Form follows function

What do we look for in our fitness?
To directly answer this we need to think about a definition of fitness, aspects of movement that we need, ability to be flexible yet strong (as opposed to weak) cardio endurance with power, speed with coordination and accuracy, and stamina with agility.

What occurs if we specialise in one energy pathway at the bereft of the others, what about if we isolate our musculature yet twist our back unloading the washing machine?

In CrossFit we seek to address general physical skills combining all of the ten points in the first paragraph, and use all our energy pathways and train compound multi-joint movements. We do this because it is functional for life. Fitness should not be the pursuit of an asthetic, it needs to be defined as the ability to perform tasks quickly and efficiently and the tasks are often variable as is the nature of human existance. Choosing not to squat or deadlift because nobody sees your legs is an inherently weak statement, it suggests narcissistic vanity more unattractive than a skinny leg. We are bipeds, if we cease to lose that ability our quality of life is severly diminished.

If training for appearance is what defines your fitness then how do you know how fit you are? Is it measurable? Does it involve any data-does your mirror have a score card system?

We train functional movements, this is defined as GPP (general physical preparedness) or the ability to perform well at any or every task imaginable. Thusly our training sytem is a constantly varied programme involving many different stimuli, we do this as nature very seldom gives us tasks that are periodized with rest phases and sets. We train to be better at life and consequently the movements we utilise focus on what will keep us functional as opposed an appearance of fitness.

CrossFit is a training system designed to enhance the individuals quality of life. The individual themselves addressing what is important, whether its a 2.14 Fran time, increasing general fitness for their sport or martial art, or having the ability to pull or push themselves upright if they fall or sit without the need of an aide to do so.

The search for the asthetic in fitness will highlight weaknesses in the individual when their fitness is needed to be functional, the same as the quest for great strength yet indulging in a diminished range of movement will always be a flawed strength.

The purpose of an increased fitness is to create a better quality of life and this needs to be done via functional movements. The use of isolation machines, mirrors and shallow squats will not achieve this, nor should the inexperienced individual be fooled into thinking that it will.