By now I’m certain most of you have heard the fitness buzz word, CrossFit.

Constantly varied, functional movement done at high intensity more commonly associated with big, strong men with bulging muscles, however, it seems more and more women are joining in on the fun these days.

When entering a CrossFit gym (also known as a Box) you will certainly not be welcomed by beautiful lighting, colourful walls, granite topped bathrooms or a coffee lounge, no, picture steel structured rings with Olympic barbells hanging from the walls, cast iron kettlebells, rubberised bumper plates, ropes hanging from the ceiling. It begs the question, why? Why would any woman want to engage in this form of exercise?

Now the idea is not to scare you, because as intimidating as it sounds women love it because it works! Those women, who have taken the leap of faith into the Box, seem to have found the secret to a greater physique, flatter stomachs, toned legs, stronger core, better physical longevity and a wonderful sense of achievement and empowerment.

And boy do they feel empowered!

CrossFit Gym owner and professional trainer, Abrie Valentine puts it into perspective. He explains that with CrossFit the workouts are so much more effective because it’s about building muscle but not bulk! Women are afraid they’d bulk but the truth is they won’t bulk if they don’t intend to. Bulking up has to do more with your genetics and diet. Women also doubt their strength and ability to do the high intensity workouts, they would see people doing 50 pull ups and imagine themselves running for the hills, but everything done in the Box is completely scalable, especially for beginners.

CROSSFIT MYTHS
It’s bad for you and you’ll injure yourself
Abrie says: ‘Members are encouraged to begin training at a comfortable pace and progress into it by pushing harder as they adapt at their potential level of fitness. Difficult workouts are scaled down, decreasing the volume of it or the weights if need be. Alternatives are also provided for difficult movements, which may be challenging for beginners.’
CrossFit is just a passing fad
Abrie says: ’With Nearly 15 00 affiliates and still doubting, CrossFit is here to stay and is currently one of the fastest growing sport interests in the world.
You need to be fit and strong to do CrossFit
Abrie says: ’No, we are all for beginners with no experience. We take an average inactive Joe and turn him from being a couch potato into a machine.’

Text: Nikita Sylvester
Image: CrossFit CFM