CrossFit HIIT has been a buzzword in the fitness community over the past few years. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a popular workout regimen due to its effectiveness in burning fat, increasing endurance, and boosting metabolism. CrossFit, on the other hand, is a fitness program that combines strength training with conditioning workouts.
With its increasing prominence, the debate over whether CrossFit HIIT is the ultimate workout has become a contentious issue. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of CrossFit HIIT and ascertain if it is indeed the optimal workout.
The Basics of CrossFit HIIT
CrossFit HIIT is a combination of high-intensity interval training and functional movements such as weightlifting, running, and gymnastics. The workout incorporates a blend of cardio, weightlifting, and gymnastics to enhance one’s ability to overcome physical challenges.
Functional Movements
Functional movements used in CrossFit HIIT consist of various compound exercises like deadlifts, squats, lunges, overhead presses, pull-ups, and push-ups. These movements are considered “functional” because they mimic everyday movements that people perform naturally. Functional movements teach the body to utilize various muscle groups simultaneously, increasing strength, endurance, and flexibility.
Workout Structure
The workout structure of CrossFit HIIT typically involves three types of workouts, WODs or Workouts of the Day, strength, and skill sessions. WODs comprise exercises such as running, weightlifting, and gymnastics, and can last from a few minutes to 30 or 40 minutes. The strength sessions focus on developing strength, balance, and mobility, and the skill sessions aim to teach new skills and improve existing skills such as handstands, muscle-ups or snatch.
The Pros of CrossFit HIIT
Jacked Up Metabolism
CrossFit HIIT is an effective way to increase metabolic rate or metabolic rate refers to the energy required by the body to function. The more muscle mass you have, the higher your basal metabolic rate (BMR), which means the more calories you burn throughout the day. CrossFit HIIT, with its strength training and endurance components, has been shown to increase muscle mass, thus leading to an increased BMR.
Workout Variety
CrossFit HIIT offers a vast array of exercise options, which keeps the workout sessions exciting and unpredictably challenging. The workouts often take the form of interval training, circuits, or CrossFit games, facilitated by a qualified coach, which ensures that each workout stays fresh, challenging, and enjoyable.
Community Building
CrossFit HIIT creates a sense of community in which like-minded individuals work out together. People who attend CrossFit gyms often become part of a support system that motivates and supports each other. Having a support system can help people overcome obstacles and achieve their fitness goals.
Fat Loss and Fitness Gain
CrossFit HIIT is an effective way to lose fat and gain fitness simultaneously. It combines the best of both worlds, strength training, and high-intensity cardio, which is an excellent way to build muscle, burn fat, and improve overall fitness levels. A study conducted by the ACE showed that the average participant in a CrossFit workout burned an average of 12.3 calories per minute.
The Cons of CrossFit HIIT
Risk of Injury
CrossFit HIIT combines challenging movements, high-intensity cardio, and heavy weights, which increase the risk of injury, especially if done incorrectly or with poor form. While all workouts carry some injury risk, CrossFit HIIT’s unique combination can lead to a higher probability of injury.
The Competition Factor
The social aspect of CrossFit HIIT competition has a significant appeal for some people, but it can be a disadvantage for others. The competitive nature of CrossFit HIIT can be daunting and even counterproductive for people who may be intimidated by competition or who feel an unwillingness to compete. People who do not want to compete may feel excluded from the CrossFit community, which may negatively impact their motivation and commitment.
Safety Concerns
There have been concerns about the safety of CrossFit HIIT due to its intense nature. Concerns have been raised about improper instruction, incorrect usage of equipment, and unnecessarily pushing individuals too hard too quickly, leading to physical exhaustion and injuries. The qualifications of coaches in CrossFit have been questioned, and many CrossFit gyms have been accused of providing poor-quality instruction.
Conclusion
CrossFit HIIT is an excellent way to improve fitness levels and lose fat simultaneously. It has a vast array of exercise options, keeps workouts challenging, and fosters a sense of community. However, it also presents some downsides, such as the increased risk of injury and the competitive factor.
While CrossFit HIIT may not be the ultimate workout for everyone, it has many benefits and can be a great option for those looking for an exhilarating, supportive, and challenging workout. The key to ensuring safety is to seek a qualified coach, perform exercises with proper form, listen to your body, and take adequate rest and recovery periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is CrossFit HIIT safe for beginners?
- Can I do CrossFit HIIT if I have an injury?
- How frequently should I do CrossFit HIIT?
- Do CrossFit HIIT workouts require equipment and a gym membership?
- What are some excellent CrossFit HIIT beginner workouts?
- How long will it take to see results from CrossFit HIIT?
Yes, CrossFit HIIT is safe for beginners as long as they begin with a qualified coach and have the right form and technique. Starting slowly and increasing intensity gradually is key.
It depends on the nature of the injury, and it is best to consult a doctor or physiotherapist before commencing CrossFit HIIT. CrossFit HIIT can be modified to suit injuries in some cases, but caution is advised for safety reasons.
The frequency and intensity of CrossFit HIIT workouts depend on the individual’s fitness level, goals, and recovery time. Experts generally recommend three to four times a week, with an adequate rest period between workouts.
While CrossFit HIIT can be performed without equipment, having access to gym equipment such as barbells, weights, and gymnastics equipment can add diversity and challenge to workouts. CrossFit HIIT studios require subscriptions or class payments to attend classes.
Standard CrossFit HIIT beginner workouts include Air Squats, Push-Ups, Sit-Ups, and Pull-Ups workouts. Other workouts to consider include modified Fran, Cindy, and Tabata.
Results from CrossFit HIIT vary depending on fitness level, goals, intensity and duration of workouts, and diet. Participants who exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet lifestyle can see visible results within a few months.
References:
- Babraj, John A. et al. “Extremely short duration high-intensity interval training substantially improves insulin action in young healthy males.” BMC Endocrine Disorders, vol. 9, 2009;92.
- Burgomaster, Kirsten, et al. “Similar metabolic adaptations during exercise after low volume sprint interval and traditional endurance training in humans.” Journal of Physiology, vol. 586, no.1, pp. 151–160, 2007.
- Lee, I-Min, et al. “Effect of physical inactivity on major non-communicable diseases worldwide: an analysis of burden of disease and life expectancy.” The Lancet, vol. 380, no. 9838, pp. 219–229, 2012.