CrossFit is a fitness company which offers a program of the same name that is practiced in over 4,400 gyms worldwide. CrossFit’s strength and conditioning programs
combine constantly varied functional movements in a timed and scored workout. A “functional movement” is defined as a motion or position which is naturally occurring– performed almost instinctively as part of everyday life and activity. CrossFit exercises focus on the body’s core muscles but are never the same each day. By varying the workout daily, CrossFit programs aim to improve a person’s ability to adapt to fast-changing environments. This also trains all muscles in the body, instead of “spot training” specific muscles as body-building programs do.
Each Workout of the Day (or WOD, in CrossFit jargon) improves a total of
10 fitness skills: cardiovascular endurance, respiratory function, strength, flexibility, agility, power, speed, coordination, balance, and accuracy. In addition to being essential for playing all sports, these skills are also applicable to daily movement. Workout intensity level depends entirely on the person performing the exercise, which is why CrossFit WODs can be performed by individuals of
any age, weight, athletic ability, and fitness level.
Because CrossFit workouts focus on strengthening the core, they are advisable for people with weak back muscles. WODs can also
prevent back injury, as CrossFit teaches practitioners how to maintain the correct poses when lifting heavy objects or picking things up from the floor. Some back-strengthening exercises include using a
kettlebell, a tool that orthopedic surgeons like
Norman K. Poppen, M.D., recommend for
strength training.
This website lists more physician-suggested exercises and stretches for improving back strength.
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