CrossFit is the exercise regime that defines the modern era of fitness. Founded in 2000 by Greg Glassman and Lauren Jenai, it evolved from Glassman's unique training blend of gymnastics and weightlifting. The term "CrossFit" comes from "cross-discipline fitness" and today, it’s far more than a workout style: it’s a global lifestyle that transforms bodies, builds communities, and pushes boundaries.
Although you can technically do CrossFit anywhere with the right equipment, it is a registered brand with thousands of affiliated gyms (called "boxes") worldwide. These gyms teach and promote CrossFit’s methodology and culture, often creating strong local communities along the way.
CrossFit is best described as a combination of weightlifting, HIIT, and gymnastics, designed to develop all aspects of fitness, from strength and stamina to speed and flexibility.
What is a WOD?
WOD stands for “Workout of the Day.” It’s a varied daily workout programmed by your CrossFit gym or coach, or chosen by you if you train solo. WODs help ensure variety in your fitness routine while systematically training different muscle groups and functional abilities.
CrossFit gyms base their WODs on commonly available equipment, which means members can share experiences, compare times and reps, and improve together in a fun, competitive atmosphere.
Where can I find a CrossFit gym near me?
To find an official CrossFit gym, you can use the map on the official CrossFit website. Remember that only official CrossFit Gyms will appear here, which feature official qualified instructors and equipment specialised for CrossFit workouts.
Is CrossFit good for you?
CrossFit offers many health benefits, including strength training, cardio, stamina, mobility and flexibility, thanks to its combination of strength training, weight lifting and gymnastics.
Is CrossFit for beginners?
Yes, CrossFit is infinitely scalable, meaning every workout can be adjusted to suit any ability level, from complete beginners to elite athletes. Coaches are trained to modify movements, weights, and intensity so you’re always working within your capabilities and progressing at your pace.
Your local CrossFit gym will guide you through the fundamentals and adapt the WODs to suit your needs. It’s important to share any concerns, injuries, or weaknesses with your coach so they can tailor your workouts accordingly.
Do I need accessories or gear for CrossFit?
It is recommended to get specialised CrossFit gear for particular exercises and to support your fitness goals. CrossFit can be intense, and surpassing your limits and strength goals, while avoiding injury, can be supported by CrossFit accessories. For example, Gymnastic Grips can help you grip a pull-up bar more easily, preventing you from slipping and ruining your rhythm. Knee supports and weightlifting belts can apply pressure to key joints and muscles, to help stabilise you as you lift weights. Meanwhile, Thumb Tape can provide extra grip and protection as you lift, helping protect from cuts and tears.
Although accessories aren’t a necessity, they are a great benefit for those looking to achieve their CrossFit goals.
What are the CrossFit Games?
The CrossFit Games pit the world’s best professional CrossFit Athletes against each other in a contest of fitness. Despite CrossFit being open to amateurs; experience CrossFitters make their way into the professional world to actively compete. The CrossFit Games features a series of unknown exercises and tests of strength.
Athletes to compete and complete each exercise, with the fastest and most successful taking the winning position.
Competitors tend to train year round in anticipation of entering, but the Worldwide Open means that any athlete can enter to see if they will qualify.
What Are the “100 Words of Fitness”?
CrossFit is famously distilled in its “100 Words of Fitness”, a simple prescription for health and performance. It reads:
Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat. Practice and train major lifts: deadlift, clean, squat, presses, C&J, and snatch. Similarly, master the basics of gymnastics: pull-ups, dips, rope climb, push-ups, sit-ups, presses to handstand, pirouettes, flips, splits and holds. Bike, run, swim, row, etc, hard and fast. Five or six days per week mix these elements in as many combinations and patterns as creativity will allow. Routine is the enemy. Keep workouts short and intense. Regularly learn and play new sports.
Find out more about CrossFit’s 100 Words of Fitness.