[Sport] Crossfit: A recommended sport for everyone?

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In recent years, crossfit has become a very po[CENSORED]r practice: more and more people are interested in finding a sport capable of challenging their limits. And this one, of course, puts them to the test.

In the 1990s, American entrepreneur Greg Glassman founded the CrossFit brand as a fitness program that combined a wide variety of movements, performed with great intensity.

The workouts include strength exercises, cardiac and respiratory resistance, flexibility, joint mobility and motor skills. In practice, this translates into lifting weights, running, jumping, and performing gymnastic movements, among other exercises, in sessions that last approximately one hour.

Such a variety of activities and challenges, compared to the monotony of other disciplines, favors the motivation of the participants. And that is its first advantage.

Benefits for body and mind
Regarding its direct physical effects, the habitual practice of crossfit increases strength, muscular resistance, flexibility and coordination.

His exercises help prevent cardiovascular diseases, increase muscle mass and improve joint mobility. In short, to enjoy a metabolism that works better by spending less.

In daily life, this allows us to rush to catch the bus without getting tired or picking up heavy objects easily. It can also help us keep up with the daily rhythm, go on trips and play with our children, cousins or nephews without ending up exhausted at the end of the day.

In addition, crossfit promotes a sense of community and camaraderie. Trainings are done in a group, which encourages collaboration and creates a stimulating environment. This can be especially beneficial for those seeking a support group on their journey to a long-term healthier and more active life.

Are there contraindications?
Like all kinds of exercises, crossfit also carries some prejudices about its practice. The most common is that it causes many injuries.

In reality, they are similar to those caused by sports such as rugby, soccer, weightlifting or gymnastics. And among them, shoulder and lumbar spine injuries stand out.

 

In any case, we must bear in mind that any form of exercise carries its risks if it is not carried out correctly. Experience may prefer a protective factor.

Another widespread idea is that only young people are capable of doing crossfit. However, as the training includes a wide variety of exercises, it can be an accessible sport for everyone. The important thing is to work with a qualified coach who adapts the activities to the level of the person who practices it.

Finally, a study shows that crossfit fans tend to take supplements (such as protein or creatine) or follow certain types of diet whose benefits are not proven or are not recommended for all types of people (paleo diet, ketogenic diet...).

The worrying thing is that the only source of information for almost half of the participants in the aforementioned work had been the Internet.

Reasons to recommend it
As health workers we seek prevention and health promotion, and crossfit can be an effective tool to achieve these objectives, taking into account the following aspects:

Physical Health. This sport helps prevent or control diseases such as obesity, diabetes or hypertension as long as we are aware of the importance of practicing it safely, using appropriate techniques and progressing gradually.
Mental health. Regular exercise has been shown to have positive effects in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. In the specific case of crossfit, we must add that sense of community that we highlighted among its benefits.
Healthy diet. The use of supplements, the monitoring of a specific diet or the control of biological parameters that are supervised by a professional.

In short, crossfit should be recommended as long as it is an activity adapted to our abilities and is directed by health specialists and experts in this sport. Whoever decides to try it should be informed about its potential benefits and also its risks.

*This article was published on The Conversation and reproduced here under the Creative Commons license. Click on this link to read the original version.

*Gaya-Sancho is a Nursing professor at San Jorge University.

Link: https://www.elcomercio.com/deportes/otros/que-es-crossfit-deporte-recomendable.html