How CrossFit works
CrossFit is a way of life that emphasises safe, effective exercise and proper nutrition.
Lelani Tison, CrossFit gymnastics certified and scaled certified trainer of Plotbox Jozi East and Benoni, offered up some advice and explanation when it comes to being affiliated with the CrossFit brand.
What is CrossFit?
“CrossFit is a way of life that emphasises safe, effective exercise and proper nutrition,” Tison expained. It can be used to achieve any goal, including greater health, weight loss and performance.
“Everyone can benefit from the programme, from beginners to those who have been training for years.
“The workouts typically include a combination of elements from other exercise styles, including high-intensity interval training, gymnastics, weightlifting, callisthenics, powerlifting and strongman competitions.
“CrossFit is designed to improve your overall physical abilities, including your endurance, strength, flexibility, speed, coordination, balance and more.”
How do you become a CrossFit trainer?
“Firstly, you would start doing the sport as any other member of a CrossFit facility.
“After a year of training, one can go into doing the level one course CrossFit offers.
“Once certified you will then shadow the respective coach or owner of the box you’re a member of for at least 50 to 60 hours.
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“After these hours have been accumulated you will start coaching half or some of the other classes with another coach on standby.
“I have been a part of bodybuilding for about 11 years. Then my parents started training in this thing called CrossFit.
“They thought that I’d like it and begged me to come and try one session with them. I went for the session. So, yes, from there on the rest is history.”
Can you compete in CrossFit competitions without being a member?
“Yes. Only if you’re an individual athlete. You would have to ask permission though at a CrossFit facility if you’re a serious athlete and have a certified judge to judge you.”
But there are many things one is not able to do when you’re not affiliated.
“It’s against policy to use any of the brandings if you’re not affiliated. Only gym owners can affiliate with the gym; you cannot do this as an individual.
“According to policy, to affiliate, your gym costs $3 000 (about R40 600) annually. Once affiliated, you are recognised by headquarters and you’re listed on their website. You are also then allowed to use all the branding.”
As stated on their website, CrossFit is a branded fitness regimen created by Greg Glassman and it is a registered trademark of CrossFit, LLC, which was founded by Glassman and Lauren Jenai in 2000.
”It’s the coming together with other individuals, doing things you’ve never thought you’d be able to do which enlightens the whole experience of being part of a ‘family’ that’s growing, to be better than they were yesterday. ”For me, CrossFit is an ongoing journey of being challenged. I’ve become so much stronger, fitter and healthier and that’s something worth keeping going for.”
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