CrossFit
It seems like everyone knows a CrossFitter. She is so passionate about it. She talks about the workout of the day and what personal best she accomplished.
Yes, CrossFit has a legion of passionate followers. CrossFit started in 2000 and now has over 13,000 affiliated gyms, with about half of those in the US. One of the best aspects about CrossFit that these gyms foster is the camaraderie and enthusiasm between members.
CrossFit is basically a strength training program that mixes strength training with cardio. It merges exercises from Olympic weight lifting, body weight exercises, and aerobics.
I’m not a CrossFitter, but I do go to the gym to strength train. I appreciate the devotion and the close network that CrossFitters develop. But, I do see a good percentage of CrossFitters doing certain movements with weights that they shouldn’t be doing because of mobility deficits. As I get older, I’m more focused into increasing my mobility in the right way.
CrossFit and Food Trends
CrossFit encourages certain diets. Members are looking to be healthier, and what better way than through food. With about 4 million members, CrossFitters eagerly share their knowledge and results of these diets. About half the members have incomes over $150K (from Infogram), so I can see a relationship between members and consumers of natural foods.
I would say that CrossFit is one of the early influencers of the Paleo/Zone/Low Carb diets. In the earlier days, extremely low carb was vogue in member circles until they realized that carbs were needed for optimal performance. Carbs like rice or sweet potatoes are now back in the diets.
If you want to get an early read of what types of foods and supplements will be trending going forward, looking into conversations within the CrossFit community would be prudent. It is a group to understand regarding food trends.
I give the long-term trend for CrossFit to be a 9 out of 10.
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