As specialists in the biomechanics of the body, we stay up to date on fitness trends, and over the past few years, have seen a huge rise in the popularity of CrossFit training programs. CrossFit is the sport of fitness, built around variance, functional movements, and intensity. Combining strength training, plyometrics, speed training, Olympic and power-style weight lifting, kettlebells, bodyweight exercises, gymnastics, and endurance exercises, CrossFit participants are literally training their bodies to function optimally.CrossFit targets the major components of physical fitness: cardiorespiratory fitness, stamina, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination, and accuracy. The benefits of CrossFit training are due to the intensity of the exercises, because high intensity, power-based exercises are effective for burning a high number of calories in a short period of time while simultaneously improving aerobic fitness.
Chiropractic Care and Crossfit
In the beginning, it’s important that participants make sure they have the necessary joint mobility and joint stability, particularly in the core region, to effectively perform the hip hinges, squats, pushing, pulling and rotating movements required by a CrossFit workout. It’s also important for experienced enthusiasts to address the muscles, nerves, and joints that are used during movements. Bottom line, if your body is not balanced and/or your muscles are not firing correctly, you will not only have poor performance, but you could be increasing your risk of injury. That’s where chiropractic comes in.
Carlson Chiropractic Center Doctors understands the physical demands of CrossFit, and as an avid participant, he knows the training pushes the participant to their limit. While that might be great for increasing strength, if the body gets out of balance, that can lead to altered biomechanics and poor form, which WILL result in injury. Chiropractic can help keep the balance to prevent these types of injuries.
Done correctly, CrossFit is an excellent workout program and a great way for someone to get or stay in shape. If CrossFit is on your horizon, schedule a visit with the movement specialists at Carlson Chiropractic Center. After all, regular chiropractic visits can help athletes prevent injuries, speed injury recovery, and improve balance and coordination, and that could help you make the most of your CrossFit experience.