One of the most important facets of CrossFit is intensity. We can measure intensity because we can measure power. Power is a function of Force and Distance over Time (M x D / T). It is undeniable that an increase in power results in an increase in intensity. To increase power, you can increase mass and/or distance, or decrease time. Manipulating any one of these factors to increase power must result in an increase in intensity.
Intensity is all about hard and fast. Power is an issue wherever velocity is important. Exercise success is based on intensity. INTENSITY IS WHERE THE RESULTS ARE. Functional movements move from core to extremity and can tolerate high loads and move them long distances in a short amount of time.
The movements are powerful in that they allow a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time. In this discussion, power = intensity. Without power and intensity, the neuroendocrine response is blunted. There is a potent neuroendocrine response to each of the movements that we do in CrossFit. This hormonal response is systemic and effects the entire body through a cascade of biochemical products that are released as the result of the compound, functional movements executed at high intensity.
