FAQ

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit, in a nutshell, is constantly varied, functional movements executed at high intensity. What this means is, we take natural human movements, stuff we're all designed to do, mix it up into new and exciting workouts every day, and we work as hard as we can.

What is a functional movement?

A functional movement, for our purposes can be one of two things. Either something we actually do in our day to day lives. For example, deadlift (pick up something heavy off the ground). Squat (get ourselves up off the ground) Or something that builds a functional capacity, even if it isn't something we do in our day to day lives. For example, a snatch (taking a weight from the floor all the way overhead in one move) or a thruster (front squat to push press). Not things you'll see in your everyday life, but in terms of improving the 10 General Physical Skills they pretty much rule.

There are 10 General Physical Skills?

Yes and they are: Cariovascular and Pulmonary Endurance, Stamina, Strength, Flexibility, Speed, Power,    

What is intensity?

What intensity IS NOT: Heart rate, perceived effort, sweating, grunting, swearing... What intensity IS: power output. Simply put it is doing more work in less time. Plain and simple. That is why all our workouts are timed. So we can measure our efforts and track our progress.

CrossFit looks hard.

Not exactly a question, but yes. It is hard. Remember intensity? And that's the reason we like it. Because it starts hard and stays hard. This means we will always improve. But remember, it is all relative and the coaches are here to ensure you are striking the right balance between safety, efficiency and intensity.

Where are all the machines?

We don't use machines at CrossFit Kelowna. For some reason we are just not fans of using machines that force you into unnatural movement patterns designed to artificially isolate muscles and put unacceptable levels of awkward force on joints. We prefer instead to use our bodies as they are designed. Multi-joint movements across all planes using the major muscle groups. After all, when was the last time you saw a "help move a couch up a flight of stairs" machine at the gym?

I don't want to get bulky, I just want to tone. Can CrossFit do that?

Nothing can, because there is no such thing as firming or toning. There is just stronger.  having said that, there are of course ways to train for size and bulk (think bodybuilding) and ways to train for strength. We train for strength. If you train as we do, for performance based fitness, your body composition will take care of itself.

Is there a dress code?

No. You don't need to have fancy expensive workout clothes, (Under Armour, Lululemon, etc...) You especially don't need super expensive fancy padded running shoes! There are certain pieces of equipment that help later on (weightlifting shoes for one...). Most of the time shirts are tossed during workouts, some people workout barefoot... just clean up after yourself and we're cool. Oh, and don't wear anything you aren't comfortable being seen in on the internet, because if it's awesome it's going up!