CrossFit is a fast paced and high-intensity, and functional movement exercise program, that has seen incredible growth in popularity since its insurgence in the early 2000s.

Like all exercise programs, the more you put in, the better the payout at the end. What separates CrossFit from other programs is the competitive and communitive atmosphere that accompanies this full-body engaging experience.

CrossFit is built upon a base of 9 foundational movements. These movements can be broken into three groups: Squats, Presses, and Lifts. These exercises have 3 variations that increase in difficulty as you master the technique and form of each level.

#1 Squats

Squats engage your hamstrings, glutes, and quadriceps, making them an integral exercise for building lower body strength. Squats increase flexibility, build core strength, improve joint strength, and help maintain mobility and balance. In CrossFit, squats are broken down into three levels:

• Level 1: Air Squat
• Level 2: Front Squat
• Level 3: Overhead Squat

As you move through the different variations, the squat will begin to engage your upper body and core, changing it from a lower body exercise to a full body workout.

#2 Presses

Presses are a great exercise for developing upper body strength, mid-line stability, and for building upper body mass. Presses target the traps, deltoids, pecs, and triceps. Like squats, there are three variant press techniques:

• Level 1: Shoulder Press
• Level 2: Push Press
• Level 3: Push Jerk

#3 Lifts

The functionality of lifts is unparalleled as they improve posture, increase “real life” lifting ability, improve grip strength, and help prevent injury. The basic lift in CrossFit is the Deadlift. Deadlifts strengthen all major muscle groups, and engage more muscles than any other exercise including the glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, and back muscles. The three variant lifts in CrossFit include:

• Level 1: Deadlift
• Level 2: Sumo Deadlift High Pull
• Level 3: Medicine Ball Clean

For the full rundown of the 9 Foundational Movements of CrossFit, check out the infographic below.

Original Source: eReplacementParts Blog