Students work hard as they run drills at CrossFit Deep Ellum. (Photo courtsey of CrossFit Deep Ellum)

Sit ups. Air squats. Box jumps. Burpees. Three rounds. As hard as you can go.

Out of breath already?

This is an example of a CrossFit “Workout of the Day,” otherwise known as a WOD.

CrossFit is a type of exercise program that is prescribed to include “constantly varied, high intensity, functional movements.”

The workouts are short and usually do not last more than 20 minutes.

But don’t let the short time fool you. There is nothing easy about CrossFit.

With moves that are extremely intense and challenging, the main goal is to push yourself to go all out for the entire workout.

The purpose of the program is to prepare your body for any and all kinds of activities.

Many athletes use it as a conditioning tool to excel in his or her particular sports.

Russell Aldredge, owner of CrossFit Deep Ellum said, “We use functional exercise, plyometrics, conditioning training, Olympic weight lifting, power lifting, gymnastics, running, jumping and throwing to help people reach their goals and maximize their health.”

Because the WOD is different every day, your body never knows what to expect.

As a student always on the go, a really short and challenging workout sounds ideal.

Mallory Johnson and Hillary Stapp are two busy SMU students who have done several CrossFit classes.

“I like it because it is a high intensity workout that you can do in a short amount of time,” Johnson said.

Stapp said, “Every time you go it is a different routine so you never get bored.”

According to Aldredge, “this program is ideal for anyone trying to maximize the results of their fitness program while maintaining balance in their lives.”

To achieve maximum results, the paleo diet is recommended in conjunction with CrossFit workouts.

Aldredge said that the coaches are knowledgeable about diet and nutrition and know that is plays a key role into your workouts.

“Everything you put in your body is either going to negatively, or positively impact your health, mood, sleep, and ability to achieve your desired fitness goals,” he said.

“Our nutrition plan is easy to follow and is founded on the principle of real food and real results.”

You may hear the paleo diet referred to as the caveman diet because this diet gets back to the basics of how people ate thousands of years ago.

It focuses on grass-fed meats, fish, eggs, nuts, vegetables and fruits. Grains, dairy, beans, potatoes and processed sugars are eliminated.

Another unique aspect about CrossFit is the community that it creates. Most CrossFit gyms strive to create an encouraging team atmosphere.

“Fitness isn’t just about how you look or how many miles you can run,” Aldredge said.

“It carries over to how you work, play, eat and interact. We view our training program as just one method of improving and reinforcing important character traits. Some of these traits include confidence, discipline, courage, honesty, dedication and perseverance.”

Try CrossFit!

{Russell’s example WOD}
3 rounds for time:
Run 400m
21 kettlebell swings
12 pullups