If you’re bored with Crossfit or you simply don’t like it, this article will show you Crossfit alternatives to keep you in great shape.
Most people have strong opinions about Crossfit. Some love it to death while others hate it.
Crossfit is hated for a few reasons. For one thing, it has a high injury risk. Second, some say it has a cult-like feel. Others simply don’t like it because it’s too expensive.
Those who swear by Crossfit argue that it can easily turn sedentary people into fitness enthusiasts. It also works for people who have to be pushed to train hard.
The problem with those who criticize Crossfit is that they don’t offer alternatives. So today, I’m going to give you Crossfit alternatives that can help you lose fat and build muscle.
I’ll give you a wide variety of exercises because I don’t know why you’re looking for Crossfit alternatives. If it’s because of an injury, boredom, or price, read on, I’ve got you covered.
Best Crossfit alternatives
1. Hill Sprints
You’re totally missing out if you don’t do hill sprints. This is one of the most effective exercises. In fact, hill sprints burn more calories per minute than any other exercise.
If you’re looking for high-intensity Crossfit alternatives, this is the exercise you should be doing.
Unlike CrossFit, hill sprints have low injury risk. They’re even safe than sprinting on flat ground.
All you need to get started is a pair of running shoes and a hill.
If you’re out of shape, start with small hills. Then start sprinting on steeper and longer hills, as you get fitter.
Remember to warm up before doing hill sprints. You risk straining your hamstrings or calves if you do hill sprints without warming up.
2. Bodyweight circuits
You know we love bodyweight training at Focus Fitness. It’s the best way to shed fat and tone muscles without spending a dime.
Bodyweight circuits make your workouts more rewarding because they boost cardiovascular endurance.
If you’re not familiar with bodyweight circuits, they involve doing different bodyweight exercises without taking breaks between the exercises.
A good example is doing 10 push-ups, followed by 10 pull-ups, followed by 10 squats, then repeating several times.
This type of training is perfect for people with busy schedules since it’s possible to finish your workout in 15 minutes or less.
3. Kickboxing
Kickboxing is one of the best Crossfit alternatives. It’ll give you a full body workout and burn lots of calories.
You can burn up to 500 calories in 30 minutes of kickboxing. I may also note that this kind of exercise boosts muscular endurance.
Most fitness centers offer kickboxing classes and it’s not as expensive as Crossfit.
Alternatively, you can even follow this kickboxing program at home.
4. Yoga
Most people who do strength training are stiff. Yoga will help loosen your muscles and consequently lower risk of injury.
However, yoga isn’t all about stretching. Some yoga poses can build muscle and burn calories. I can’t forget to mention that yoga improves balance.
The truth is Crossfit builds muscle faster than yoga but if you’re looking low-impact Crossfit alternatives, yoga is the way to go.
5. Swimming
For those looking to lose weight, improve cardiovascular health, and tone muscles, swimming is an effective alternative to CrossFit.
Most people don’t realize that swimming burns lots of calories. Someone who weighs 155 pounds can burn up to 500 calories swimming freestyle for an hour. Note that the heavier you are the more calories you burn.
If you were injured doing Crossfit, stick to swimming and other non-weight bearing exercises.
Swimming alone may not build muscle so combine it with bodyweight exercises.
6. Zumba
If you love dancing, Zumba won’t feel like a workout. You’ll literally burn calories while having fun.
Zumba is a great way to stay in shape for who don’t want high-intensity Crossfit alternatives. It’s easy on the joints and improves heart health.
Almost every gym offers Zumba classes. And most gyms will allow you to pay for Zumba classes alone instead of paying for full gym membership.
Alternatively, you can look for Zumba workouts on Youtube and follow along at home.
7. Jumping rope
Jumping rope is one of my favorite exercises. It works out the entire body and improves cardiovascular health.
Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t know how to jump rope. You can learn jump rope tricks in days.
Note that you’ll burn more calories if you jump faster. If you want to see fast results from jumping rope, take on the 21-day jump rope challenge.
8. Running
If you’re looking for variety, consider adding running to your routine. When combined with proper nutrition, running can help you lose weight.
You can even use sprinting intervals to build muscle. For instance, you can sprint for 1 minute, jog for 2 minutes, and then repeat this cycle several times.
9. Playing tennis
Tennis is my favorite sport and it can give you a great workout if you move around the court.
Most people who play tennis to lose weight or get fit don’t move as much as they should. If you want to get in shape by playing tennis, avoid small talk between breaks or standing in the same spot for long.
Note that you’ll burn more calories playing singles. It’s also important to keep moving even when the ball is on the other side of the court.
10. Walking
We can all benefit from walking. Research shows it reduces stress, aids weight loss, strengthens bones, improves heart health, and much more.
If you’re looking for Crossfit alternatives because an injury or joint pain, walking will keep you in shape.
Walking around nature can be very enjoyable, especially if you’re used to training in stuffy gyms with sweaty people all around you.
Final word
Crossfit has many advantages but I don’t like it because of its high injury risk. Start doing any of these Crossfit alternatives to avoid injuries that may cause more harm as you grow older.
Remember that consistency is more important than the exercises you do. Simple exercises like walking will keep you in great shape if you do them consistently.
Do you know other Crossfit alternatives?
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