The complex structure of ligaments and tendons that support our joints provides stability. They are composed of collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. Their tough, collagenous structure give the joint strength. This structure, however, also causes these tissues to have poor blood supply, making the joint prone to chronic conditions.
Every time you move, your muscles contract and relax. This process only takes a few seconds, but it is actually a quite complex process. Every activity in our body is controlled by muscles: breathing, circulation of blood, digestion. Even a simple smile is a result of muscle action. Muscles also help keep our body warm, maintain posture, and stabilize bones and joints. The body contains several types of muscles, some that work involuntarily, such as heart and organ muscles, and skeletal muscles that work primarily through voluntary action that is controlled consciously.
As we age, chronic injuries, along with normal wear and tear on our joints, often lead to arthritis. The smooth articular cartilage between the joints that cushions and protects begins to wear down, causing bones to rub against each other. Bone spurs often develop. The resulting friction leads to pain and swelling. This chronic inflammation results in arthritis and further degeneration of tissue.
CrossFit training is a beast unto itself. Perhaps, the strong communal nature of this sport helps to make it so. But, CrossFit entails more than just physical training… it is a way of life that views the body as a whole system rather than merely isolated structural elements.