Designed to test your mind, push your limits and challenge your body, CrossFit isn’t just exercise. As a performance-based, endurance-testing training method, it’s a way of life that not only forms your body but can completely change your mindset.
The constant variations and different styles of workouts mean CrossFit always keeps you on your toes. However, as with any sport, there is a potential risk when you don’t listen to your body or remain focused on each movement.
There are things you can do from the get-go to help prevent and minimise the risk of injury. Here are five steps to help you reduce your chances of a CrossFit-related injury:
1. Warm up
Launching straight into an intense workout without warming up your muscles and joints is an easy way to get injured. It might seem like a simple step, but it’s important to remember to ease into your Workout of the Day (WOD). At CrossFit Zanshin ours warmups are designed like our workouts, this will help minimise the chance of pulling or straining a muscle, sprains and joint injuries.
2. Find your support system
Be it your coach or a spotting buddy, having someone there to help you stay in top form will also help you to avoid injury. Employing a buddy system to assist you on those heavier moves ensures you stay safe.
3. Practice good form
One of the keys to injury prevention in CrossFit is practising good form. If you get your technique down and move well, your risk of picking up potentially damaging habits reduces. It can also be easy to get caught up in competitiveness, but instead remain focused on your form. It will enhance your performance in the long run.
4. Maintain body awareness
Listening to your body’s limits is also key to preventing injury. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses and learning when to push yourself or pullback will help you scale your workouts to best fit your needs.
5. Post workout recovery
Movement is a big part of ensuring your body can recover. Take the time to ease out of your workout by gradually cooling down. Always take a minimum of five minutes to cool down and stretch out after you’ve finished a workout. Incorporating heat and massage into your recovery is also a great way to loosen up any tightness you may be carrying with you.
Let’s Get Started
CrossFit is all about challenging yourself but being in tune with your body and its limits are also key to progressing in your training. Injury prevention is easier to manage than recovering from an injury so use the tips outlined here to help you train safer and smarter.
To find a program that helps you manage any potential injuries or deal with existing ones, chat with a CrossFit coach today.[/vc_column_text][us_message]Ready to start your journey towards better health? The first step is to book yourself in for a FREE No-Sweat Consultation. All you need to do is CLICK HERE and complete the form. Then one of our coaches will call you right away to discuss your goals.