Shashank Rajan, a Bengaluru-based CrossFit trainer tells you everything you need to know about the world of CrossFit
CrossFit: An Introduction
CrossFit is a fitness regimen that involves constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and more. These are the core movements of life. It was developed by Greg Glassman and is believed that Glassman was the first person in history to define fitness in a meaningful, measurable way. CrossFit program is driven by data. It uses whiteboards as scoreboards, keeping accurate scores and records, running a clock, and precisely defining the rules and standards for performance. CrossFit is empirically driven, clinically tested, and community developed.
CrossFit and India
It all started in Haridwar at the Shri Ram Ashram which is the only CrossFit Kids Affiliates and is a non-profit CrossFit Affiliate in India. Vijay Raj, who grew up in the ashram got into CrossFit methodology at the age of 17 in 2009 with Ms. Rashmi Cole who look after the ashram. After his appearance in CrossFit Games in 2012, the first ever Indian to appear in a CrossFit Games, has helped the other fitness enthusiasts to take up CrossFit. And now there are 21 affiliates in India and increasing every now and then.
CrossFit and Me
I got to know about CrossFit in later 2016 when I competed in one fitness competition called Tribe Throwdown held in Bengaluru. Being active throughout my life, this was something new for me, so I wanted to challenge myself and enrolled for the competition. Though I didn’t win, but I was among the top 10 without knowing much of it. That feeling gave me the push to know more about it and made me realize that this is for me. So, immediately I left the gym and join Cult which is a leading fitness chain in India and got my hands-on experience in strength and conditioning program which is very similar to CrossFit methodology of training. After getting trained in Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics and metabolic conditioning for almost 1.5 years, I thought now is the time for me to become CrossFit L1 trainer. So here I am, helping people to achieve their fitness goal through my experience. Currently, I am working as a coach in TFD CrossFit, Bengaluru and teaching sports and fitness at NIFT college, as head coach.
CrossFit versus Gymming
In gyms and health clubs, the typical workout sessions consist of isolation movements and extended aerobic sessions. But in CrossFit, we work exclusively with compound movements and shorter high-intensity cardiovascular sessions. CrossFit has replaced the lateral raise with push presses, the curl with pull-ups, and the leg extension with squats. Wondering why? Well, because functional movements and high-intensity sessions are radically more effective at eliciting nearly any desired fitness result.
CrossFit and Fitness Market
When it comes to fitness, immediate effect is what people desire for. And CrossFit, helps you feel the change from the day 1. That’s why CrossFit community is building up. And the best part is that, CrossFit is good for all the age groups. This form of fitness also provides scope for certification where people get the chance of becoming certificated trainers and coaches. But, it’s a long way to go where everyone will be aware of CrossFit benefits. I guess social media and trainers like us are the building blocks who need to make efforts and spread the word.
CrossFit Tips
Just like any fitness program, CrossFit also requires patience and consistency. Once you overcome these two, there are a few things that need your attention. First of all, don’t be intimidated; trust your coach and you can be a pro in no time. Secondly, never push beyond your limits for the sake of doing it. Never cheat yourself and always keep a count of every activity. Last but not the least is to never arrive unprepared for training. Look up the WOD (workout of the day) online before you pack your gym bag.
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