Intensity. Let’s talk about it.
CrossFit has defined itself as Constantly Varied Functional Movements performed at High Intensity. I think when people hear that they immediately think they should be going full send every day. The whole go hard or go home mindset has taken over the fitness industry. HIIT, Grit, F45 hell Zumba… haha but seriously the industry is saturated with brands and trainers running their mouth saying that intensity is king and if you’re not crying, spewing or ending up in a puddle thinking about all your life decisions then you’re not really training.
Well this was me for quite some time! Since then I have had the privilege of training under some of the smartest people in CrossFit. Regardless if we are speaking about training to compete or to increase our quality of life there are so many things that correlate. I believe Intensity is one of those things.
When I speak to people about CrossFit and what we do I still use the CrossFit definition but with a little twist. Constantly Varied Functional Movements performed at RELATIVE intensity. That’s the kicker right there. RELATIVE intensity. Remember kids, Intensity is relative. Relative to the person, task, day, time, nutrition and nearly every other variable you can think of. Just because you can do something on a certain day does not mean you can do that thing everyday.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying don’t train with intensity. Far from it. All I’m saying is people need to understand there is a time and a place for going full send and also a time where working at a sub maximal pace is perfect! Pick and choose when you’re feeling it then go all in. Leave nothing in the tank. But when you’re feeling like dog shit and dreading going to the gym that’s the perfect time to go at a moderate pace and just enjoy moving.
I believe results are found when consistency aligns with mechanics and recovery matches volume and intensity! Get these things right. It doesn’t matter what program you’re doing you’ll be getting a hell of a lot fitter.
Anyhow, that’s just some food for thought on my views on intensity. Keep it relative. Keep it real. You don’t need to PR every time you’re in the gym. You just need to show up. Consistency and mechanics will get you further then intensity will. #FACT