Crossfit: Fad or Fitness?

Much like fashion or technology, fitness has its passing trends. Nightly infomercials tout products and supplements guaranteeing maximum results with minimum effort. There isn't a shortage of gadgets with alleged success stories and programs designed to shed away the pounds with minimal invasiveness into everyday life. Fitness has become a widely unregulated and profitable business that preys on a desparate, uninformed public. Over the years it has become increasingly difficult to determine the validity of certain devices and programs. One of the latest trends to hit the scene is Crossfit. It has garnered a cultish following over the years and is fiercly defended by its followers while being heavily critiqued by other fitness enthusiast. Crossfit was created by a former gymnast, Greg Glassman as an alternative response to typical sets vs. reps workout regimens and cardiovascular workout routines. Crossfit utilizes a myriad of Olympic lifting techniques in compilation with nonstandard, everyday movements in fast succesion to build strength and cardio endurance simultaneously. It is a fast paced routine that is revolutionizing the fitness world and creating a better well-rounded look at health. Two things set Crossfit apart from other similar fitness related companies and, in my opinion, prove its legitimacy.

     First, Crossfit's success comes from the proven results it has without mandating a product or supplement. Although there are gyms, called "boxes" you can pay to join, Crossfit can be done free of charge, and, in fact, publishes a free workout routine everyday on its website, crossfit.com. In addition to a change in workout style, Crossfit encourages eating a clean diet, claiming that all of an individual's dietary needs can be fulfilled in a proper diet. Who knew proper diet and exercise was the key all along? 

     Secondly, Crossfit's business approach ensures its success by making it affordable to branch out and grow. Crossfit personally trains individuals to become coaches and then allows those individuals to  start their own gym for a nominal affiliation fee. This, coupled with unparalleled fitness results and relatively low equipment overhead will ensure Crossfit's popularity for years to come.

     In the confusing world of shake weights, fat burning pills, and prancing exercise videos, it is refreshing to come across a fitness company built on simple principles devoid of a get-fit-quick mentality. In addition, I have personally seen it work in my own life and the lives of others since joining the craze several years ago.

A Chill in the Air...

     On the heels of peaceful competition during the Winter Olympics at Sochi, Russia, the world cautiously awaits the host nation's next move on the world's stage. Ukraine, a neighbor to the east, ousted their president, which threw the country into upheaval. Russia quickly mobilized troops to the Crimea peninsula in an effort to "protect the Russian citizens of Ukraine", according to Russia's president, Vladmir Putin. Many NATO countries quickly condemned Russia's thinly veiled excuse for the invasion, seeing it, instead, as an excuse to recover land and resources previously held by the Soviet Union. Diplomatic negotiations and sanction warnings are being utilized in an effort to end the standoff, as military engagement of the two countries seems inevitable. President Obama spoke with Putin and demanded that the Russian army cease and desist this breach of international law. Putin, however, continues to claim his "protection right", comparing his decision to the justification the United States used to invade Iraq and Afghanistan. History reminds us that World War I and II began in similar fashion and concerns continue to mount as the situation escalates.

     The United States recently sent an economic relief package to assist with Ukraine's financial crisis and to show support for the struggling country. There is fear that sanctions against Russia will have a larger negative impact on the global economy, or Ukrainians will attempt to vote a partial secession from Ukraine to Russia to avoid further conflict.  Regardless, a Cold War reminiscent chill is in the air and the world, once again,faces the threat of war; pray that it is avoided.

Life According to Rocco

     As I laid around the house, perusing the internet this, cold, snowy Sunday, I was bombarded by news reports of senseless violence and human depravity. The human race seems destined to destroy itself in the greedy pursuit of money and power.

     However, as I watched my Italian Greyhound, Rocco, interact with the world around him today, I believe that the human species could benefit from these three instinctual canine behaviors:

1. Treat everyone equally and greet them with enthusiasm.

2. Be quick to forgive.

3. Be happy where you're at and with what you've got.

     So often we allow our stereotypes  and negative perceptions dictate the interactions we have with others. We hold grudges and bitterness that chip away at our happiness, while selfishly coveting what we don't have.  

     Make a concerted effort this week to focus on respect for others, forgiveness, and contentment.