CrossFit Journal Article - What is fitness

What is Fitness?

Fitness is a term that lacks a definitive, universally accepted definition. In 1997, Outside Magazine deemed triathlete Mark Allen "the fittest man on Earth," but this judgment raises questions about what constitutes fitness. While Allen may excel in endurance, decathlete Simon Poelman surpasses him in strength, power, speed, and coordination, suggesting that fitness encompasses more than just endurance. Merriam-Webster’s definition of fitness centers on the ability to transmit genes and overall health, leaving much to be desired for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking a robust understanding. Unfortunately, even established organizations like the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) do not provide a clear definition of fitness, leading to the necessity for the CrossFit community to craft its own definition.

Defining CrossFit Fitness

For CrossFit, the ambiguity of fitness definitions underscores the importance of creating a unique framework that defines what their program delivers. This endeavor is crucial to establish credibility in promoting fitness as a holistic approach. The quest to define fitness has played a vital role in the success of CrossFit, which espouses a contrarian view by contrasting the mainstream media's portrayal of endurance athletes as fitness exemplars.

Three Standards of CrossFit Fitness

CrossFit employs three main models to assess and define fitness:

1. General Physical Skills: Based on the ten recognized physical skills essential for optimum physical competence.

2. Performance of Athletic Tasks: Evaluates an individual’s ability to perform various athletic tasks with competence.

3. Energy Systems: Focuses on the metabolic pathways that fuel human action.

By analyzing fitness through these three lenses, CrossFit establishes a broad, inclusive approach rather than a specialized one. Their overarching goal is to prepare individuals for an unpredictable variety of physical challenges, embodying the philosophy that fitness should not cater to a single dimension.

General Physical Skills

CrossFit identifies ten general physical skills to guide its assessment of fitness:

1. Cardiovascular/Respiratory Endurance: The body’s ability to gather, process, and deliver oxygen efficiently.

2. Stamina: The ability to process, deliver, store, and utilize energy.

3. Strength: The force that a muscular unit or units can produce.

4. Flexibility: The maximal range of motion at a joint.

5. Power: The ability to exert maximum force in minimal time.

6. Speed: The time required to perform a movement.

7. Coordination: The ability to combine distinct movement patterns.

8. Agility: The ability to transition swiftly between movement patterns.

9. Balance: The control of the body’s center of gravity concerning its support base.

10. Accuracy: The precision of movement in a specific direction or at a certain intensity.

Improving fitness relies on optimizing each of these skills, with endurance, stamina, strength, and flexibility developing through training, while coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy improve through practice. Power and speed improvements benefit from both training and practice.

Performance-Based Fitness Model

The second fitness model emphasizes the ability to perform any physical task proficiently, regardless of familiarity. This model underscores the necessity of training for diverse, unpredictable challenges, promoting varied workout structures that do not conform to rigid routines.

Energy Systems and Metabolic Conditioning

CrossFit’s third fitness standard revolves around understanding the body’s metabolic pathways, namely:

1. Phosphagen Pathway: Dominates short, high-intensity efforts lasting less than 10 seconds.

2. Glycolytic Pathway: Fuels moderate-duration efforts, typically lasting several minutes.

3. Oxidative Pathway: Engaged during low-intensity activities that persist for extended periods.

An effective fitness regimen acknowledges the importance of all three energy systems, promoting balance to achieve comprehensive fitness gains.

The Fitness Continuum

The CrossFit approach to fitness also considers the spectrum from sickness to wellness to fitness. Various health metrics can be integrated into this continuum, suggesting that fitness must inherently support health. Emphasizing that true fitness, or "super-wellness," encompasses physical health and mitigating risks associated with aging and disease is central to the CrossFit philosophy.

Role of Nutrition

Nutrition is integral to overall fitness; optimal nutrition complements training and enhances performance. A balanced diet consisting of approximately 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fats is essential for supporting athletic endeavors and general health. The CrossFit community encourages adherence to scientifically supported dietary recommendations such as the Zone Diet, which emphasizes proper macronutrient proportions.

The Importance of Sport

Participating in sports acts as a vital application of fitness. While training emphasizes various skills, sports often present unpredictable scenarios that require the simultaneous utilization of these skills. In essence, incorporating sport into a fitness regimen enhances the development, expression, and testing of fitness.

Hierarchical Model of Development

CrossFit outlines a theoretical hierarchy for developing athleticism, moving from basic nutrition to metabolic conditioning, gymnastics, weightlifting, and then onto sport. Each stage builds upon the previous one, ensuring a structured yet adaptable approach to personal fitness.

Conclusions on CrossFit Fitness

Conclusively, the effectiveness of CrossFit’s fitness framework lies in the embrace of a well-rounded, comprehensive approach. This philosophy not only cultivates a vast range of physical abilities but also prepares individuals to tackle diverse life challenges—all while promoting health and well-being.