With over 5,000 CrossFit gyms available in the United States alone, there has never been a better time to get started yourself. Knowing how to properly execute some CrossFit movements, though, can be very hard if you do not know them and why. So, what are some of the most effective CrossFit movement options, and what makes them so good?
Below, you will find four of the best Crossfit tips for working out. Use these, and you will soon find yourself getting in shape.
Squats
Squats are an infamous part of any CrossFit workout due to the tension they put on your legs. Many times a person has had the tense ache of muscles repairing and rebuilding after an intense squat session during CrossFit. Though, they do help to strengthen your legs over many sessions, empowering your glutes and increasing your core stability.
There are also many different kinds of squats. It would be wrong to only say “squats” without also mentioning:
The jump squat. In this exercise, add an explosive push-off at the end of each squat.
Pistol squats. Use only one leg to squat, extending your arms out in front of you each time you lower.
Lateral squats. With your legs shoulder-width apart, squat down to one side over one foot, extending the other leg. Then after ascending, repeat this over the other foot.
Barbell squats. Use a barbell to increase the load on your legs. There are many different types of barbell squats.
Because squats work so many of your leg muscles, they can help with a lot of other exercises and activities. Running, jumping, and climbing all receive help from stronger leg muscles. This is why many athletes use squats as a part of their regime.
Box Jumps
As another explosive exercise, box jumps are a powerful way to get a great, repeatable exercise in. All you need is a box you are unlikely to break by standing on top of, as well as some free space.
From a squat on the floor, all you need to do is jump onto the box and squat again when you get there. It is so simple. Anyone can do it if they can get off the floor.
Another benefit of box jumps is the fact that you can adjust them over time. Finding them too easy? Get a bigger box, as your jump height has likely increased from all the leg workouts you have completed. After all, box jumps empower your calves, hamstrings, glutes, and quads all in one go.
If you still find this too easy, add more things like ankle weights or dumbells and step over the box. These will push your legs to work against more force, building them past their limits.
Burpees
Another infamous movement in many workouts, burpees are the bane of new CrossFit enthusiasts. Though, along with the complaints comes a lot of love as they are one of the most effective ways to train your whole body. With each burpee, you train your arms, chest, and legs all in one go.
Burpees’ reputation comes from the fact they are so intense to complete. They often leave you shaking or dripping with sweat, but that is what helps you condition your body for harder training methods. They can build your endurance faster than many other methods, allowing you to perform other exercises with ease over time.
Research on burpees has shown they can burn more calories than traditional exercises. Because of this, and as they do not need any training equipment, many people have started doing them as the go-to exercise method.
They work much better than running or jogging alongside your other workouts. This is because they are not monotonous exercises, as you need to take several steps in each burpee. You can even stay near your gym equipment and do not even need to start up a machine like when running in a gym.
Rowing
As with many great CrossFit exercises, rowing aims to work out your whole body instead of only one muscle group. While you complete the majority of the work using your legs, the rest works your upper body at the same time.
It also pushes you when it comes to cardiovascular endurance. As such, over several workouts, you will start to increase your stamina. This will allow you to not only row more but engage better with other exercises too.
Of course, this is only true if you use the rowing machine in the right way. While the whole process is great for beginners and can even be meditative, you want to make sure you have the basics right. So, you should look into a personal trainer if you need to get a crash course in rowing as an exercise option.
Rowing is also a low-impact exercise. If you want to remain active while recovering from a previous workout, a routine on the rowing machine might be good to keep yourself from lapsing. So long as you do not overdo it, you can use the rower to keep up with your exercise needs.
One of the other benefits of using a rower is its safety. Many other CrossFit exercises include a small amount of danger, such as trips or falls. Sitting that close to the ground and sliding is not likely to cause harm if something goes wrong.
Learn More About CrossFit Exercises
The above CrossFit exercises are a great place to start when you want to see some early benefits of CrossFit. Still, sometimes you need the extra motivation, encouragement, and accountability to push yourself. This is where CrossFit gyms and trainers come in.
We want to help you achieve your goals in a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment. If you are in the Las Vegas area, we can help. All you need to do is get in contact, and we can talk to you about how we can start you on your journey to a healthier body.
