5 Steps for a Successful CrossFit™ Experience

Newly released ACE-sponsored research confirmed that CrossFit can be a great way to get fit, but this high-intensity workout can also lead to injury if done incorrectly.

Here are five important steps to ensure you have a great CrossFit experience and get the most out of your workouts.

1. Take the introductory course offered by your CrossFit affiliate.
If you are new to CrossFit, taking the orientation course at your CrossFit box (gym) that teaches you proper exercise technique is a must. These introductory classes are vital to your success as a “CrossFitter,” especially if you have never regularly performed the foundational movements of CrossFit. These movements include, but are not limited to, various types of squats, overhead presses, dead lifts, and Olympic lifts. Even if you are an experienced CrossFitter, it’s a good idea to periodically revisit an introductory course to review the basics of proper movement technique.
Bottom line: Make sure you are ready for all of the CrossFit movements by attending your box’s introductory course.

 2. Know how to modify every movement, every time.
Practicing excellent form during every repetition of every exercise is one of the most effective injury-prevention strategies. Make sure you know your options for the successful completion of every single  repetition. In CrossFit, the workout of the day (or WOD) is posted along with recommendations (or Rx) for load and/or movement skill. For example, the load recommendations for the wall ball movement, which involves quickly moving from a deep squat to standing while tossing a large medicine ball several feet overhead, typically include a 20-lb ball for men and a 14-lb ball for women. However, some individuals cannot safely perform wall balls with that amount of weight. In fact, some people cannot safely perform wall balls at all, and they must modify the exercise to one that is suitable to their capabilities. Whether it’s selecting a lighter weight than the Rx recommendation, or altering the movement (e.g., modifying to a half-squat rather than a deep squat in the wall ball example), knowing how to scale the different variables of an exercise to meet your specific goals or limitations will help you safely and effectively complete a WOD. Knowing the right modifications for your individual needs is best learned during the introductory CrossFit course (see Step #1), and through having a frank discussion with your CrossFit coach (See Step #3). Lastly, understand that your physical capacity changes from day-to-day and, depending on your fatigue level and frequency of training, you might need to modify a movement one day, but several days later perform that same movement at the Rx recommendation.
Bottom line: Be sure you approach each WOD with the knowledge of how to modify a movement, if necessary.

3. Regularly communicate with your CrossFit coach.
Although this is Step 3 on the list, it fits in with the previous points and cannot be emphasized enough. First, let the coach of the class you are attending know about any limitations or past injuries that might make the performance of a particular WOD unsuitable for you. Then discuss with your coach possible modifications in movement and/or weight load that will make the exercises work for you. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early and talk with your coach BEFORE class so that when the timer is winding down to begin the WOD, you are not left wondering what to do. As a coach myself, I ALWAYS appreciate it when participants approach me before class to inform me of any current limitations. In addition, I always announce modifications that can be performed instead of the Rx recommendations before each workout.
Bottom line: If you are unsure about how to perform an exercise so that it works for your individual needs, ask your coach before the WOD begins!

4. Respect your limits.
We all have limitations and strengths. Because the programming is so varied in CrossFit, you will probably find that some movements come more naturally to you than others. For example, people with endurance-training backgrounds who have low body fat and lighter body weights often find the gymnastics-style movements, such as pull-ups and burpees, easier to tackle. However, those same body types often find strength-based exercises such as squats and deadlifts more challenging. The point is to recognize that everyone (including you) will experience exercises that are more or less difficult to master than others. You must respect your limitations and not let the highly competitive atmosphere of performing a CrossFit WOD with your peers cloud your judgment. Only perform movements that you can safely execute with good form. This might mean that you need to unload your barbell during a WOD if fatigue sets in and your form starts to decline.
Bottom line: Be honest about your limitations and avoid letting competition prevail over proper form.

5. Avoid overtraining.

This step might seem obvious, but it can be overlooked by new and veteran CrossFitters alike who are eager to compete and improve. To be successful in CrossFit, participants must train smartly by progressing training volume gradually. The high-intensity nature of CrossFit WODs requires adequate rest and recovery between sessions to decrease the likelihood of injury. Initially, a frequency of two CrossFit workouts per week is a good starting point. Over time, adding in more days, while still paying attention to rest and recovery, can be accomplished. The number of days per week that an individual can tolerate performing WODs depends on numerous factors (e.g., current state of fitness, goals, and desire). Be sure to discuss your goals with your CrossFit coach so that he or she can provide you with safe and effective programming guidelines to help you achieve them.
Bottom line: Have a plan for proper progression to decrease the risk of overtraining.

Source : Sabrena Merrill | ACE

Learn how you can Jump Higher

Learning how to jump higher will help you in more than one way. There are lots of exercises that will help you increase your vertical leap, all you need to do it find a workout that suits your needs. You should realize that no two people are build the same way, find something that works for you.

If you are a person who is into sports, jumping higher is a huge asset and knowing how to increase your jump can be a valuable tool to you. It doesn't matter if you are a basketball, baseball, or football player, increasing your vertical leap will help you improve your game by leaps and bounds. If you take the time to learn how to jump higher, you will not only increase your vertical jump, but it will help you improve your overall agility. This will make a huge difference in your performance as an athlete.

One of the ways to help you start to jump higher is by including power training and strength training as well. Strength training will build the muscles in your legs and calves to increase your vertical jump. Power training will teach your body how to be explosive which can be used in every sport. 

   If you have a jump rope, good. If you don't, go out and get one today because jump roping about twenty to thirty minutes per day is a great way to increase your vertical jump. You can also increase your leg strength by running and jumping up stairs or bleachers. When jumping, slowly increase the number of steps you are jumping so you are constantly increasing your jump. You could also buy jump boxes from a sports store and jump on and off of them. When you are able increase the height of the boxes, you will know that you are making great improvement on your journey to jump higher.
In just a few weeks, these exercises will help you improve your fitness, agility, flexibility, and stamina. Finding ways to jump higher is essential for most athletes. Basketball players, volleyball players, high jumpers, and long jumpers can all benefit from jumping higher. If you can increase your vertical jump, you will excel in these types of sports.

To be completely honest, you don't need to be a sports person to learn to jump higher. If you are just an average person, you can include exercises in your daily workout to increase your vertical leap. If you have always wanted to be fit and more agile, you will find that jumping higher will get you there in no time at all. Power training activities like jump roping, box jumping, and running stairs will help you lean to jump higher. 

Knowing how to jump higher is a skill that will help you in many ways throughout your life, in sports, and outside of sports. It will help boost your confidence and is a great boost in morale. Take the steps that you need to in order to start jumping higher. You will not regret it.

Source :Peter Velaskes / Go

How To Do A Box Jump (without face planting) Plus Advanced Box Jump Variations

It's not easy to try new movements or equipment in the gym, which I personally know. But when amazing strength and hardcore improvements become more important than obeying your comfort zone, then I can help instruct you. Box jumps are an explosive movement that trains your fast twitch muscles, give you phenomenal speed training and will make you feel POWERFUL ! Also, the equipment you need is almost as available in the gym as the 2-pound dumbbells. There the plyometric box is, just sitting there with a quirky grin, waiting for you to jump on it.

How-To Do Box Jumps

1. Decide on the height of the box you will jump on. If you are lacking courage, start with a shorter box. In Crossfit, 20" is a standard height for girls and 24" for guys. Be brave.
2. Face the box and mentally tell it what is going to happen. (I am going to jump on you Mo-Fo!)
3. Stand about 12" away from the box (or where ever feels warm and coziest for you) 
4. Start with step-ups. This is to warm up your hips and teach you the height of the box. Just alternate each leg stepping up to standing with both legs. Jump or step down. Do 5-10 on each side. 
5. Jump on it like you mean it. When you feel ready, bend your knees a little and explode up to jump on that box! You will have so much fun, you will want to use the box at every workout, promise
6. When jumping down, listen up! Your achilles tendon will NOT want you to jump up and down quickly. You want to extend your hips at the top of the box and then jump/step down to avoid an injury of monumental proportions.

As a useful tip! Remember that box jumps have the potential to put you in a face plant and or scrape/cut your shins if you don't make the jump. In fact, my good friend Adam had to get stitches from an failed box jump landing. Two things to avoiding this happening is to mentally focus on each jump, don't let your mind wander. When your mind wonders away from the task at hand, it makes you sloppy. And no one wants to cringe as you perform sloppy box jumps. The second is to know when your legs are jello. Shaking legs do not make for good box jumps. Push yourself but don't overdo it.

Advanced Box Jump Variations:

 Once you get the basic box jump movement down, and want more explosive movements, try these:

1. Box jump overs. You don't jump onto the box at all, instead you jump over it like a frog (a really large, mean, burly frog).
2. Burpee box jumps. Do a burpee but instead of clapping your hands at the end of the burpee, you jump up onto the box 
3. Side jumps on the box. Face sideways to the box, with your right leg close, then jump to the right and land on the box. Switch sides and do your left. This requires some coordination and a little faith.

Inspiration for box jump variations?

 Source : Steph Kinzer GrassFed Strength