CrossFit was founded in the late 1990s by Greg Glassman and Lauren Jenai. The strength and conditioning program combines elements of endurance training, Olympic weightlifting, and gymnastics into a workout routine that can be done anywhere. The Orthopaedic Institute’s Harrison S. Mahon, MD, views CrossFit as an excellent way to optimize physical health. He asserts that this workout is especially beneficial for recent college-athlete graduates who still wish to partake in high-intensity workouts. However, with its varied activities and challenging exercises, CrossFit benefits people of all ages.  

Who Should Do CrossFit?

Regardless of current fitness levels or age, CrossFit is an optimal workout for anyone who wants to get fit and stay in shape. Whether you’re just starting to work out or you’re a seasoned athlete, CrossFit can help you reach your fitness goals. 

CrossFit employs certified training specialists who can help you either scale down your workout or intensify it. As qualified professionals, they can help ensure you don’t overexert or injure yourself while guaranteeing a high-intensity and beneficial workout. The trainers additionally cater to everyone, from helping older adults retain and enhance their mobility to allowing adolescents to develop their motor skills and coordination.

Is CrossFit Good For Beginners?

Yes, CrossFit is an excellent workout for beginners. The workouts can be modified to meet your individual needs, so you can start slow and gradually increase the intensity as you become more comfortable with the exercises. Additionally, the group setting of most Crossfit classes can be helpful for beginners since it provides motivation and support from like-minded people who are also working to reach their fitness goals.

Benefits of CrossFit

Due to the group setting of most classes, CrossFit is a great way to meet new people and make friends. As a result, studies have found that CrossFit users have a greater sense of community, satisfaction, and motivation. Crossfit has countless other benefits as well, including: 

• Improved cardiovascular health 
• Better joint function 
• Increased muscle mass 

What Does a Typical CrossFit Class Look Like?

A typical CrossFit class typically lasts for about an hour. The class is usually broken up into four parts: 

1. Warm-up: five to ten minutes, prepares your body for the workout ahead
2. Strength component: about 15 minutes, focuses on proper technique and specific skill sets that will be used in the WOD
3. Workout of the Day: commonly known as WOD, the main event lasts 20-30 minutes and can include a wide range of high-intensity strength and conditioning exercises that challenge your whole body
4. Cool down: five minutes, allows for a gradual recovery, regulating your blood flow, heart rate, and breathing

Among the most popular exercises that you may do in your CrossFit class include: 

• Squats
• Rowing 
• Kettlebell swings
• Push-ups 
• Deadlifts
• Squat cleans
• Pull-ups 
• Box jumps

What is the Difference Between CrossFit and the Gym?

CrossFit and the gym both offer effective ways to get in shape and stay healthy. However, there are a few key differences between the two. For example, CrossFit workouts are typically done in a group setting, while gym workouts can be completed solo. CrossFit workouts also are usually shorter and more intense, offering more equipment and resources than traditional gym workouts.

Make an Appointment with Dr. Mahon at The Orthopaedic Institute 

Although there are numerous benefits of CrossFit, it can be difficult on your body, and you could injure yourself if you don’t follow proper form. If you have recently sustained an injury from CrossFit or any other exercise, reach out to Dr. Mahon at The Orthopaedic Institute. Dr. Mahon is a board-eligible orthopedic surgeon who specializes in: 

• Sports medicine
• Arthroscopic surgery 
• Knee surgery 
• Shoulder surgery 
• Joint replacement surgery 

Dr. Mahon pursued these specialties because he is passionate about getting patients of all ages back to their favorite activities, whether on the volleyball court or the football field. With a caring bedside manner and exemplary training, Dr. Mahon can help identify the best treatment option for each individual patient. 

Dr. Mahon is a board-eligible orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Arthroscopic Surgery, Joint Replacement.

Dr. Mahon chose his specialty because he enjoys helping patients of all ages return to their favorite activities.

What sets him apart as a physician is his caring nature and excellent training. He enjoys teaching patients about their injury or condition and helping them decide which treatment option is best for them.

Outside of work, he enjoys golf, college football, traveling, and spending time with his wife and family.