CrossFit

Subterms

    Latest story

    100 Shares

    15 CrossFit Workouts You Can Do At Home

    by

    When you think of CrossFit, you probably picture people throwing around heavy barbells, swinging kettlebells all over the place, and jumping up onto impossibly high boxes. Turns out, though, you don’t need any of these things to channel CrossFit’s famously badass vibes. And, even better: home CrossFit workouts do the work, are tough as nails and require minimal equipment.Yep, there are plenty of daily CrossFit workouts (known as WODs, or workouts of the day) that require only your body weight. (Well, that and the desire to #werk.) “No-equipment workouts force you to master key movement patterns, which lays down a foundation for long-term success,” says CrossFit Games athlete and coach Ian Berger CF-L2.They’re also much more accessible (and safer!) for beginners curious about — but intimidated by — CrossFit and its hardcore rep. While working out in your living room or garage might not have the same feel as a CrossFit box (read: gym), you’ll still score the same great sweat.Need proof? Give one of these bodyweight home CrossFit workouts a go — and know that you can always up the intensity with a pullup bar, jump rope, or kettlebell if you’re feelin’ it.1. Murph

    Best for: a full-body challenging workout

    Arguably the most famous CrossFit workout, Murph isn’t for the faint of heart. Every Memorial Day weekend in the U.S., CrossFitters everywhere sweat through this workout in tribute to U.S. Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005.

    If you can’t do a pull-up (or don’t have access to a pull-up bar), try chair-pulls instead, suggest Berger. And, remember, you can always drop to your knees for push-ups.2. Cindy

    Best for: upper and lower body endurance

    Set a timer, then cycle through as many rounds of these three exercises as you can in 20 minutes. “It’s not complicated, but it’s effective at working your upper body and lower body,” says CrossFit Games competitor and coach Brooke Ence CF-L2.READ MORE: 7 Proven Pilates Benefits And The Best Apps To Download3. Annie

    Best for: cardio conditioning

    For this one, you’ll perform 50 reps of each move, then 40, then 30, then 20, then 10. Double-unders (which involve swinging a jump rope around your body twice during every jump) are a fire way to get your heart pumping, says Ence. Can’t do ’em? That’s A-OK. Just count regular jump rope skips or hop completely rope-free.

    Pro tip: Pop a pillow, towel or yoga mat beneath your tailbone for the endless sit-ups.4. Death By Burpee

    Best for: conditioning, cardio, all-over strength

    For this WOD, start a timer and perform the designated number of burpees at the top of every minute. Continue adding a burpee each minute until you can’t burpee anymore.

    “Death by burpees is one of my favourite full-body workouts,” says Ence. “It sneaks up on you. The first six to eight minutes you think the workout is easy, and then all of a sudden you’re out of breath.” Like, really out of breath.

    Plus, it’s fast! The longest you’ll likely last if you’re absolutely c-r-u-s-h-i-n-g it, is 20 minutes. Hanging on ’til somewhere between 13 and 16 minutes is a good goal, though.READ MORE: How Many Carbs Should I Eat If I’m Trying To Lose Weight?5. Karen

    Best for: full-body endurance burn

    This six- to 10-minute workout sounds simple: All you do is stand arm-distance from a sturdy wall or column holding a medicine ball (opt for 3–4kg for beginners or 5-6kg for advanced) in front of your chest, elbows bent and close to body. Then, lower into a squat, and as you rise back up, bounce the ball off the wall slightly above your head. Catch it and lower into another squat. That’s 1 rep. Simple, right?

    Well, don’t be deceived: “Karen is a really great full-body burner,” says Ence. Don’t have a medicine ball to throw around? Do thrusters with a textbook, milk jug, or backpack instead. Or, churn out 150 bodyweight squats.6. CrossFit Open Workout 12.1

    Best for: all-over strength and cardio

    If you’re really short on time and need a short, snappy, and sweaty workout, this is it.

    Berger recommends trying to hold a pace of 10 to 15 burpees per minute (that’s 70 to 90 burpees total).READ MORE: Consider This Yoga HIIT Workout A Total-Body Shred7. JT

    Best for: upper-body strength

    Need a quick upper-body burn? “JT is the perfect recipe for not being able to lift your arms up overhead tomorrow,” says Berger.

    If handstand push-ups aren’t your thing, swap them for pike push-ups (essentially a push-up to downward-facing dog) instead, he suggests. For the dips, just make sure to plant your hands on a stable surface like a bench, table, or step.8. Chad

    Best for: lower-body strength

    Got a ledge, step, or super-sturdy table? That’s all you need for this WOD. “Be sure to switch your leading leg every step,” says Berger. “Don’t worry about whether or not it’s faster to lead with one leg than the other, prioritise symmetry over speed.”

    To keep things interesting, feel free to alternate between side step-ups and standard ones.READ MORE: Sculpt A Great Butt With This Home Booty Workout9. Bounce

    Best for: combined cardio and strength

    Already a master of burpees? Give burpee tuck jumps a try. This plyometric move will jack up your heart rate while working your legs, Berger says. Combine it with running and dips and you’ve got yourself a quality, all-around workout.10. Active Rest Day

    Best for: rest days, sore muscles

    If you don’t have much gas in the tank, this restorative workout will get the blood flowing so you can get sweaty tomorrow. “Our bodies need time to recover in order to actually reap the benefits of all our workouts,” says Berger.

    Wondering what a couch stretch is? Open up your hip flexors by standing facing away from your couch with one foot planted on the floor and the other leg bent so your knee rests on a seat cushion and the top of your foot rests on the back cushion behind it. You should feel the stretch along the front of your bent leg from hip to knee.11. Angie

    Best for: full-body strength

    Fancy a full-body workout? Annie is just that. “With a push, pull, squat, and hinge movement, Annie is a muscular endurance workout that challenges you head to toe,” says Libby Landry, CF-L3 coach at CrossFit Invictus and member of the CrossFit Headquarters Seminar Staff.

    As with other workouts, swap in chair-pulls if pull-ups aren’t happening.READ MORE: Build Killer Abs With This Quick Core Workout12. 5K Run

    Best for: cardio

    Yep, one of the most-used CrossFit WODs ever is a classic 5k run. “It’s a great test of cardiovascular endurance, even if you need to intersperse walking throughout the 5K,” says Landry.13. Dealer’s Choice

    Best for: all-over conditioning

    For this one, break up the moves however you like until you work through all of the reps. If you can’t do pistol squats (understandable, they’re darn hard), swap in skater squats instead, Berger says.READ MORE: This Do-Anywhere Workout Will Have You Sweating Up A Storm14. 3-Part Press Blast

    Best for: cardio and conditioning

    This three-part AMRAP gets your cardio up with plenty of quick runs — and though it’s a little more complicated than other workouts on the list, you definitely won’t get bored.

    The gist of it: Set a timer to complete each AMRAP, resting for two minutes between them.15. 15-Minute EMOM

    Best for: cardio

    Next time you’re feeling meh about working out, Berger recommends EMOM (every minute, on the minute) workouts, which require you to jump back into action when a new 60-second interval starts.

    For this one, you’ll work through five, three-minute rounds, focusing on one of three exercises for 40 seconds out of every minute.

    “If you don’t have a kettlebell, put a few books in a tote bag or use a 5-litre jug of water,” Landry says.This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com More

    More stories

    • 200 Shares

      in fitness and body

      “I Went From Everyday Gym Goer To Starting My Own Running Club And Competing In HYROX”

      by

      When you hear the word HYROX, it sends a chill down your spine – and for good reason. In the fitness world, it’s a serious test of endurance, strength and mental grit. This is not the kind of event where you just ‘wing it’. Training involves intense high-volume workouts with weights and running. It’s a real test of fitness and that’s exactly what Chané Grobler experienced at her first HYROX event. This full-time med student took on challenges leading up to and during the event, but the reward of crossing that finish line and saying, “I just did that” made it all worthwhile. It’s a reminder that no fitness journey is easy – long hours of training, consistency and mental toughness are all part of the deal, especially when you’re balancing it all with a busy life.READ MORE: Everything To Know About Hyrox, The Tough New Fitness RaceA Fit Foundation Chané’s fitness journey didn’t begin with grand ambitions of competition. Growing up in an active household where movement was part of daily life, it was her dad who first introduced her to the world of fitness. High school netball didn’t ignite a passion for team sports, but after school, she found her own space in the gym. With her dad mentoring her through the ups and downs, she built the foundation for what was to come.At first, her motivation was simple curiosity. She wanted to explore what her body was capable of and create her own sanctuary in the fitness world. But it wasn’t long before this fascination turned into something much bigger.The CrossFit ConversionAlthough Chané’s journey started with traditional weight training, everything changed when she discovered CrossFit. Two years ago, she shifted from her regular gym routine to this high-intensity sport and she hasn’t looked back since. CrossFit, with its endless variety of movements and constant challenges, offered her a new perspective on fitness. The discipline and dedication it required were nothing short of addictive, and it didn’t take long for her to realise that this sport was here to stay.“CrossFit will always be a challenge, no matter how fit or strong you become. It forces you to constantly improve,” Chané reflects. This experience not only built her physical strength but also laid the groundwork for handling the demanding training required for HYROX.Falling In Love With Running – EventuallyRunning wasn’t always a love affair for Chané. In fact, when she first started at the end of 2023, she hated it. Like many, her early runs were battles of will, hoping the act of pushing through would somehow make it easier. Eventually, though, she began to enjoy it. So much so that she co-founded her own running club, Brooklyn Run, alongside a group of like-minded individuals. What had once been a weakness became one of her greatest joys.This newfound love for running, combined with her passion for CrossFit, set the stage for her HYROX debut. “When I heard about HYROX, it felt like the perfect blend of CrossFit and running – two things I had become semi-good at,” Chané jokes. She knew this was something she wanted to try, although she had no idea how much it would challenge her.Training For HYROX: Physically and MentallyPreparing for HYROX was no easy task, especially on top of being a full-time med student. Physically, Chané felt confident in her strength but was most nervous about the running component. She adapted her CrossFit sessions to include more HYROX-specific movements, focusing on tough exercises like sled pulls and pushes. Saturdays became dedicated HYROX days, complete with simulations and fitness tests.However, running needed extra attention. “A few 5 km runs a week wasn’t going to cut it,” Chané admits. She incorporated track and hill sprints into her routine and discovered just how little she knew about proper running training. But as her fitness improved, so did her confidence.The mental preparation was a whole different game. “I had to stop comparing myself to people who’ve been doing this for years,” she says. With HYROX being relatively new, she scoured every “tips and tricks” video she could find, but soon realised that information overload could be paralysing. Trusting her training, she focused on celebrating small victories and learning from the tougher days.The biggest shift in her mindset came after completing her first HYROX simulation about a month before the event. Suddenly, what once seemed impossible began to feel achievable and her nerves started to settle.READ MORE: Don’t Fall For These Common HYROX MistakesThe Challenges of TrainingTraining for HYROX was demanding, but doing it alongside her medical studies added another layer of difficulty. One of the toughest battles was silencing the nagging voice that said, “You’re not doing enough.” Chané constantly had to remind herself that she wasn’t a professional athlete – she was a full-time student trying to manage both responsibilities.She learned to adjust her training based on her academic load, waking up early to fit in runs before class or staying up late to finish her assignments so she could train longer the next day. “When something’s important to you, you find a way to make it work,” she says.Another unexpected challenge was nutrition. About two months into her training, Chané hit a wall. She was exhausted all the time, falling asleep in class and her training quality dropped. She quickly realised she wasn’t fuelling her body enough for the amount of work she was doing. Increasing her calorie intake – particularly carbs –and focusing on hydration made a world of difference.The Big DayThe day of HYROX Cape Town was one filled with nerves, excitement and, ultimately, triumph. Chané’s heat didn’t start until 17:10, giving her the whole day to think about what was coming. But once she entered the arena, all those nerves melted away. The atmosphere was electric, with music pumping, lights flashing and spectators cheering. She couldn’t wait to get started.Crossing the finish line was a moment she’ll never forget. “It was impossible to wipe the smile off my face that evening,” she recalls. “We are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for.”Pushing ThroughOne of the standout moments during the event was Chané’s performance in the sled push, where she placed fourth overall. “I think I made the CrossFit community proud with that one,” she laughs. But not everything came so easily. The burpee event nearly broke her spirit. At one point, she questioned whether she’d even be able to finish. But seeing her parents cheering from the sidelines gave her the strength to push through.From there, a new fire was ignited. She powered through the rowing and other movements, making up for lost time and finishing strong.Evolving Body and MindsetThroughout her HYROX journey, the most transformative change was in both her body and mindset. Initially, her drive was fuelled by a desire to impress those around her, but as the training progressed, her “why” became far more personal. “I shifted from ‘I need to impress everyone around me’ to ‘I am doing this to make myself proud.’ A bitter pill to swallow is that far fewer people care about what you do than you might think,” she reflects.She soon realised that external validation wasn’t sustainable. “If your only motivation is avoiding failure, you’re going to fail. And failure is the only way you’ll truly get better,” she says. This shift gave her the confidence to embrace the process, leading to a deeper sense of self-pride.Physically, the transformation was just as impactful. Initially hesitant about incorporating running, she feared it might interfere with her strength-building goals. But over time, her body adapted in ways she hadn’t anticipated. “I’m still trying to figure out the sweet spot between too much and too little running, but my endurance has significantly improved and my body handles fatigue better than ever.”Words of WisdomFor anyone considering participating in HYROX or embarking on a fitness journey from scratch, she offers some valuable advice. “Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much information. Stick to a few trusted sources, especially if you’re not part of a CrossFit or HYROX gym,” she advises.She also emphasises the importance of running: “Running is the most crucial part of a successful HYROX and sets a strong foundation for any fitness venture. Strong running equals more energy for the functional components.”Equally important is mastering the movements. “Know the movements and movement standards well, and focus on the quality of your movements during training. Don’t wait until competition day to figure it out – being prepared will put you at ease on the big day.”And lastly, she stresses the power of community: “Surround yourself with people who want to see you win. You’ll need them when training gets tough or when self-doubt creeps in. I’m so grateful for the people I’ve met and the communities I’ve become a part of. We need people; they make us much stronger.”What’s Next?With HYROX Cape Town behind her, Chané’s sights are now set on HYROX Johannesburg 2025. She’s also preparing for the CrossFit Open early next year, aiming to qualify for the quarterfinals once again. Her focus is on improving her running and endurance, particularly when fatigued and finding ways to streamline her performance.As Chané reflects on her journey, one thing is clear – HYROX has transformed not only her body but also her mindset. “I’ve gained so much confidence in myself and my abilities,” she says. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that failure is a part of growth. You’re going to fail, but that’s the only way to get better.”And for anyone considering their own fitness journey, her advice is simple: find your people, focus on the basics and don’t be afraid to take the leap. You just might surprise yourself. More

    • 150 Shares

      in fitness and body

      Hunch Over Your Desk? These Moves Will Sort Out Your Shoulders STAT

      by

      Picture someone hunching over their keyboard for the majority of the day, shoulders creeping up towards their ears. Does that hypothetical person sound a lot like you? We’re all guilty of being that person at some point or another. And while we should be more vigilant about sitting up straight, it’s easy to forget when you’re rushing towards that 3pm deadline. That’s why we found four simple shoulder strength exercises that will help you get better posture in very little time.

      READ MORE: The 3 Stretches You Should Be Doing Daily

      Why You Should Strengthen Your Shoulders For Better Posture

      Building up your shoulder strength and mobility will help counteract that urge to hunch, even when you didn’t even realise you were doing it.

      “The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which means there are a lot of things that can go wrong with it,” says physiotherapist Mike Riccardi. “If your shoulders hurt, it’s probably from a combination of a few things, because the shoulder joint is complex. But the one overarching cause is poor posture.” (Did we just see you straighten up?)

      The key to beating the hunch is to increase shoulder mobility and build shoulder strength. But you don’t just want to target your traps and anterior deltoids (the showy muscles that you obviously think of as ‘shoulders’). Remember how the shoulder is a complex joint? It also has a whole lot of muscles round back that help stabilise the joint and pull your shoulders back and down away from your ears.

      The Workout: 4 Shoulder Strength Exercises For Better Posture

      These four simple exercises from coach Lushwill Rossouw will help you get there.

      You need: Barbell, two medium to heavy dumbbells and a PVC pipe (don’t have one? A broom or mop will do too, as long as they’re not heavy).

      READ MORE: Try This Shy Girl Upper Body Workout If You Lack Confidence At Gym

      1. PVC Pipe Complex

      Good for: Mobility Do: 3 sets of 5 reps of each move

      This is a great warm-up to do before any upper-body workout that’s going to be using your shoulders because it targets different muscles around the joint. The first part hits the traps and anterior deltoids in the front and on top of your shoulders, while the next two hit the muscles at the back.

      2. PVC Pipe Shoulder Rotations

      Good for: Mobility Do: 10

      Another good warm-up, this move takes the joint through its full range of motion. The wider apart your hands, the easier it will feel. Your goal is to warm up, not become a contortionist!

      READ MORE: 18 Feel-Good Workouts That’ll Boost Your Mood ASAP

      3/ Push Press

      Good for: Strength Do: 3 sets of 6-8

      Lifting any weight above your head is an easy way to strengthen your shoulders. They difference here is that your stabiliser muscles have to work to control the clumsy barbell. Using your legs for a little boost helps you lift a heavier weight than you would with shoulder strength alone. The real work is controlling that barbell at the top and on the way down and that’s where those rear stabilisers come into their own. Bonus: It’ll also do wonders for your core and triceps.

      READ MORE: The Best Back Stretches To Tackle Upper And Lower Back Pain

      4/ Dumbbell Press With Isometric Hold

      Good for: Strength Do: 3 sets of 5

      Pushing the weights overhead will sculpt those showy muscles at the front and on top of your shoulders, making them look seriously toned and sexy. But here’s the catch: Once they’re overhead, hold them up there, with straight arms, for a count of three. This brings your stabilisers into play to keep the joint, well, stable. Bye-bye hunch, hello toned upper back! More