We often drop the “Functional Fitness” part of the program’s name and just call it “Legends”, though the functional fitness is always there. Legends just sounds cooler!

The term Legends just seemed appropriate. A Legend….an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field…anyone who considers taking the best care of themselves and investing in their health and fitness to the level we expect is a legend in our mind. Legends have been around for a while. They’re experienced in life, wise – many times “have seen it all”.

The term “Functional” and “Functional Fitness” is a common and overused term in the fitness industry today, but we honor its true meaning and take it to a whole new level. The Mayo Clinic defines functional fitness exercises as those that train your muscles to work together and prepare them for daily tasks by simulating common movements you might do at home, at work or in sports. While using various muscles in the upper and lower body at the same time, functional fitness exercises also emphasize core stability. This is spot on!

Our Legends Program at CrossFit Rebels’ goal is increased independence, developed as participants build the following:

• joint, muscle and tendon/ligament mobility,
• core stability and strength, which results in better posture & balance,
• strength and mobility in the most commonly atrophied and/or underdeveloped muscles in “older people”: glutes (rear-end) and hamstrings (back of leg) and “back” in general (mid/upper back and low back),
• stamina and endurance – a little goes a long way – stairs get easier to maneuver and distances needed to travel to seem shorter,
• community…it just happens; those you exercise with become your partners…your friends.

What does a normal Legends class look like?

1. We spend the first few minutes checking in: How is everyone feeling? Any news? Jokes and “antics” typically begin here!
2. We warm up. Warm ups vary, but they’re designed to get your heart beating a little faster and the blood circulating throughout your body, and loosen you up – make sure we have good range of motion in those joints we’re about to work out. It could include (but not be limited to): rowing, PVC pipe work, and calesthenics.
3. We work on a movement(s) that helps to increase joint range of motion, build strength and endurance, and help build muscle memory for patterns we like to see occur, specifically in range of motion (for example, reaching overhead).
4. We work on “lifting”: medicine balls, barbells, dumbbells, and kettle bells.  Light to heavy loads (specific to the individual athlete), low to high reps.
5. We do a “workout” that is at a little higher speed/intensity than the other parts of the class. You have a task and a goal….it’s almost like game. We may do several short workouts or one longer workout.
6. We rest in between these segments of the class.
7. Everyone works at their own pace and ability level.
8. And…it’s a good time! Everyone participating, including your trainers, look forward to the classes and can’t wait for the next…not what you’d expect from an exercise program.

The caveat? The results! How many times have you heard of friends and family “working out”…for hours sometimes…and you ask them how they feel or how they’re doing, and they just can’t convey to you any positive results. The fact is: “they’re just going to the gym”. That won’t happen here! Results are reported every day:

• I don’t “plop” in my chair anymore
• I can get up out of my chair without assistance
• I can walk unassisted
• I don’t worry about not being able to get up off the floor if I fall
• I can walk longer distances
• I don’t need a raised toilet seat
• I don’t have to sell my low furniture because I can get up and down off of it now

• I can reach higher in my cupboards
• My posture is better (my daughter told me so)
• My bloodwork is better! (glucose, cholesterol, CRP)
• My bone density is improving, even at my age!
• I can see muscles!
• I “FEEL BETTER” – this one’s the best, right?