CrossFit

I've been seeing more and more "CrossFitters" around. Hot muscle women lifting and working out which is NOT related to competitive bodybuilding or fitness? I had to know more.

Here's a brief overview. CrossFit is a strength and conditioning brand that combines weightlifting, sprinting, gymnastics, powerlifting, kettlebell training, plyometrics, rowing, and medicine ball training. It contends that a healthy, fit person requires proficiency in each of ten general physical skills: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination, and accuracy. Athletes run, row, jump rope, climb rope, move large loads quickly over short distances, and use powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting techniques. CrossFit was founded by former high-school gymnast Greg Glassman and his partner Lauren Glassman. The first affiliated gym opened in Santa Cruz in 1995 and has grown to nearly 2,000 gyms worldwide and used by many fire departments, law enforcement agencies and military organizations. Wikipedia

As with any sport, you need an event to measure success. Enter the CrossFit Games. The annual event started in 2007 with both male and female competitors winning $25,000 in 2010. The games were opened Worldwide in 2011 by turning the sectional event into an online format. Athletes have six different workouts to complete and are able to submit their scores by either completing the workout at a registered affiliate or by sending in a video of themselves.

There are thirteen regional divisions in North and South America and four in the rest of the world. The top athletes from sectional events move on to regionals and those top athletes are eligible to compete in the CrossFit Games. Different divisions include men, women, masters men, masters women and teams.

My heart remains with female bodybuilding, but you can bet we'll be keeping an eye on the Crossfitters.