CrossFit. You have probably heard the term, read through or even tried some workouts .You may have even watched a little bit of the CrossFit Games on TV. That being said, you probably are still unsure what exactly it is.

CrossFit is an exercise regimen described as “constantly varied, functional movements, performed at high intensity.” CrossFit programming is designed to help athletes improve their endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. This is achieved through a variety of different daily workouts called, WODS (workout of the day), usually done in CrossFit gyms called “boxes” but can also be done on your own.

What you might not know is that Cedar Falls is home to one of the most prestigious CrossFit affiliates in the country, CrossFit Kilo (there are also associated Kilo Trained Gyms in Waverly and Waterloo).

Armand McCormick and his wife Sarah are the owners of Kilo, and Armand does all the programming for his CrossFit athletes. He is just one of the many coaches the gym has to help people improve themselves day in and day out. The gym has earned a name for themselves by sending teams to the CrossFit Games the last couple years and doing very well.

The CrossFit Games take place every July, featuring some of the world’s fittest athletes. There are men, women, masters (older age group) and team divisions. Each division competes in various events, including: running, lifting, swimming and any other sort of exercise movement you could think of.

The games include the crème of the crop, leaving people with their jaws on the ground after watching these athletes compete. ESPN now broadcasts the CrossFit Games, which has resulted in an interest boom. Some people watch and think to themselves: “why would anyone ever want to do that?” Others are eager to give it a shot.

Don’t worry, CrossFit is not just for the fire breathers. Workouts can be scaled up or down to meet an individual’s fitness level. Think of CrossFit as a competitive way of working out. You can either compare yourself to others in your class, your gym or just yourself. Nothing is better than recording your daily workouts and seeing your individual progress as you continue to improve.

There are even competitions for athletes at all levels. One of the bigger competitions of the year is approaching. The Field of Teams competition is set to take place Nov. 13-15 at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center in Waterloo. There will be RX (advanced) and scaled divisions of four to six-person coed teams. Kilo will have several teams there competing among many other CrossFitters throughout the Midwest.

Don’t be surprised if you start hearing more and more about WODs, boxes and CrossFit. The sport is alive and growing. CrossFit prides itself on building well-rounded athletes with a variety of skills.

This is not for everyone. Some people are not fond of this style, but for anyone looking spice up their workout routine, CrossFit is an option. With CrossFit Kilo and Kilo Trained gyms in the area, the opportunity is always close by.