What is CrossFit?

“The magic is in the movement, the art is in the programming, the science is in the explanation, and the fun is in the community.”

—Greg Glassman, CrossFit Founder

CrossFit is a coach-led, high-intensity fitness program combining elements of weightlifting, gymnastics, and metabolic conditioning into constantly varied daily workouts that can be scaled to each athlete’s fitness level. This means you don’t have to be fit to be a CrossFit athlete, you just have to show up and put in the work.

The program works for everyone because it can be tailored to ANYONE.

  • Functional Movements

    Rather than an exercise program that only targets one or a few parts of the body (e.g. running on the treadmill), CrossFit is a total body approach. In fact the actual definition of CrossFit is "constantly varied, functional movements, executed at high intensity. Functional Movements utilize the natural range of motion of your joints and motions used in everyday life. It is for this reason that CrossFit is safe and effective. Functional movements used in CrossFit programming include biking, running, rowing, push-ups, dips, pull-ups, squats, deadlifts, presses, cleans, snatches, and jumping. The result: Stronger muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments and improved hormone and nervous-system function.

  • High Intensity

    CrossFit programming leverages high-intensity strength and conditioning workouts that safely push you out of your comfort zone. Intensity is personal, that’s why your coach is there to help you find the right intensity of each each day’s workout. Intensity levels are adjusted to challenge the individual and safely improve fitness.

  • Constant Variation

    Constantly varied programming designed to keep you engaged and prevent plateauing. This variety challenges the body and ensures well-rounded fitness development.

  • Community & Support

    From individualized coaching to a community of athletes ready to cheer you on, what separates CrossFit from other exercise programs lies within the community. You aren’t just joining a gym, you’re joining a family who is ready to support you, share in your wins, and pick you up and carry you through one more rep when you are convinced you’ve hit your limit.

What to Expect

Each day is different making it fun, challenging, and effective!

Programming—or the workout of the day (WOD)—changes daily. Each workout will be posted the night before to the CrossFit Tampa Bay app and written on the whiteboard in the gym.

Each class begins with a coach’s overview of the day’s workout. You will get tips, personalized scaling recommendations if applicable, and a review of the movements including in the workout so you can continue to perfect your form and skills.

Next up is a warmup to get you moving and the blood flowing!

Most days will include skill work, often a great time to hit a new PR.

And finally, you’ll complete a high-intensity workout that varies by length and movements.

You can record your progress on the whiteboard in the gym, and it’s encouraged to participate in the app where members can cheer each other on even if they didn’t attend the same class that day.