CrossFit conquers physical complacency

Photo By Spc. Josh Lecappelain | Warrant Officer Forrest Kautz, Multi-National Division – Center G2 fusion cell senior all source technician, prepares to lift a barbell as part of his CrossFit workout Jan. 25.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

01.26.2009

Story by Spc. Josh Lecappelain 

Multi-National Division-Central

By Spc. Josh LeCappelain
Multi-National Division - Center

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Fighting off fatigue and apathy, Soldiers sometimes conduct physical training for the sole purpose of doing well on the three events that comprise the PT test – push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run. While doing work in those areas is important, it can leave many muscles and areas of the body neglected, gasping for attention and affection.

A culture of athletes and Soldiers craving more all-around workouts has stumbled upon a challenging, demanding regimen of exercises known as "CrossFit." Under the mantra "specialize in not specializing," CrossFit offers a complete body workout, forging a broad, general and inclusive fitness regimen that can be adapted to any fitness level.

CrossFit works by preparing trainees for any physical contingency, especially important for Soldiers, who face the uncertainties of combat. It consists of constantly varied, high-intensity, functional movements. Many participants go to the CrossFit Web site for the daily Workout of the Day, a challenging regimen that varies wildly.

According to an article on the CrossFit Web site, the CrossFit method focuses on a hierarchy of effort and concerns including:
oDiet: Lays the molecular foundations for health and fitness.
oMetabolic conditioning: Builds capacity in each of three metabolic pathways, beginning with aerobic, then lactic acid and finally, phosphocreatine pathways.
oGymnastics: Establishes functional capacity for body control and range of motion.
oWeightlifting and throwing: Develop ability to control external objects and produce power.
oSport: Applies fitness in competitive atmospheres with more randomized movements and skill mastery.

Units across the military branches have started integrating CrossFit into their daily physical training programs and reported dramatically improved fitness, according to an article written in December 2004, by Greg Glassman, the founder of CrossFit. The Special Operations community has integrated CrossFit into their fitness programs, including the U.S. Navy SEALs.

Warrant Officer Forrest Kautz, Multi-National Division – Center G2 fusion cell senior all source technician, is among the numerous enthusiasts of CrossFit. His introduction to the world of CrossFit happened on accident.

"I was introduced to CrossFit in the summer of 2006 by another NCO, while attending Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course at Ft. Huachuca, Az," said Kautz, a native of Mifflinburg, Pa. "I witnessed gains in my overall strength and endurance that I hadn't experienced performing the status quo isolation exercises."

A motorcycle accident in October 2006 fractured his right collarbone and fourth posterior rib and caused severe muscle damage and atrophy to his right deltoid. Kautz turned to CrossFit to help recover in order to attend Warrant Officer Candidate School.

Ironically, he attended Warrant Officer Basic Course with the same individual who pushed him physically and mentally during BNCOC.

"We would do the WOD religiously, pushing each other to strive for personal bests. It was an incredible sense of accomplishment, especially when I performed a personal best of locking out a 385 pound dead-lift less than a year after the accident."

Military bases around the world have opened CrossFit facilities, including Fort George G. Meade, Md.; Fort Benning, Ga.; and West Point, N.Y. Kautz aspires to get a CrossFit program started on Fort Drum, N.Y

"There are already individuals doing it at Fort Drum. There might be enough interest with people using it as their primary fitness program," he said, noting the need for a dedicated CrossFit facility, as most military gyms are not conducive to CrossFit due to limited numbers of pull-up bars and free weights.

Kautz, who intends to get his Level 1 CrossFit certification this coming summer, recommends those nervous about the program and its intensity give it a chance, as he "wouldn't have been sold without actually doing CrossFit."

"The CrossFit community is the antithesis of the 'Globo-Gym' mentality," said Kautz. "Actively embarking in CrossFit is more than an ordinary fitness regimen; it is a community of athletes and Soldiers striving to prepare for any situation or circumstance while improving their overall well-being. Dedication and intensity will earn you results."

For more information on CrossFit, visit their Web site at http://www.crossfit.com or contact Kautz at [e-mail]. He is willing to help individuals interested in the CrossFit Program integrate into an exercise routine that is right for them.

• Date Taken: 01.26.2009
• Date Posted: 01.26.2009 04:47
• Story ID: 29259
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ