For some, it was love at first box jump. For others, it took a few more burpees and thrusters to get over the fear factor of this intense sport. But, somehow, WOD (workout of the day) after sweat-drenching WOD, thousands around the region are forcing themselves out of bed or office chair and to the gym for this hardcore, elite form of fitness.
And you know what? They’re healthier, happier, and have a stronger sense of community because of it.
CrossFit has long been an addiction in the West, but, not surprisingly in a culture where family and tribe is everything, enthusiasts from Morocco to the Emirates have recently caught the bug and joined this fitness community too. More than a hundred (and counting) CrossFit gyms, or boxes as they are called, have opened across the Middle East.
Ramallah-based trainer Basel Qatamesh believes in CrossFit's ability to transform lives. He's currently aiming to gain affiliate status for his gym "Pal-Fit" because “this sort of training is not familiar for the Palestinian community...Pal-Fit is keen to create a new physical culture within the box itself and to positively affect our trainees’ daily lives to improve their resilience towards life challenge,” he shared in an interview.
We gathered images and quotes from CrossFit Crescent in Amman, Reebok CrossFit LifeSpark in Dubai and CrossFit 965 in Kuwait to illustrate the impact the sport has already had on the region. Will you be next to join the cult...I mean, CrossFit?
If you’re hoping to say "see ya" to the spirit of Christmas cookies past and kick those extra kilos gained over the Eid holidays to the curb, then you might be interested to learn why so many people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic statuses are simultaneously heading to the nearest CrossFit.
Besides, you’ve got to earn that kabsa somehow, right?
The Middle East has drunk the CrossFit Kool-Aid. And here's how they're hittin' up the box and kicking those hangover carbs to the curb this holiday season!
