GRAND Magazine - November/December 2019 - 26

fitness
You want to put in 100 percent
of the Workout of the Day, followed by
of your energy, going to a gym
a practice round. Classes conclude with
by yourself and having no one to
the WOD, where athletes move quickly
push you."
from one movement to another within a
CrossFit was created by Greg
time limit.
Glassman, who opened the first
According to Curley, "The workouts
gym in 1996. There are now
are based on Metabolic Conditioning
15,000 CrossFit gyms in 120 counwhich is similar to High-Intensity Interval
tries, where the "Workouts of the
Training with additional challenges.
Day" or WODs emphasize founThe intensity gets greater results more
dational movements-Olympic
quickly than slogging along on a treadWeightlifting, kettlebell swings
mill. CrossFit workouts also run counter
and gymnastics like pullups and
to exercise routines that use machines to
ring dips, plus running or rowing.
isolate muscles. CrossFit emphasizes big
Workouts are scaled to accommovements that build overall strength
modate individual strength and
and stamina."
ability.
Adds Dr. Rockett, who appears in a
Dick lifting weights
Explains CrossFit Launchpad
YouTube video on deadlifts, "People are
coach Brian Curley, who placed first
often shocked to
in the over-50 class at the 2010 international CrossFit
learn that we have seniors doing
Games, "Every movement emphasizes form and effideadlifts and squats. However,
ciency. For example, athletes progress from a light PVC these movements develop the
pipe to an empty barbell to adding weight after they've strength and flexibility you need
mastered a particular weightlifting skill."
to pick up your grandchildren,
groceries and live independently-a big deal as we age."

"

The intensity gets greater results
more quickly than slogging along
on a treadmill

"

Compared to other recreational activities, CrossFit
injuries are less frequent. This is due in part to having
every class begin with stretching, and a demonstration
26 GRAND

Nov-Dec 2019

Dr. Rhonda R
ockett
and Dick

Dick (before CrossFit) with his pooch.
Dick Pirozzolo, APR is founder & managing
director Pirozzolo Company Public Relations,
Boston, Massachusetts. He specializes in public
relations, corporate communication, media
relations. Crisis Management. He coauthored the
2017 historical novel, Escape from Saigon.

MY CROSSFIT EXPERIENCE

* Seniors, teens, and
folks in their 40s and
50s participate together,
so you get to hang out
with younger people-
more fun than being
relegated to the dustbin
of exercise-aka water
aerobics and horseshoes.

* Everyone competes
against their own scores,
while their fellow athletes
cheer them on.
* Dr. Rockett's CrossFit
Launchpad hosts
occasional parties to
build camaraderie and
connections outside the
"box."
* With CrossFit's
international network,
members can drop in
for a workout just about
anywhere in the world.
* My fellow CrossFit
athletes have become
some of my closest
friends.

* CrossFit encourages
healthy eating, based
largely on the Paleo
Diet-protein, fresh
vegetables, low carbs,
and no sugar. One big
advantage, you don't
count calories to lose
or maintain your ideal
weight.
* The fist bumps, highfives, and cheering
encourage top athletes
and those of us who were
always picked last for the
team.
* Recording our fitness
milestones is a big
motivator.
* I've never been to a
CrossFit class where we
didn't have a good laugh.
* It's a mental health
boost.
* Membership,
which includes more
personalized training
than other gyms, ranges
from $175-$225 a month.

https://www.facebook.com/GRANDmagazine/ https://www.twitter.com/grandMmagazine https://www.crossfit.com/ https://www.menshealth.com/health/a23663806/greg-glassman-crossfit-health/ https://www.menshealth.com/health/a23663806/greg-glassman-crossfit-health/ http://www.crossfit.com/cf-seminars/CertRefs/CF_Manual_v4.pdf http://www.crossfit.com/cf-seminars/CertRefs/CF_Manual_v4.pdf https://games.crossfit.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCM15XWvd20&feature=youtu.be https://games.crossfit.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCM15XWvd20&feature=youtu.be http://www.pirozzolo.com https://www.thebarbellphysio.com/truth-crossfit-injuries/ https://www.thebarbellphysio.com/truth-crossfit-injuries/

GRAND Magazine - November/December 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - November/December 2019