CrossFit
High-intensity mixed functional workouts in boxes.
Categories / Functional & athletic
Functional & athletic
CrossFit, HYROX, plyometrics, ropes, sleds and more. Training for real-life strength and power. Most of these are intense, so build up gradually.
Functional and athletic training builds the strength, power and fitness you use in real life and in sport. Our 14 exercises include CrossFit-style workouts, HYROX, plyometrics, sled work, battle ropes, jump rope and other athletic programmes, from scaled sessions to demanding challenges.
Most of this training is intense, so build up gradually and focus on technique. Each guide explains how to start, how to progress and the cautions to know. Compare the options to find a functional fitness routine that matches your level and goals.
14 regimes
Hyrox
Fitness race: eight 1 km runs plus work stations.
Functional Fitness
Movements for everyday strength and balance.
Animal Flow
Ground-based crawling and flowing movement.
MovNat (Natural Movement)
Crawling, climbing, jumping and carrying outdoors.
Plyometrics
Jumping drills to build explosive power.
Agility and Speed Drills
Ladders, cones and change-of-direction work.
Battle Ropes
Rope waves for upper-body conditioning.
Sled Pushing and Dragging
Heavy sled work for leg power with low joint stress.
Jump Rope
Skipping for coordination and cardio.
Rebounding (Mini-Trampoline)
Bouncing on a small trampoline.
Trampolining
Gym-based trampoline training.
Adult Gymnastics
Tumbling, rings and floor skills.
Hula Hooping
Weighted hoop waist work.
Functional & athletic: pros and cons
What to like and what to watch for, so you can decide whether this type of exercise is right for you.
Best for: Fit people who want to train for real-life strength and power, or who enjoy a community and a challenge.
Pros
- Builds strength, power and all-round fitness
- Varied sessions that rarely get dull
- Strong community feel in many gyms and boxes
- Plenty of ways to scale each workout to your level
Cons
- Most of it is intense, so build up gradually
- Poor technique or rushing progress raises the risk of injury
- Classes and coaching can cost a lot, and it can feel intimidating