Does CrossFit build muscle?
Absolutely! Is it the best and most efficient way to build muscle? No.
The reason is because it is not specific enough. CrossFit is an incredible way to increase your all around “functional” fitness. You get pretty good at a lot of different skills. You will most likely become an all-round fitter and more athletic athlete.
As a by-product you most likely will gain some muscle & lose some fat. But if your main goal is to increase muscle size and absolute strength, you have to specifically focus on building those things. Powerlifting is a great way to do that.
Powerlifting has one pure target, to get stronger in Back squat, Deadlift and Press. Strength is a critical component of your overall performance, especially in these foundational movements. If you tend to be held back by heavier weights or you find yourself plateauing in the gym it might be time to add in a more specialized strength cycle!
Strength Cycles
I personally love strength cycles. They help you develop as an athlete in more ways that just absolute strength.
For example, lifting heavy loads requires extreme focus. You have to shut out the noise, walk up to a bar and be confident in yourself in your abilities. It’s an incredible way to improve mental fortitude and toughness. It also forces you to work on your technique.
These movements are highly demanding, and you risk injury if you are moving incorrectly. It will expose your technique weaknesses. Training in a dedicated way to master technique will reinforce this practice for everything else you do as well!
Strength training will make CrossFit workouts easier. The stronger you are at whatever you are doing, the easier it will be to perform that task. If you want to learn how to train to specifically gain strength in back squat, deadlift and press, we can help!
Iron Wolf CHS Lift-Off
This strength cycle, in particular, offers the added benefit of training to compete (if you choose). Participating in a competition adds a sense purpose and commitment to your training. It gives you a very specific goal to work towards and the chance to measure your hard work. This powerlifting series will end just in time to test your new 1 rep max (1RM) at the Iron Wolf Lift-Off, CrossFit Total Competition.
The Event will be run like a powerlifting meet, but test the Back squat, overhead press, and deadlift.
Participating in a competition is scary, trust me I get it, but I have never met someone that walked off of a platform and said, “I wish I didn’t do this” (myself included!). It is an incredible accomplishment and you will thank yourself for doing it! This competition is a fundraising event. It will have athletes of all levels, it will be fun and is for a good cause. Plus, we can help you train to set you up for success!
Powerlifting Course Details
When: The course will run January 23-Feb 15 on Thursdays @ 6:30pm and Saturdays @ 9:30am. There is also an (optional) information session on January 21 at 730pm.
Where: Locomotion Fitness Main Gym
Cost: $149 which includes registration (normally $45) in the Iron Wolf CHS Lift Off
***limited to only 8 spots!
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