Recommended Reading

Heart rate=Intensity?

It is a common misconception that heart rate is equivalent to intensity. Heart rate can be a factor contributing to intensity; however the two are not analogous.

Intensity = Power = Work / Time = (Force x Distance) / Time

CrossFit emphasizes the use of functional movements because of their unique capacity to be preformed at relatively high intensities (more work in less time). During a WOD we move relatively large loads, long distances, very quickly! You can squat, dead-lift, and push-press more weight, longer distances, in much less time than you can performing a bicep curl, lateral raise, or a leg extension.

"Intensity is the independent variable most commonly associated with optimizing return."

Increasing VO2 max, metabolizing fat, building muscle, getting stronger, and getting faster are all intensity dependent. Therefore, performing more work in less time will increase your strength, fitness, and overall health!

Relatively high intensities can only be reached through functional movements. CrossFit training demands relatively high intensities, hence our emphasis on functional exercise. How high is a relatively high intensity? The relative level of an individual's power output is based solely upon that individual's psychological and physical tolerance.

CrossFit forges elite fitness, but not exclusive fitness. This program is not designed to cater only to super athletes. Anyone can benefit from CrossFit training based on operating at the appropriate intensity.

It is a common misconception that heart rate is equivalent to intensity. Heart rate can be a factor contributing to intensity; however the two are not analogous.

Intensity = Power = Work / Time = (Force x Distance) / Time

CrossFit emphasizes the use of functional movements because of their unique capacity to be preformed at relatively high intensities (more work in less time). During a WOD we move relatively large loads, long distances, very quickly! You can squat, dead-lift, and push-press more weight, longer distances, in much less time than you can performing a bicep curl, lateral raise, or a leg extension.

"Intensity is the independent variable most commonly associated with optimizing return."

Increasing VO2 max, metabolizing fat, building muscle, getting stronger, and getting faster are all intensity dependent. Therefore, performing more work in less time will increase your strength, fitness, and overall health!

Relatively high intensities can only be reached through functional movements. CrossFit training demands relatively high intensities, hence our emphasis on functional exercise. How high is a relatively high intensity? The relative level of an individual's power output is based solely upon that individual's psychological and physical tolerance.

CrossFit forges elite fitness, but not exclusive fitness. This program is not designed to cater only to super athletes. Anyone can benefit from CrossFit training based on operating at the appropriate intensity.

On the topic of fructose

Fructose is not the best choice for bodybuilders trying to get very lean because it can too readily be converted to body fat. When humans consume excess fructose, it is more likely to go toward the production of fatty acids and cholesterol than toward the production of glucose to fuel your muscles. You might as well beg your body to make fat.

 

Fructose is a simple sugar found in many foods, including corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, corn-syrup solids, fruit sugar, honey and table sugar. It is nearly twice as sweet as sucrose, so smaller amounts achieve the same amount of sweetness, and it is generally inexpensive. For these reasons, fructose is included in many refined foods and supplements. It's also found in fruit, but fruit offers benefits such as fiber without providing a large quantity of fructose. So, as a bodybuilder, you can consume fruit (one or two servings) on a daily basis without worrying about the negative effects of fructose. Fruit juices, however, are a different story - they don't have the fiber that slows down the digestion/absorption of whole fruit.

 

More refined forms of fructose should be avoided by bodybuilders. As fructose enters the body, the liver acts like a big sponge, sucking it up. If you have been eating well and have met your body's energy needs, your liver is full and doesn't need additional glycogen. Therefore, any extra foods consumed - especially those high in fructose - encourage the fat production process. Basically, as your fructose intake increases, so does fat production.