Greg Glassman, the founder of CrossFit, introduced the concept of “100 Words of Fitness” as a concise guide to achieving optimal health and physical well-being. This approach emphasizes a wide range of activities, including learning and playing new sports. In this article, we explore the significance of embracing new sports and highlight three sport activities to enjoy on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
The Power of “100 Words of Fitness”:
Greg Glassman’s “100 Words of Fitness” is a powerful framework that promotes a well-rounded approach to fitness. It encourages individuals to engage in various activities such as lifting, running, jumping, throwing, and climbing. One essential element of this framework is the inclusion of learning and playing new sports. Incorporating new sports into your fitness regimen can offer a plethora of benefits for both physical and mental well-being.
Greg Glassman’s definition of world-class fitness in 100 words reads as follows: “Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat. Practice and train major lifts: Deadlift, clean, squat, presses, C&J, and snatch. Similarly, master the basics of gymnastics: pull-ups, dips, rope climb, push-ups, sit-ups, presses to handstand, pirouettes, flips, splits, and holds. Bike, run, swim, row, etc, hard and fast. Five or six days per week mix these elements in as many combinations and patterns as creativity will allow. Routine is the enemy. Keep workouts short and intense. Regularly learn and play new sports.”
Importance of Learning and Playing New Sports:
- Physical Fitness and Versatility: Engaging in different sports exposes your body to diverse movement patterns, improving overall physical fitness and versatility. Each sport challenges different muscle groups and enhances coordination, agility, balance, and flexibility. By diversifying your physical activities, you can achieve a well-rounded fitness level and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
- Mental Stimulation and Skill Development: Learning and playing new sports provide mental stimulation and offer an opportunity for continuous skill development. It keeps the mind engaged, fostering cognitive abilities such as focus, strategy, problem-solving, and decision-making. Additionally, acquiring new skills and achieving milestones in different sports boosts self-confidence and provides a sense of accomplishment.
- Social Interaction and Community Building: Participating in new sports opens doors to social interaction and community building. Joining sports clubs or teams allows you to meet like-minded individuals who share similar interests, fostering new friendships and a sense of belonging. The camaraderie and support from teammates create a positive environment that motivates and inspires further involvement in sports.
Three Sport Activities on the Gold Coast
- Surfing: The Gold Coast is renowned for its pristine beaches and excellent surf breaks, making it an ideal destination for surfing enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, you can find suitable spots to catch some waves. Surfing provides a full-body workout while immersing you in the beautiful coastal scenery.
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): SUP is a fantastic activity that combines balance, core strength, and relaxation. Explore the picturesque waterways of the Gold Coast while enjoying a peaceful paddle. SUP caters to various fitness levels and can be enjoyed individually or with friends.
- Beach Volleyball: Embrace the vibrant beach culture on the Gold Coast by trying your hand at beach volleyball. This team sport offers an excellent cardiovascular workout while improving your agility, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork skills. Numerous beach volleyball courts are available along the coastline, providing opportunities for both casual play and competitive leagues.
Incorporating new sports into your fitness routine is a valuable aspect of Greg Glassman’s “100 Words of Fitness” philosophy. By venturing into new sports, you enhance physical fitness, stimulate your mind, and foster social connections. On the Gold Coast opportunities abound for us to engage in activities like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and beach volleyball. Embrace the joy of learning and playing new sports, and unlock a world of health, vitality, and fun.