Have you ever wondered why CrossFit workouts are so intense? What is the big deal about the “performed at high intensity” part of the definition of CrossFit?
Intensity isn’t just a fancy word in CrossFit—it is what powers every workout, every sweaty session, and every journey toward change. In a CrossFit gym, intensity is what makes our workouts extraordinary.
Imagine this: You’re halfway through a CrossFit workout. The clock is ticking, your heart is racing, and sweat is dripping down your face. Every part of your body wants to stop, but you keep going, tapping into strength you didn’t know you had. That’s high intensity—the drive to do your best, no matter what.
What makes CrossFit’s intensity special? It’s not just about working hard; it’s about working smart. CrossFit workouts are short but tough. They are designed to challenge you in a short amount of time. Whether it’s doing as many rounds as possible in a set time, every minute on the minute, or a tough series of exercises, each workout pushes you to your limits and then some.
This approach gets results fast, which is perfect for busy people. In just a short workout, you get a full-body challenge that leaves you feeling proud and tired.
Here is a fun fact: intensity isn’t solely about the immediate effects on your body, like burning calories or building muscles. It’s also about setting your body’s metabolism on fire, keeping it revved up long after you’ve finished your class.
Our high-intensity workouts are like igniting a furnace inside you. They trigger a metabolic response that goes beyond the workout itself. Even after you’ve wiped off the sweat and caught your breath, your body continues to burn fat, thanks to a phenomenon called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), or what some call the “afterburn” effect.
Here’s how it works: during a workout, your body works hard to keep up with the intense demands placed on it. Your heart rate climbs, your muscles work in overdrive, and you’re left panting for air as you push through each rep and set. But the intensity of the workout doesn’t end when you leave the gym. In fact, it’s just getting started.
After your workout, your body enters a state of recovery, repairing muscles, replenishing energy stores, and restoring balance. This process requires energy—lots of it. And that’s where the magic of EPOC comes in.
During EPOC, your body continues to consume oxygen at an elevated rate, long after you’ve finished exercising. This heightened oxygen consumption requires fuel! Where does it turn to for that fuel? Your fat stores. That’s right—thanks to the intensity of your workout, your body becomes a fat-burning machine, burning calories even while you’re lounging on the couch or catching up on sleep.
So while the immediate effects of a CrossFit workout are undeniably impressive—increased strength, improved endurance, and a satisfying sense of accomplishment—it is the long-term benefits that truly set it apart. By stoking your body’s metabolic furnace and triggering the afterburn effect, CrossFit’s high-intensity workouts deliver results that last long after the sweat has dried and the adrenaline has faded.
In essence, intensity isn’t just a means to an end—it is the catalyst for lasting change, both inside and out. So the next time you’re pushing yourself through a tough workout, remember: every drop of sweat, every ounce of effort, is fueling the metabolic fire within, moving you toward your goals and transforming your body from the inside out.
Need some more information about any of this? Ready to see how constantly varied functional movements performed at high-intensity can help you achieve your fitness goals? Go ahead and book a Free Intro. We will be happy to answer your questions and get you started!