The Devil’s Workout

Starting a CrossFit Exercise Routine              

By Namhee Cho

Neighborhoods full of signs advertising “Health (헬스),” “Pilates,” “Yoga” and “EMS (Electronic Muscle Stimulation)” give an indication that more Koreans are now aware of how important it is to be fit and maintain their health. Of course, the idea of “lookism” has also played a big part in forcing people to think more about their appearance and how that relates to fitness.

In the very beginning of the emergence of “lookism” in the 2000s, six-pack abs for men and a tall slim figure for women were the picture-perfect body ideals. Therefore, in order to be as close as possible to these ideals, it was inevitable for people to try, through various means of exercise, to achieve their goals, resulting in the introduction of diverse exercises for fitness.

Koreans began to realize the true purpose of fitness. Instead of just creating temporary summer figures, they have started to devise long-term, healthy-living strategies. Nowadays, more people not only think about their appearance, but they also try to devote more of their free time in their hectic weekly schedules to exercise. Among these new fitness enthusiasts are those who challenge themselves to each their extreme physical limits: the CrossFitters.

In the late 1990s, CrossFit was developed by Greg Glassman, an American teenage gymnast who wanted to be stronger. He defined fitness as “increased work capacity across broad time and modal domains,” and created his own program for fitness optimization.

CrossFit consists of various types of workouts included in what is called the “Workout of the Day” (WOD), which involves 10 key physical qualities: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy.

“In short, CrossFit develops your daily-use muscles … when crawling under the desk or reaching out for items on high shelves. Also, it challenges you to get fitter both physically and mentally,” described Dong Won Lee, CrossFit Rex’B head coach in Bongsun. Lee started working out at a fitness center when he was in high school, and he was very keen to get himself in shape. However, when he went to New York City for English studies, he found CrossFit and soon realized that this ultimate exercise program could really challenge him.
When CrossFit was first introduced to Korea, due to its high intensity it was called “The Devil’s Workout.” The name was inspired by the notorious exercise called burpees, a full body exercise involving squats and push-ups. Throughout a week of CrossFit, WOD varies day-by-day in different combinations of push-ups, pull-ups, rowing and barbell lifting, aiming to develop entire muscle systems in the body. All WODs have time limits to challenge participants and sometimes there are team WODs to encourage teamwork and companionship.

“From boys to old men, and girls to old women, everyone is welcome, and by working out, everyone can achieve what they want,” Lee insisted. He has seen a man determined to lose weight for his wedding photos and ladies in their 40s seeking healthier lives meet their goals through CrossFit.

When asked about his involvement with international residents, Lee shared: “I had coached a foreign university professor in Gwangju but he was the only foreign student that I ever had. I understand temporary overseas residents here in Gwangju may find CrossFit a little overpriced, but I know they are more fit and competent in intense workouts. I wish for them to come and try out.” There are a few CrossFit boxes (fitness centers) around Gwangju, but only CrossFit Bongsun and CrossFit Yongbong are official affiliates of CrossFit America. Trainers at affiliate boxes must obtain CrossFit certificates which include accredited training seminars and an examination, and Lee is one of the few authorized Gwangju trainers.

“CrossFit has been like warm sunshine when I was struggling and feeling miserable, and it made me realize that the only obstacle in my life is myself,” Lee stated, encouraging all to experience the exercise style of CrossFit.