CrossFit makes use of three different standards or models for evaluating and guiding fitness. Collectively, these three standards define the CrossFit view of fitness. The first is based on the ten general physical skills widely recognized by exercise physiologists. The second standard, or model, is based on the performance of athletic tasks, while the third is based on the energy systems that drive all human action. (source: crossfit.com)

There is another aspect to the CrossFit brand of fitness that is of great interest and immense value to us. We observe that nearly every measurable value of health can be placed on a continuum that ranges from sickness to wellness to fitness. See table below. Though tougher to measure, we would even add mental health to this observation. Depression is clearly mitigated by proper diet and exercise, i.e., genuine fitness. (source: crossfit.com)

Every case of an injured athlete is unfortunate, but it’s no more unfortunate than the people who hurt their backs because they never learned to pick up something heavy… A completely safe training program is doomed to produce only couch potatoes. The safety of strength & conditioning programs, including CrossFit, is very good, especially when compared to sports like basketball, football, and soccer. (source: crossfit.com)