With the Crossfit Games gearing up this week, what's a better time to dive into the sport than now?
Crossfit is a strength and conditioning workout that is made up of functional movement performed at a high intensity level. Many workouts feature variations of squats, push-ups, and weight lifting that last for predetermined amounts of time to help build muscles. CrossFit Journal states that the workouts are so effective because of their emphasis on the elements of load, distance and speed, which help participants develop high levels of power.
Starting in the late 90s, Greg Glassman is credited with founding the sport. At the time, he was hired to train the local police department. Using his background of gymnastics and bodyweight exercises, Glassman used high intensity workouts that utilized a number of disciplines so officers were generally prepared, rather than excelling solely in one area.
Before you know it, Glassman took this idea and ran with it. He decided to open his own gym in Santa Cruz, California in the early 2000s training athletes in the same manner. After gaining so many affiliates over time he eventually decided to hold a competition. In 2007, the Crossfit games were born. The first competition was held at a ranch in Northern California with around 70 athletes competing. With a grand prize of $500 each, Jolie Gentry & James FitzGerald were named the first champions.
Let's dive deeper into the competition. Competitors are required to train for the unknown. The scores of events have included distance swims, obstacle courses, 1-rep-max lifts, handstand walking, sled pushes, rope climbs, and odd-object carries. The CrossFit Games use a scoring table, which can be found here. Each event is worth up to 100 points, and athletes earn points based on their finish. At the end of the Games weekend, the athlete with the most points is the winner and is crowned the Fittest on Earth.
Since 2007, the popularity of this sport & competition has taken off to another level. Known brands such as Reebok began to sponsor the Crossfit Games. This year's prize money is expected to be $315,000 for the winner of the Men’s & Women Division. Over 300,000 athletes registered to compete in the opening round. After making it through the Open, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals, only 300 athletes remain to compete in the Crossfit Finals to determine who is the fittest of them all.
Now that you have a little history of the sport & Crossfit Games, we would like to know what you think below! If this is your first time being introduced to the sport, will you be performing Crossfit activities on the Strava app?
Are you already a Crossfit enthusiast? If so, please share how you train and your take on Crossfit? In writing this article, I’ve learned Crossfit is more than just training, it’s also a way of life.
Lastly, if you’re looking for others that are interested in the sport please comment here or comment below! Thank you for reading!
KBryant24
STRAVA | Community Hub Team
