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28 April 2023In recent years, CrossFit has become a very popular practice: more and more people are interested in finding a sport capable of challenging their limits. And this one, of course, puts them to the test.
In the 90s, American entrepreneur Greg Glassman founded the CrossFit brand as a fitness program that combined a wide variety of movements, performed with great intensity.
The training includes strength exercises, cardiac and respiratory resistance, flexibility, joint mobility and motor skills. In practice, this translates into lifting weights, running, jumping and performing gymnastics movements, among other exercises, in sessions that last approximately one hour.
Such a variety of activities and challenges, compared to the monotony of other disciplines, favors the motivation of the participants. And that is its first advantage.
Benefits for the body and mind
Regarding its direct physical effects, regular CrossFit practice increases strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and coordination. Their exercises help prevent cardiovascular diseases, increase muscle mass and improve joint mobility. In short, to enjoy a metabolism that works better while spending less.
In daily life, this allows us to race to catch the bus without getting tired or carrying heavy objects easily. It can also help us maintain the daily rhythm, go on getaways and play with our children, cousins or nephews without ending up exhausted at the end of the day.
Additionally, CrossFit promotes a sense of community and camaraderie. Training is done in groups, which encourages collaboration and creates a stimulating environment. This can be especially beneficial for those looking for a support group on their journey to a more active and healthy life in the long term.
But are there contraindications?
Like all types of exercises, CrossFit also carries some prejudices about its practice. The most common is that it causes many injuries. In reality, they are similar to those caused by sports such as rugby, football, weightlifting or gymnastics. And among them, shoulder and lumbar spine injuries stand out.
In any case, we must keep in mind that any form of exercise carries risks if it is not carried out correctly. Experience can be considered a protective factor.
Another widespread idea is that only young people are qualified to do CrossFit. However, as the training includes a wide variety of exercises, it can be a sport accessible to everyone. The important thing is to work with a qualified trainer who adapts the activities to the level of the person practicing it.
Finally, a study shows that CrossFit fans tend to take supplements (such as protein or creatine) or follow certain types of diets whose benefits are not proven or are not recommended for all types of people (paleo diet, ketogenic diet...).
The worrying thing is that the only source of information for almost half of the participants in the aforementioned work had been the Internet.
Reasons to recommend it
As healthcare professionals we seek prevention and health promotion, and CrossFit can be an effective tool to achieve these objectives, taking into account the following aspects:
Physical Health. This sport helps prevent or control diseases such as obesity, diabetes or hypertension as long as we are aware of the importance of practicing it safely, using appropriate techniques and progressing gradually.
Mental health. Regular exercise has been shown to have positive effects on reducing stress, anxiety and depression. In the specific case of CrossFit, we must add that sense of community that we highlighted among its benefits.
Healthy diet. The use of supplements, the monitoring of a specific diet or the control of biological parameters must be supervised by a professional.
In short, CrossFit should be recommended as long as it is an activity adapted to our abilities and is directed by health specialists and experts in this sport. Whoever decides to try it must be informed about its potential benefits and also its risks.
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Source: The Conversation. Authorship:
Benjamín Gaya-Sancho
Nursing Professor, San Jorge University