The CrossFit craze is here to stay. CrossFit combines weight lifting, cardio and strength training into one mega-workout designed to improve overall fitness.

What is CrossFit?

This high-intensity fitness routine, developed by Lauren and Greg Glassman, aims to work your total body. Each session is structured to build your body and cardio abilities with one, complete workout. You start with a warm-up. This is often cardio in nature, to help get the blood flowing and your heart rate moving. Next, the class focuses on a skill or strength workout. These workouts are designed to concentrate on one exercise or skill. Lastly, you put everything together with a Workout of the Day. The workout is a circuit which includes strength and cardio elements with a set number of reps and sets.

Overall Body Fitness

CrossFit offers the perfect solution for people who enjoy gym exercises but want a bit more discipline and accountability. Since most of these exercises can be done in a gym, it’s a great place to not only learn how to properly use weights and other common gym equipment, but also how to use your own body as a workout tool.

Cultivating Community

The CrossFit workout centers around group classes, meaning you’ll meet other fellow workout enthusiasts. They even have competitions where CrossFitters can compete in different workout categories to see who can do the most burpees or lift the most weight. You can participate for fun or for keeps in these events.

The Dark Side

Although the benefits of a CrossFit workout are clear, the practice isn’t for everyone. For starters, CrossFit gyms often have an open accountability system. That means your workouts and the results are posted up for everyone to see. For some, this breeds a healthy sense of competition, but for others, it does not provide the mental support needed to feel successful at the gym. CrossFitters are also heavily focused on intense diets, such as the Paleo diet. Dieting and diet choices are personal affairs and can lead to un-healthy habits both mentally and physically. Overall, CrossFit is healthy if done right, but people who struggle with comparing themselves to others, might want to find a different workout.

Beginner-Friendly CrossFit Locations in the Front Range

Starting out with a CrossFit workout can be extremely intimidating. Here on the Front Range of Colorado, there are a few unique gyms that offer a warm welcome to CrossFit beginners. Front Range CrossFit, located south of downtown Denver, offers special packages for those looking to start their CrossFit routine. They offer private lessons on the beginner skills you need so you can enter group classes with confidence. For a women’s only gym, check out CrossFit Kali located just east of the University neighborhood in Denver.

CrossFit offers a well-rounded way to get your body toned and build your endurance. The regimented style of CrossFit isn’t for everyone, but it’s an excellent workout option for those who want to build their strength in a gym-like setting while also being held accountable for their progress.