Key Takeaways
In recent times, crossfit has gained popularity, attracting an increasing number of enthusiasts. Its primary objective is to improve overall physical fitness. So, how does one measure progress in crossfit training? This is a question that is often asked by those who are starting their crossfit journey. If in traditional gym exercises the main indicator of success is the amount of pounds lifted, what does it look like in crossfit?
Is it beneficial to measure progress in crossfit training?
If we don't know how to measure our progress, we should consider why it's so crucial to regularly check our progress in each of the three groups in crossfit training. Greg Glassman, the founder of crossfit, believes that each of these groups has a direct impact on the others. Therefore, it is necessary to record all exercises and repetitions from the beginning to observe how our physical abilities improve over time. Nutrition and recovery outside of training are also significant and should be tailored to the training cycle.
How do you measure your progress in crossfit training?
One of Glassman's primary principles in CrossFit training is simplicity. According to him, progress is measured across three main categories: strength, conditioning, and range of motion—that is, mobility combined with gymnastics. Given the wide variety of exercises executed during CrossFit workouts, it is essential to maintain a training log (workout diary) where you record your performance in every session. Diligently tracking weights, reps, and times makes it vastly easier to monitor and evaluate your athletic progression. Another key method highlighted by Glassman is CrossFit benchmarks. These are standardized workouts designed to assess your fitness level and allow comparison with athletes worldwide. Benchmarks are divided into two main categories: 'The Girls' (such as Fran, Cindy, or Helen), which despite the names are demanding tests for all athletes, and 'Hero WODs', named in honor of fallen soldiers, firefighters, and police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Summary
Greg Glassman has crafted crossfit such that it can be performed by anyone. Uncomplicated and straightforward exercises allow us to train with ease. In every workout, we strive to improve our performance and refine our skills in relation to the outcomes of previous workouts. If we aim to concentrate on precise tracking of progress, we should create a register of all strength and endurance exercises, accurately measure the results (time, weight, distance), and record them in a diary. In this context, crossfit training does not significantly differ from other activities such as strength training or running. If we aim to achieve gratifying results, it is advisable to track and record our progress, irrespective of the chosen sport.