from.
One of the major controversies in the cross-fit community is whether or not there is an extremely high risk of injury. According to Dr. Stuart McGill, a prof. at University of Waterloo, “The risk of inj...

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...he licensed gym that is most convenient for you, do not just go to ANY gym that says “Cross-Fit” because they may be a knock off. There is an official list on www.map.crossfit.com that shows all the current certified gyms. Once you have come up with a list, do your research on all of the gyms on your list. You may even want to go to the gym itself and talk to the person who runs it. Ask a lot of questions about how they plan their daily workouts look around for safety signs, mirrors, and see if they offer a training or form class. Another major part of keeping yourself safe is making sure you educate your self and always remember that you should only introduce more intensity once you can demonstrate proper form. Always keep in mind that being responsible, taking care of your body, and being cautious at all times will play a major role on preventing an injury.

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