.

8 Reasons Boomers Should Try CrossFit

Women of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from the CrossFit craze. Here's how

By Jenna Bergen

The CrossFit craze doesn't seem like it's going to die down anytime soon. In fact, according to a recent Fitbie article, this year's CrossFit Games sold out within days of tickets going on sale. In 2011, spectators didn't even fill up half of the 12,000-seat venue. So why has the strength and conditioning program—which mixes sprinting, jumping rope, and other forms of high-intensity cardio with functional exercises performed with all sorts of equipment, including barbells, dumbbells, pull-up bars, kettlebells, medicine balls, and more—earned so many devout followers?
According to CrossFit Games athlete Cheryl Brost, a 41-year-old mother of two, it's because it works. And not just for the uber athlete, but for people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels. "I've seen kids as young as 3 in the gym, all the way to people in their 80s going through the workouts," says Brost, who placed 15th world-wide in this year's games. "The way they've set CrossFit up in terms of functional movement, really anyone can do it." Another bonus: The workouts of the day (referred to as WODs) are usually no more than 20 minutes, making them a great time-saver. Still too intimidated? Read on for Brost's 8 top reasons boomers should give CrossFit a try.

 

1. You can start at zero.
"A lot of people get intimidated because they think CrossFit is going to be so difficult that they won't be able to do it. But that's the extreme," says Brost. "All of the CrossFit gyms I've been to are very welcoming, very nonjudgmental, and very accepting. They want you to just come as you are. I hear a lot of women say, 'Oh, I have to get in shape first. I can't just walk into the gym looking this way or that way,' and that's the furthest thing from the truth. Come as you are, and let the method of CrossFit do its wonders on you."
2. You'll skyrocket your metabolism.
As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, which causes our metabolism to slow, which means you could start building a spare tire by the time you reach your 30s. "When you do weight-bearing exercises, you start revving up your metabolism—and it keeps burning for many hours after your workout," says Brost. "Also, the more muscle you gain, the more calories you’ll burn throughout the day, even when you're not active. I joined CrossFit almost three years ago, and, as of this morning, I've lost 12 pounds. I've also really toned my body."

Read more: http://www.prevention.com/fitness/strength-training/crossfit-women-over-50#ixzz28pts62K1