What is CrossFit and CrossFit Games: an interview with Dave Castro

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Two years ago, I got into CrossFit, took a trainer course and took part in the CrossFit Opens, an international online competition. Now, thanks to the anniversary of the collaboration between Reebok and CrossFit, I had a unique opportunity to interview CrossFit Program Director Dave Castro, to tell a little about my experience and CrossFit in general.

What is CrossFit

CrossFit is a physical fitness system consisting of continuously variable functional movements performed with high intensity. CrossFit exercises are a combination of athletics, weightlifting, and gymnastics.

The main feature of CrossFit is the rejection of any specialization. The universal program provides a versatile load, developing several physical qualities at once: strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, accuracy and endurance, and also strengthens the cardiovascular system.

CrossFit workouts can be easily adapted to suit people of different fitness levels and ages. Also, CrossFit is often used to develop the functional qualities of swimmers, runners, mixed martial arts fighters, police, firefighters, and the military. I chose CrossFit to strengthen the muscles and ligaments involved in long-distance running.

Video posted by Alisher Yakupov (@alisherrr) on Mar 15 2014 at 3:46 PDT

Fran

The concept of CrossFit was invented in 1974 by former American gymnast Greg Glassman. He experimented with loads of different variability and intensity and was looking for a methodology for creating workouts that would be as effective and functional as possible. The first workout, from which CrossFit is believed to originate, is a ladder of 21-15-9 thrusters (front squats with barbell throw + pull-ups free style). Champions now make it in a few minutes. Currently, there are already more than 10,000 CrossFit clubs around the world, and their number is growing daily.

Games

In 2007, Glassman and Castro organized the first CrossFit Games in Los Angeles. Then they were like a get-together of athletes in the garage, but now the games are gathering the stadium, and CrossFit is considered the fastest growing sport in the United States.

In 2010, Reebok and CrossFit agreed on a collaboration that I believe has benefited both parties. Athletes and hobbyists alike received beautiful and functional equipment, and Reebok got the opportunity to work with a community of thousands and improve its products.

In 2011, California launched the Reebok CrossFit Games open series, in which more than 26,000 athletes from around the world took part. And in 2015, more than 200,000 people registered in the games. Simplified workouts for beginners have become an important feature of online competitions this year. Thanks to them, even those who started CrossFit just a couple of months ago were able to take part in the Opens.

Last year there was no such "freebie", and I had to work with RX (recommended weights), the same for all athletes, both beginners and pros. As a runner, I had a hard time, but I, groaning and cracking, still coped with the barbells and weights, taking the "honorable" thirty-five thousand some place out of 60,000 in my age and gender group.

Video posted by Alisher Yakupov (@alisherrr) on Mar 31 2014 at 11:56 PDT

Reebok recently approached me with an exclusive offer to interview Dave Castro for their fifth anniversary with CrossFit. For me, it's like a schoolboy interviewing the president. I talked with fellow athletes and collected questions that interest them.

What is the point of cooperation between Reebok and CrossFit, besides the production of clothing and footwear? What changes have occurred since the beginning of the partnership?

- Partnership implies, among other things, close cooperation when organizing events such as CrossFit Games and Team Invitational. We also discuss how to work with our affiliate partners and how to interact most effectively with the CrossFit community. We have a wonderful relationship with the Reebok brand that goes much deeper than just designing and selling clothes. Reebok and CrossFit are now not at all like the Reebok and CrossFit of five years ago, when we first started working together. On our side, one of the biggest changes that has occurred during this period has been our impressive growth around the world. Especially in Russia and South America. And I am absolutely convinced that our partnership with Reebok helped us in this.

Do you plan to include any other functional sports in games and workouts, for example, archery or pistol shooting?

I think no. I have always spoken out strongly against the use of guns at CrossFit Games. I speak to you as an avid shooter. Weapons are not the fitness test we advocate. The same can be said about archery, although I sincerely believe that in this sport it is very important to be in good shape, it requires dexterity, agility and strength. But I repeat that none of these sports provides an opportunity to test the level of physical fitness of athletes to the extent we need.

Simplified workouts are a big step towards novice athletes. Can you assess how these workouts influenced the development of CrossFit?

- Introducing lightweight WODs into the CrossFit Games program was a great idea. I am very glad that this undertaking was crowned with success. The number of athletes practicing lightweight outdoor WODs increases from workout to workout.

CrossFit is a versatile physical fitness tool. I love to run and therefore a big fan of CrossFit Endurance workouts. Do you have plans to develop more specific programs for other sports?

- This happens by itself. Athletes find the best solutions for themselves more on an individual level than on a global level. I mean, you can take CrossFit as a foundation and adapt it to your individual needs in order to reach new heights in fitness. And this is much better than taking some special training program and trying to rearrange it for someone who is involved in a particular sport.

Tell us how you come up with workouts: do you paint on the board at once or in a cafe on napkins?

- Haha, it can be different. It was such that I came up with WOD while jogging or while waiting for boarding at the airport. I write down ideas on a tablet or paper, on a computer or a whiteboard in the hall. It happens in every way. And I draw inspiration not only from CrossFit, but also from theater, other sports, art and so on.

The popularity of the paleo diet is part of the popularity of CrossFit. What do you think about paleo principles in nutrition? Have you tried it myself?

- Yes, I tried paleo. Our recommendations are very close to the paleo diet. Meat and vegetables, nuts and grains, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. It's all very paleo-like. But we cannot agree with the rules of some paleo schools. Like the complete elimination of salt or dairy products. I myself follow our nutritional recommendations and am not afraid of fast carbs, I just eat them in small quantities.

“I heard about your service in the Marine Corps. What was the most difficult part of the service and what do you remember with a smile?

- Yes, I have been in the SEAL division for 12 years. The most difficult thing for me was the loss of friends and colleagues in battles or during exercises. I feel very fortunate that I am still alive, given that I have given so much time to such a dangerous service. I always remember my friends and colleagues with a smile. This is a special caste.

What have you heard about the development of crossfit in Latvia and Russia?

- I know that CrossFit is becoming more and more popular with you and that interest in the methodology itself is growing, and this makes me very happy. What could be better than the harsh Russians, who, moreover, are so supportive of CrossFit and are its fans and ardent supporters. One day I hope to come to you and already know for sure that sooner rather than later there will be a champion from Russia at CrossFit Games.