When you are starting on your paleo journey, you will be focused on eating clean and training your body to avoid junk food. But at some point, you may want to add a good workout program to your new healthy lifestyle. While there are many exercise programs out there for you to choose from, Crossfit is extremely popular among people who follow the Paleo path.
The reason is that, unlike most workouts, Crossfit very closely resembles the patterns of movement that our ancestors used to rely on to build muscle. Using Crossfit will build core strength and improve conditioning. Unlike the more traditional workout classes, the goal with Crossfit is to optimize physical strength and endurance in ten generally recognized fitness domains which include cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy.
Remember, our ancestors lived in an extremely unforgiving environment. Not only did they have to hunt and prepare all of their own foods, they had to be able to withstand all weather conditions and build a shelter. They needed to be strong if they wanted to live. So it stands to reason that anything we can do to mimic their daily activities would make us strong too.
So how do you get started? Many people try to find a Crossfit gym close to home. This is both good and bad. On one hand, you want a gym that is close to you so that you don’t need to add a heavy gym commute to your already busy day. On the other hand, different gyms are structured differently with pricing and the classes they offer. You may want to consider all of your options before committing to one location.
You will also want to look at the teachers at each facility. Like most areas in life, different teachers will have different teaching styles. The same teacher that your friend swears by could be the one that you feel offers poor form and instruction. Try to find someone that you feel the most comfortable with.
If you are just starting at a Crossfit facility, don’t be intimidated if it looks different than a regular gym. Remember, Crossfit relies heavily on the body’s own weight and natural movements. So don’t be surprised if the rowing machines, treadmills and weights that you are used to are replaced with large boxes, medicine balls, and heavy tires.
If you are just getting your feet wet with Crossfit, it may not be a bad idea to invest in a trainer. Even if you have an accountability partner, a trainer will be able to look at your goals and needs and help you to design a workout routine that is structured for your individual needs. It might seem like an added expense, but in the end, a trainer may shave weeks or months off of you reaching your workout goals.
Starting a new workout program can be intimidating, even scary. But the trick is to find something that works for you and something that you feel comfortable doing. When you start Crossfit, you have the added benefit of doing the most popular workout for paleo eaters. This means that you will likely find new ideas and guidance on your eating journey as well as get an amazing workout that is designed to help you in every area of your life.
