Why CrossFit is the right fit for you

What a typical session looks like at Sno-Valley Crossfit.

I started doing CrossFit last fall when CrossFit Level 1 Instructor/firefighter Jenny Oltmann opened her gym in my local area. Personally, I enjoy the ever-changing challenges of CrossFit, but if you don't know what it is or are too intimidated to try something new, here are five reasons why CrossFit is the right fit for you:

1. CrossFit can be scaled to your individual fitness level. If you come to CrossFit with no experience at all, your workout will be set at a beginner’s level. Everyone from the elite athlete to grandma does the same exercises. The intensity and volume are the only things that change to meet specific age, weight, medical issues, training history, endurance levels, strength levels, and flexibility.
2. CrossFit combines conditioning and strength training into one. In every CrossFit session, you'll do bodyweight exercises like pushups and squats, cardio conditioning such as rowing and running, along with movements using kettle bells, medicine balls, and other equipment to develop endurance, power, flexibility, stamina and strength. There are also days where heavy weight lifting (sometimes Olympic style) is combined with cardio. Either way, you'll get a full body workout in about 30-60 minutes.
3. No two CrossFit sessions are the same. We all know that if we go to the gym without an exercise plan, we go for what’s comfortable. CrossFit eliminates predictable “routine” workouts that cause plateaus and burnouts by replacing them with constantly varied exercise sessions.
4. CrossFit is functional fitness. In the CrossFit approach, functional training mimics natural movements, such as rising from sitting, picking an object up off the floor, jumping, climbing or lifting an object over your head -- all exercises designed to develop the kind of strength, power and endurance you need to meet the demands of daily life.
5. CrossFit encourages camaraderie. Can you think of another gym where people cheer you on to "Keep going!"? At Sno-Valley CrossFit, timing the workouts encourages high-intensity movement with correct form in a friendly, competitive atmosphere. Yes, you'll be sweaty and sore after the first couple of sessions, but you'll also gain more overall fitness than ever. See for yourself in the video below.

For more info on local classes, check out Eastside CrossFit or contact Jenny at Sno-Valley CrossFit.