CrossFit catches on

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class C.J. Hatch
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  A new system for fitness has emerged in recent years that uses very little equipment and can be done by people of all ages, levels and ability. 

CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program designed to optimize physical competence in each of ten recognized fitness domains: cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. 

"CrossFit is designed to strengthen muscle groups, not just one muscle at a time," said Capt. Richard Farley, 56th Training Squadron aerospace physiologist. "The process of building muscles one at a time can take hours in a gym whereas a full CrossFit routine can be completed in significantly less time." 

By focusing on muscle groups, a person doesn't need large amounts of equipment. The CrossFit program is adaptable and can be done anywhere which makes it popular with military members who can continue their CrossFit routine even when they deploy to remote locations. 

"There are many benefits to CrossFit, two of which can apply directly to Airmen," said Sandy Neubauer, CrossFit level-one certified trainer. "First, the program helps Airmen stay fit-to-fight. CrossFit's high-intensity workouts prepare Airmen to go to deployed locations and handle the increased physical stresses. Second, CrossFit is a great team building activity. Doing the workout as a unit enables Airmen to build up each other through encouragement and reaching a common goal." 

An advantage to CrossFit is the ability to work out anywhere without needing weight machines. 

"With CrossFit you can tie a rope around a rock and use it as a weight," Captain Farley said. "These features mean that the program can be done anywhere." 

One of the principle reasons CrossFit is attractive to a variety of people is its ability to work for everyone by giving them control of their own workout. 

"I thought I was strong until I started crossfit," Mrs. Neubauer said. "Before, I did a lot of kickboxing and spin cycling, but after my first CrossFit workout I was hooked." 

CrossFit has become popular at Luke Air Force Base, and the fitness center will soon be implementing classes for base personnel. 

"I love CrossFit," said Sonnie Jenssen, CrossFit enthusiast. "I have been involved in sports for a long time, but after my first CrossFit workout, I was hurting. I had worked muscles I was unaccustomed to using." 

CrossFit has helped military members from all services better their physical standards.
"I scored a hundred on my physical training test and all I do is CrossFit and mountain biking," said Staff Sgt. Able Telles, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels specialist. 

Mrs. Neubauer shared an experience she had with two Army sergeants. Both did CrossFit, but one quit to focus on running for the PT test, while the other just added some running to the CrossFit routine. The one who quit CrossFit ran the PT test with the same time as before, while the one who stayed with CrossFit ran two minutes faster. 

CrossFit also has a nutrition plan to help people make the most of their workouts. 

Protein should be lean and account for about 30 percent of caloric intake, according to www.crossfit.com. Carbohydrates should be low-glycemic and account for about 40 percent of the total calories. Fat should be monounsaturated and account for 30 percent of daily calories. 

For those interested in the program, certified instructors will be on hand to lead classes in the near future and ensure participants are challenged by scaling the workouts enough to provide an adequate workout without risk of injury. For more information, call the fitness center at (623) 856-6241.