CrossFit: The Fountain of Youth

CrossFit challenges the narrative that aging leads to inevitable physical decline, offering a lifelong approach to fitness that improves work capacity and health markers at every stage of life. By focusing on mechanics, consistency, and intensity, CrossFit helps delay age-related limitations, promoting strength, endurance, mobility, and independence. Aging well is a matter of active, intentional choices and continuous training.

Linda

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 reps for time of:
1 ½-bodyweight deadlifts
Bodyweight bench presses
¾-bodyweight squat cleans

21-15-9 reps for time of:
Front squats
Chest-to-bar pull-ups

You Can’t Lift What You Can’t Hold On To

Grip strength is vital for overall performance and injury prevention, especially given the diverse demands of the training methodology. It encompasses three primary categories: crushing (e.g., handshakes), pinching (e.g., holding flat objects), and supporting (e.g., deadlifting), with wrist and forearm strength playing a critical stabilizing role. This 2008 CrossFit Journal article more than holds up and explores the importance of grip strength and provides practical strategies and a sample weekly workout to incorporate into training.

For time:
2,000-meter row

5 rounds, complete:
100-foot farmers carry
30 anchored sit-ups

50-35-20 reps for time of:
Hand-release push-ups
Row calories

Mental Toughness in CrossFit

Mental toughness is the ability to perform consistently under stress. CrossFit uniquely develops this trait by exposing athletes to challenging workouts that demand both physical and mental resilience. Techniques such as maintaining proper form under fatigue, using positive self-talk, staying present in the moment, and valuing the outcomes of hard work cultivate a mindset of perseverance and confidence. Over time, these strategies not only improve performance in the gym but also equip individuals to handle life’s challenges with greater resolve and adaptability.

Jack

Complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of:
10 push presses
10 kettlebell swings
10 box jumps

Army Staff Sgt. Jack M. Martin III, 26, of Bethany, Oklahoma, assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, Washington, died Sept. 29, 2009, in Jolo Island, Philippines, from the detonation of an improvised explosive device. Martin is survived by his wife Ashley; parents Jack and Cheryl; and siblings Abe, Mandi, Amber, and Abi.

Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 12 minutes of:
30 double-unders
10 burpees-to-rings
5 ring muscle-ups