CrossFit NZ

Overview

CrossFit was founded in 2000 by Greg Glassman and Lauren Jenai in the United States. The functional fitness regime was a trailblazer in its time for being both a "physical exercise philosophy" (as per Wikipedia) and a competitive fitness sport. CrossFit NZ was New Zealand's first outpost of the CrossFit empire.

For those unfamiliar with the gym style, CrossFit is a strength and conditioning programme which incorporates a mixture of aerobic exercise, body weight exercises and Olympic weightlifting."CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and more", according to CrossFit Inc. The programme is inspired by the "core movements of life". These programmes are changed on a daily basis in what is called the WOD ("Workout of the Day"). CrossFit gyms are known to be quite bare, with nothing but the essential weights, ropes, boxes and tyres to decorate the gym space.

There are currently more than 13,000 CrossFit affiliates worldwide. The thing about CrossFit, and which draws the crowds, is that it's incredibly fun. You're mostly too busy having fun to realise that you're actually being a total badass for clambering up gym ropes and carrying heavy yokes around the room. "Our workouts combine the best parts of weightlifting, gymnastics, and endurance training, to keep your body guessing, and you motivated", said the owners of CrossFit NZ.

Another thing CrossFit does really well is it creates a wonderful little community around each time slot. People get very close at CrossFit. Some even get married. Many, actually - according to the CrossFit NZ owners.

Disclaimer: Due to the emphasis on heavy strength work and high intensity training, be sure to do your research and find well-qualified coaches and reputable gyms to avoid injury or strain. For some CrossFit has been a life-changing, healthy pursuit, while others have left the functional training gym behind due to injury. CrossFit Inc also warns CrossFitters on their website that their moves are high intensity and have a risk of injury. "It must be understood that CrossFit.com workouts are extremely demanding and will tax the capacities of even the world's best athletes. You would be well advised to take on the WOD cautiously and move toward completing the workouts comfortably and consistently before throwing yourself at them 100 percent."