What is Intensity?

Borrowed this from CrossFit 402 where I worked out at a couple weeks ago.  Really great article in my opinion. http://crossfit402.wordpress.com/

Constantly varied, functional movements, performed at high intensity…this is the basic philosophy of CrossFit.

The constantly varied part is pretty easy to grasp and quantify…are you performing different movements and tasks?  Hopefully your answer to this question is a unanimous and resounding ”YES”.  When you get bored with your workouts…you seriously need to visit with your trainer/coach or seek out someone that knows what they are doing to keep this stimulus for you.

Functional fitness relates to something that you will do in the real world.  Preparing you to do things better outside of the gym is the responsibility of your coach and trainer.  Newsflash…this component does not involve stairmasters or treadmills…and mirrors are for checking to see if you have bacon stuck in your teeth.

The third component is a little more challenging to quantify.  While talking with a member last week, the topic of intensity came up and it happened to be the next area I was going to discuss in my blog.

Intensity – in-ten-si-ty [noun]
1.  The quality or condition of being intense
2.  Great energy, strength, concentration, vehemence, etc., as of activity, thought, or feeling
(Source:  Dictionary.com)

Of the three variables mentioned in beginning of this blog, intensity is primarily controlled by the athlete.  There are also many factors that impact the degree of intensity applied during the hour with your classmates (nutrition, rest, stress, etc.).  Effective coaches can elicit increased intensity, but this is where you as an athlete need to bring your “A” game.  Personal responsibility must be in place to ensure that proper nutrition and adequate rest requirements are met.

The covenant that was written at CF402 requires equal participation from both coach and athlete.  It’s a “two-way” street…each party is responsible for holding up their end of the agreement.  You will hear me continually shout out mantras during class.  These should create a burning desire to make yourself better by keeping the pace of the movement at a smoking level (only after proper technique and form are secured).

You get out of this what you put into it.

Rest, eat cleanly, work on mobility, and then bring your intensity when 3..2..1..GO is shouted!