Crossfit is a sport that is considered effective for burning calories. However, before trying this sport, it's good if you recognize the benefits and risks of crossfit first. This is important so that the exercise you do is safe and according to your needs.
Crossfit is now becoming a trend and much favored by young people. This high-intensity sport combines various types of movement, ranging from strength, speed, endurance, jumping, running, gymnastics, to lifting weights.
Crossfit is usually done in a short time, which is about 5–15 minutes for 3-5 days per week. However, this sport should not be underestimated because it takes stamina and strong endurance to do it.
When undergoing a crossfit training program, you also need to follow a healthy diet, namely by increasing your intake of lean meats, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils, such as olive oil.
5 Benefits of Crossfit for Body Health
Just like other types of exercise, crossfit provides many benefits for the body. This sport is good for maintaining heart health and function as well as improving blood flow.
Crossfit is also good for increasing muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, speed, and balance and body coordination. The following are some of the benefits of crossfit for body health:
1. Build and strengthen muscle tissue
Crossfit sports require muscles and joints to be actively moving, so that muscles and joints become stronger. Crossfit exercises that are done intensely can also burn more fat in the body.
Thus, the muscles of the body become more formed and the body looks toned and athletic.
2. Increase the intake of oxygen into the body
Crossfit is a high-intensity exercise (high-intensity power training or HIPT). This type of exercise can increase the amount of oxygen used during exercise.
Thus, the metabolism of the body's cells will be smoother and the body can get more energy.
3. Increase body dexterity, balance, and flexibility
Movements in crossfit often mimic the movements you do in everyday life, such as squatting (squats), swinging objects, or lifting heavy weights up. These movements can improve agility, balance, and flexibility of the body.
4. Burn calories
Crossfit can help you burn more calories than any other type of exercise. In women weighing 75 kg, about 13-15 calories in the body will be burned every 1 minute doing crossfit.
Whereas in men weighing 88.5 kg, about 15-18 calories will be burned per minute. Calories will even continue to burn while the body is still in the recovery phase after exercising.
5. Improve body fitness
When accompanied by a healthy diet, especially a high-protein diet, crossfit exercise can lead to weight loss. More calories will be burned if coupled with intense training and exercise sessions.
If done regularly, crossfit can lose weight while making the body more fit.
Various Crossfit Risks You Need to Know
Although effective enough to lose weight and improve physical fitness, crossfit also carries a risk of causing injury. The risk of injury from crossfit can increase if the movement is performed in an inappropriate manner.
The following are some of the types of injuries that can occur as a result of crossfit:
- Lower back pain
- Inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis), especially the tendons that control the rotation of the shoulder (rotator cuff) and the tendon behind the ankle
- Knee injury
- Arthritis on the outside of the elbow (tennis elbow)
In addition, crossfit is also not recommended for pregnant women, the elderly over 65 years, people with heart disease, and people with knee or back injuries.
If it's your first time doing crossfit, it's best to ask your instructor for guidance first. In addition, consult a doctor to find out whether this exercise is suitable for you or not. If not, your doctor can recommend other types of exercise according to your needs and conditions.
