After school, many Holy Family students release the stress of their day by working hard at various athletics.  However, lately some faculty members have been breaking a sweat as well after school in the form of a new and intense workout: CrossFit.

                CrossFit was brought to Holy Family by theology and Latin teacher Matthew Gear, who was introduced to the workout by a friend.  According to Gear, CrossFit is a fairly new workout philosophy that centers around three principles.

                The first principle is a constant variety of drills.  Everyday involves new exercises to keep the body guessing and keep the workout challenging.

                The second principle requires a high intensity level.  This means quick and physically demanding  workouts with no breaks.

                The third principle is functional movement, which involves lifts that transfer into real life to facilitate a full range of motion.

                 Gear introduced CrossFit to the school for a variety of reasons.  Since this workout does not allow for breaks, it can be challenging to do alone.  Gear said that working in a group keeps him motivated to push through and resist the urge to take breaks during this challenging workout.

                “A workout like that requires a team,” Gear said.

                Gear also sees great value in exercise and wanted to share his knowledge with his fellow coworkers and students.

                “I see fitness as an essential part of one’s life and CrossFit being to the quickest way to achieve it,” he said. 

                Gear began running teacher CrossFit after school last spring.  During this time, many teachers participated regularly in the workout which involved mostly body weight exercises.  Over the summer, Gear became certified in CrossFit training, which allows him to now incorporate free weights into the workout.  This has resulted in a much more challenging workout.

                Although not as many teachers are participating this year, there are two that have stuck with the workout: history teachers Cassandra Marck and Amy Davis.

                Both Marck and Davis agreed that CrossFit is definitely the most challenging workout they have ever done.  However, they also agreed that the results of the workout are definitely worth it.

                “It’s a really intense workout and it’s really humbling.  It’s awesome to see the results,” said Davis.

                Marck agreed and added that this year has been especially demanding because there is a lot more weight and reps.

                Gear has also taken the workout to various Holy Family sports teams, including the wrestling and the softball teams.  According to Gear, the intensity of CrossFit is similar to a tough wrestling practice.  Unlike most forms of weight training that involve heavy lifting and many breaks, the constant effort required in CrossFit provides athletes with a better workout. 

                Junior wrestler David Pendleton said, “Working out with Mr. Gear is always a challenge but it’s the best way to get in shape for wrestling.  The constant effort required is the closest thing to a wrestling match.”

                However, CrossFit is not only beneficial for wrestlers.  It helps all athletes gain strength and endurance for any sport.  Gear trains the wrestlers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and the teachers on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  However, he is willing to help anyone with workouts.