It's no doubt working out in crossfit style has taken the world by storm. Paleo potlucks are soon to be your next work Christmas party meal, every birthday you attend will have nothing but "grain-free" options... Okay, so I'm exaggerating a little. But I think we can all agree, it's amazing to see a large variety of people enjoying this type of working out.
I think one of the main pulls for working out in CrossFit fashion is the fact you have the option to workout in a group setting. We've all peered into the group classes at the, dare I say... the "regular" gym but, let's be honest, some of classes just look plain ol boring. It's the same routine every week, nothing new, nothing extra, same ol music, you get the picture. One of the reasons I used to be into group classes was the energy I felt in the room - CrossFit is definitely not lacking in this area.
I was still a bit iff-y on whether or not CrossFit was for me so I looked to the Reebok CrossFit 09 in St Luke's for another Q&A session::
What are key things to look-out for when finding for the right CrossFit gym for you?
There are now over 60 CrossFit gyms in NZ! Huge growth in less than 5 years. Every gym is owner-operated, and as such there is a wide variety in everything from the size of the gym, the amount of classes, the membership numbers, the coaching experience and the community vibe. As such, it is recommended you do your research first. Visit the gym and observe a class in progress. Are the coaches actively engaged with the participants? Do they spend time at the beginning on technique practice? Are the clients having fun?! If you don't see regular weightlifting and gymnastics programmed into the workouts, it implies that the coaches do not have experience in coaching these essential components of CrossFit. Reputable CrossFit gyms will have procedures in place to look after new members and teach them the basics, from extra coaches in class, to a completely separate beginners program.
Let's talk paleo diet, what makes certain foods "paleo," what are the requirements? Simple definition go!
Paleo is not about eating huge amounts of meat and acting like a caveman. It is simply eating real foods that mostly existed before agriculture. Grass fed beef and lamb, line caught fish, locally grown organic fruit and veggies are the picks, avoiding sugar, processed foods and grains, which offer nothing but excess energy with little in the way of nutrients.
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Is it mandatory to follow the paleo-diet to be successful in CrossFit? Name your favourite paleo, “go-to” recipe? Where does someone go about finding recipes?
We don't push Paleo to our members, just to eat real food. It's not mandatory for success in CrossFit, it's essential for success in life!! We're changing people's lives every day by getting them to ditch the sugar and grains.
Recipes are easy - pick some protein, add tons of veggies and make sure there are some good fats there too.
Let the taste of the food come out and keep it simple - BBQ steak with an epic salad, or roast NZ lamb with carrots and kumara, drizzled in olive oil, ghee, or duck fat.
Is there certain equipment and/or gear required for CrossFit?
Is there certain equipment and/or gear required for CrossFit?
A barbell and weights, a pullup bar and a skipping rope will allow you to complete about 80% of all CrossFit workouts. A kettlebell will get you another 10% and a rowing machine, medicine ball and dumbells the other 10%. The beauty of CrossFit is that it can be performed anywhere, with minimal to no equipment. It's all in the application of functional movement, mixed up in different ways, performed as hard as you can. Combining short sprints with pushups, squats, lunges, pullups and burpees do the trick; and if you have access to a barbell, then you can incorporate basic exercises like deadlifts, weighted squats and presses, moving up to more complicated Olympic lifting movements as you gain experience. I'd recommend that a knowledgable coach is the most essential thing, but I'm biased...... :) Everyone needs a coach!
I'm new to CrossFit, what are three things I should focus on?
1. Turn up to class consistently. Establishing habit is key to progress, and the friends you make in class will motivate and support you.
2. Focus on technique first and foremost. Don't get caught up in trying to lift more weight or go faster until you have mastered good movement, which is key to a long and healthy life of elite fitness.
3. Eat real food!
That Q&A was just what I needed - I had to find out for myself just how energized a CrossFit WOD was for myself! One of the first things D said to me when asking to join them for a workout was, "We'd love to have you over for a workout, promise we'll look after you ;)"
Well...he did promise. Check out some behind the scenes action::
For more info on what the paleo diet is all about, check out this fab article here by Rob Wolf. He's got the science of paleo-foods down pat, a few books, and a website....this is definitely a good place to research more if you are interested. Don't worry, you won't have to swear a skirt made of leaves, or carry around a "bam-bam" stick - that is one thing we can leave back in time with the cavemen.
What's your favourite part of CrossFit?
Do you eat paleo? How does it make a difference - body, energy, mood?
I want to hear from you!
be GOOD to YOURSELF,
Jess
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