Functional Fitness
Functional Fitness and The Essentials of CrossFit
What is functional fitness?
Functional fitness focuses on preparing the body for real-life, enhancing our ability to push, pull, squat, and lift.
CrossFit, as a sport, has transformed the definition of fitness for countless enthusiasts. It’s more than just a workout regimen; it's a comprehensive approach to health, where one’s abilities are tested and honed across various physical domains. But, as with any specialized fitness routine, the right equipment is paramount to progression and safety.
Best Functional Fitness Equipment for Beginners
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Dumbbell: Often overlooked due to their simplicity, dumbbells are a foundational piece of equipment functional fitness. Whether you’re performing snatches or simple bicep curls, they allow for a range of unilateral movements, ensuring both sides of your body get equal attention.
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Kettlebell: This cannonball-shaped tool with a handle are versatile, perfect for swings, goblet squats, or Turkish get-ups. They not only enhance strength but also improve stability, flexibility, and coordination.
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Bumper Plates: Unlike regular weight plates, bumper plates are made of dense rubber. Designed for Olympic weightlifting routines commonly found in functional fit and cross fit. These plates can be safely dropped from overhead without damaging the floor or the equipment.
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Plyometric Box: Jumping is an integral aspect of functional fitness. Plyometric boxes are used for box jumps, step-ups, and even elevated push-ups. They are instrumental in enhancing explosive power and agility.
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Barbell: The backbone of weightlifting, barbells are used for a variety of lifts in functional fitness CrossFit. From deadlifts to clean and jerks, the barbell’s ability to hold heavy loads makes it indispensable for serious strength training.
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Slam Ball: Unlike traditional medicine balls, slam balls are designed to be, well, slammed! Perfect for developing explosive strength and power, they offer a full-body workout and are especially effective for core exercises.
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Wall Ball: This is a medicine ball specially designed for the wall ball shot exercise in CrossFit. It involves squatting with the ball and then explosively standing up to throw it against a target on a wall. It's an excellent tool for enhancing cardiovascular stamina, coordination, and strength.
The sport of CrossFit is demanding, blending elements of weightlifting, gymnastics, and high-intensity functional movements. As such, the gear employed plays a pivotal role in optimizing performance and ensuring safety. Each piece, from the kettlebell to the plyometric box, has been carefully integrated into routines to challenge the body in diverse ways.
With SMAI functional fitness gear like the dumbbell, barbell, kettlebell, bumper plates, plyometric box, slam ball, and wall ball, athletes and enthusiasts are well-equipped to push their boundaries, redefine fitness, and achieve peak physical performance. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, Shop with SMAI a trusted brand with over 35 Years of experience.
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