Getting Stronger with CrossFit: Trusting the Process
When it comes to building strength, CrossFit often stands out as a unique and highly effective approach, but only to those who truly understand it. It combines a diverse range of movements and intensity levels that push your body in ways traditional workouts might not. One of the key reasons why CrossFit can significantly enhance your strength is the type of muscle contractions it encourages. Despite CrossFit having a heavy emphasis on conditioning, it actually creates an optimal environment for both strength development and muscle growth. I'll explain!
It's important to understand that even though CrossFit revolves around conditioning workouts, the type of muscle contractions during these workouts are far from the repetitive, endurance-focused contractions seen in mono-structural activities like rowing, running, or biking (even though we do utilise these 1-2 times per week). Unlike those activities, CrossFit's conditioning often involves varied and intense contractions that can stimulate hypertrophy and strength gains, offering a more comprehensive approach to building muscle and power. This means that even when you're performing conditioning in a CrossFit class, you're still creating an environment conducive to muscle growth and strength development, rather than just focusing on endurance.
One of the hallmarks of CrossFit is its intensity. Workouts are designed to push you, which can often mean performing reps until you need to rest. This leads to what’s known as cluster sets—where you perform multiple reps, take a brief rest, and then perform more reps. This method is incredibly beneficial for strength development because it allows you to maintain a high level of intensity throughout the workout. Consider when we're at the whiteboard and explain, 'this 20 reps of toes to bar should take 2-3 sets' - these are cluster sets!
Cluster sets help in two significant ways:
In a class environment, coaches are there to guide you through each workout, ensuring that you’re performing exercises correctly and safely. We help you manage intensity, guide your form, and ensure that you’re not overreaching or risking injury by pushing too hard, too soon.
The structured, varied, and intense nature of CrossFit workouts are designed to give you the best results. By focusing on consistency and trusting in these methods, you’ll develop strength and muscle over time, while also improving your overall fitness. (The ultimate win, fitter and stronger with less time put into it).
CrossFit isn’t just about getting fit; it’s also about getting strong, but in an unconventional manner. Just because your heart rate is elevated, that doesn't mean these contractions (reps) aren't getting you stronger, they are! The varied contractions, high intensity, and cluster sets create an optimal environment for both strength development and muscle growth. By staying committed and trusting the method, you’ll see significant improvements in your strength and overall fitness. Remember, the path to getting stronger is a journey, and with CrossFit, you’re on the right track. Keep pushing, stay consistent, and let the process work for you.
See you all in the gym,
Sam
