Brian Bucholtz, owner of CrossFit Roar explains the fundamentals of a CrossFit program.

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A well thought-out CrossFit program will have a healthy and balanced amount of mono-structural (cardiovascular) training, weightlifting and gymnastics movements. It’s the even spread of focus on all three of these aspects that allows us to improve our total General Physical Preparedness (GPP) and not specialise in one particular area. We want to be able to lift heavy, we want to be able to run fast (and far!), we want to be able to move our bodies in space correctly and with efficiency. Any specialisation in one area of a program will lead to deficiencies in others. The use of benchmark workouts (named and repeated workouts) allows us to measure our fitness and progression in the sport. From this, any weaknesses can be identified and addressed to ensure a well-rounded approach  to fitness is maintained.

As we look to improve the quality of life of each person in the gym, we place a great importance on diet and lifestyle. Nutrition is just as, if not more important, than the workouts themselves. A diet of meat, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds, with little starch and no sugar is the foundation of overall health and wellbeing: real food, consumed with the purpose of fuelling our bodies correctly, at levels that support athletic performance. There are no fads diets or gimmicks – just an approach that is healthy and sustainable in the long term.  CrossFit also encourages us to get outside of the gym regularly, play new sports, challenge ourselves, and use our hard-earned fitness!

If you’re looking to try CrossFit for the first time, do some research. Have a look for a professional, well-credited gym in your area. Talk to the coaches and get a feel for the type of environment they have created. Most facilities will require newcomers to complete one or more introductory sessions, due to the complexity of some of the movements you will encounter. Keep an open mind, ask questions, and take it all in! And remember, you don’t need to conquer the world in one session. Enjoy the process, make some new friends, and look forward to being the happiest and fittest version of yourself.