Impact of CrossFit Exercise on Different Aspects of Physical Fitness, with Emphasis on Military Fitness: A Review Article

Background and Aim: CrossFit is an exercise program designed to provide general and inclusive physical fitness and improves fitness in all 10 areas including cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, muscle endurance and strength, power, flexibility, speed, coordination and agility. This is especially important for the military population, which needs to be better prepared to respond to specific occupational and combat missions. Methods: In this review article, the databases of Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Persian-language articles have been used for searching the relevant studies. Results: Findings show that The CrossFit program and other functional fitness programs present the U.S. Army with unparalleled opportunities to improve Soldiers’ level of physical fitness. Acute cardiovascular exercise results in a significant increase in fitness (ie, aerobic and anaerobic performance). Research has shown that CrossFit training significantly increases the bone mineral content of legs and trunk both men and women. Conclusion: The results of limited studies in CrossFit training show that this exercise improves the physical fitness of the participants. According to the available documentation, if CrossFit is practiced with the proper intensity, duration, and monitoring, its physiological changes, may be helpful for the combat forces. Carbohydrate diets are particularly important, according to recent studies, CrossFit exercise with low-carbohydrate diets leads to reduced body fat and with high-carbohydrate diets result in improving performance. Studies showed that Crossfit exercise is associated with improved intrinsic motivation to improve the enjoyment of exercise, satisfaction, motivation, mood, and reduce stress. Injuries related to CrossFit exercise have a similar or even lower profile than other sports and improve overall fitness the same or even better than traditional distance running and Strength training. Therefore, existing studies suggest that CrossFit training along with other physical fitness programs may help military combat readiness, but further studies are needed.