Shepparton's show of strength
Muscle power was on display in the first competition of a worldwide fitness program in Shepparton on the weekend.
GV CrossFit competition winner Andrew Pritchard said the program was based on strength and conditioning regimes police and military academies used.
‘‘It’s not specialised training, it’s designed to use a broad range of skills and being able to do anything that comes your way,’’ Mr Pritchard said.
He said CrossFit’s varied routines — including weightlifting, physical workouts and gymnastics — are used by football teams, competitive athletes, the elderly and other ordinary people to build general fitness.
‘‘It’s specialty is in not specialising,’’ he said.
Sunday’s inaugural ‘‘Throwdown’’ competition was the first in Shepparton.
Ten people competed at GV CrossFit’s premises known as a ‘‘box’’ at Joseph Baldwin Place in east Shepparton’s industrial estate.
Mr Pritchard said the athletes took part in four events from 8am to about 1pm.
Events included: a ‘‘Farmer’s Carry’’ involving weightplates held in a pinch grip for as long as possible; a ‘‘Clean and Jerk’’ manoeuvre based on the first part of an Olympic weightlifting technique with barbells held at shoulder height; box jumps with barbells; and repetitive jumps from prostrate to standing.
Mr Pritchard took out the men’s title, with Sara Niglia winning the women’s competition.
Mr Pritchard said Crossfit training was open to anybody who wanted a general level of fitness.
‘‘It is achievable for anybody. There are no mirrors in the gym — it’s about being fitter and better as a person, not just looking good,’’ he said.
Mr Pritchard said gold coin donation entry fees at Sunday’s competition raised about $300, which was donated to the Shepparton branch of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation.
To find out more about CrossFit, visit Home
Muscle power was on display in the first competition of a worldwide fitness program in Shepparton on the weekend.
Clean and jerk: Dave Murray lifts during Sunday's GV CrossFit competition.
GV CrossFit competition winner Andrew Pritchard said the program was based on strength and conditioning regimes police and military academies used.
‘‘It’s not specialised training, it’s designed to use a broad range of skills and being able to do anything that comes your way,’’ Mr Pritchard said.
He said CrossFit’s varied routines — including weightlifting, physical workouts and gymnastics — are used by football teams, competitive athletes, the elderly and other ordinary people to build general fitness.
‘‘It’s specialty is in not specialising,’’ he said.
Sunday’s inaugural ‘‘Throwdown’’ competition was the first in Shepparton.
Ten people competed at GV CrossFit’s premises known as a ‘‘box’’ at Joseph Baldwin Place in east Shepparton’s industrial estate.
Mr Pritchard said the athletes took part in four events from 8am to about 1pm.
Events included: a ‘‘Farmer’s Carry’’ involving weightplates held in a pinch grip for as long as possible; a ‘‘Clean and Jerk’’ manoeuvre based on the first part of an Olympic weightlifting technique with barbells held at shoulder height; box jumps with barbells; and repetitive jumps from prostrate to standing.
Mr Pritchard took out the men’s title, with Sara Niglia winning the women’s competition.
Mr Pritchard said Crossfit training was open to anybody who wanted a general level of fitness.
‘‘It is achievable for anybody. There are no mirrors in the gym — it’s about being fitter and better as a person, not just looking good,’’ he said.
Mr Pritchard said gold coin donation entry fees at Sunday’s competition raised about $300, which was donated to the Shepparton branch of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation.
To find out more about CrossFit, visit Home
