What is CrossFit

One of our members recently told me, “I just learned we do CrossFit!”

That made me laugh—and also reminded me that while I’ve never been in-your-face about it, we do very much follow the CrossFit methodology at EXHALE. And even if we don’t always talk about it by name, the way we train, structure workouts, and program movement all come from that foundation.

Now, I don’t always agree with everything that comes out of CrossFit HQ, but at its core, I believe CrossFit—done well—is one of the most effective and practical ways to train.

Also, I’m currently preparing for the CrossFit Level 3 exam, and walking through some of these concepts helps me study. So why not learn together?

So… what is CrossFit?

At its core, CrossFit is:
Constantly varied, high-intensity, functional movement.

The goal is to prepare you for the known and the unknowable—to make you stronger, more capable, and more resilient in everyday life.

That means:

• Varied across time domains (from short sprints to longer grinders)
• Varied across modalities (weightlifting, gymnastics, and monostructural movements like running, rowing, and biking)

CrossFit doesn’t specialize in one thing—and that’s the point. A well-rounded athlete is better prepared for anything life throws at them than a specialist in just one area.

Let’s break down two key elements:

Functional Movement
These are movements that reflect real life—squatting, hinging, pressing, pulling. You squat when you sit, deadlift when you pick something up off the ground, and press when you lift luggage overhead. We're not just training to be good in the gym—we’re training to move better, avoid injury, and feel stronger outside of it.

Intensity
This is where CrossFit stands out—and where it’s often misunderstood.
Our workouts can be short, but they’re designed to be high-intensity. That intensity is what drives results. A workout like Fran (21-15-9 Thrusters and Pull-Ups) is only a few minutes long—but when done with the right intent and speed, it’s incredibly effective.
The goal isn’t always to lift heavier—it’s to move with purpose, maintaining the stimulus. Sometimes going lighter and faster is actually harder—and more productive—than just going heavy.

So if you’ve ever wondered why we do what we do—why some days feel like sprinting and others like grinding—this is it.
We're not just here to sweat. We’re here to build strength, confidence, and capacity that carries over into your everyday life.

If any of this sparks curiosity or you’ve got questions about how (and why) we train the way we do—reach out!
I love diving into the theory behind the method, and I’m always up for a good conversation.

Let’s keep learning, moving, and growing—together.

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