Unique Attributes and Accomplishments of CrossFit Training

Greg Glassman, the creator of CrossFit, established four fundamental principles of this sport that serve the goals and directions of training for practitioners. The first principle refers to the development of a comprehensive level of physical proficiency in ten areas, including cardiovascular endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. The second principle refers to the diversity of tasks that are set for trainees to shape the 'universal soldier' type that is prepared for all situations. This principle is symbolized by a container filled with infinite physical challenges that require a broad range of skills. The third principle refers to the execution of efforts that require the three mechanisms of energy acquisition: phosphagen, glycolysis, and oxidative processes. The last principle refers to 'health measures', i.e., criteria, whose measurement indicates the degree of our 'fitness'.

The effectiveness of training according to the CrossFit methodology has not been extensively verified by professional researchers (there are few scientific publications on this topic). However, there are numerous studies that confirm the effectiveness of exercise forms similar to CrossFit training, although the training itself, designed and implemented in accordance with the principles of the system and contained in The CrossFit Training Guide (available on the crossfit.com website), has only been studied in a very limited scope. The 2014 study conducted by University of Alabama employees under the guidance of J. M. Goins and published in the paper 'Physiological and performance effects of CrossFit' was based precisely on the fundamental principles of CrossFit training contained in Glassman's works. The aim of the study was to determine whether and to what extent CrossFit training affects changes in aerobic and anaerobic capacity, strength of the trainee, functioning of the three energy conversion systems, resting heart rate, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), body weight and composition (in the range of fat tissue). The study began with laboratory tests of the tested parameters (in the range of capacity, blood pressure, body weight and composition, training power). The participants of the study were women (8) and men (4) aged 19-29, who did not practice any sport, led an average active lifestyle, and did not participate in high-intensity training.

Notable changes are discernible in the traits outlined in the inaugural standard, as well as in fundamental motor attributes and health parameters, which are affirmed by both active crossfit participants and scholarly research. We are referring to the salubrious facets of this athletic pursuit, i.e., actions undertaken in a deliberate and responsible manner. The controversies commence at the point where recreational activity culminates, and elite sports commence. However, that is a distinct matter.