Student CrossFit competitor Janne took part in an open contest at Ȧsane this week.
CrossFit is a physically demanding workout that incorporates gymnastics, weightlifting and interval training. The sport has been growing in popularity. It now holds international and regional competitions since 2006.
Janne Skorpen Knudsen, from Ȧsane, competes as well as balancing her studies. Janne says ‘sometimes it can be challenging’ to balance her studies with her intensive training schedule. However she says she tries her best to manage her time effectively, while studying at NLA University College. She always keeps dinners in the fridge to save time.
– It’s important to find the balance while training.
– At the moment I have my studies. I just have to make time for it. Its just up to me. I can fit in training with kids and job and everything.
– I couldn’t walk for like two weeks. Then I understood I had to continue.
During the first period Janne tried CrossFit, she couldn`t walk for two weeks. Now she can not imagine her life without it.
– I love the person I am when i’m training crossfit.
She has to also maintain a high protein diet to be able to train and compete. Janne does not view this in a negative light but sees it as part of her lifestyle.
– I see many results. I love to compete and i know if i have to compete at crossfit i have to train.
To compete she trains ‘mostly five times a week’. She trains through a programme called CrossFit Invictus, that uses weight lifting and pull ups. The competition is judged by the amount of reps or number of weightlifting or pull ups you do.
During the competition, her trainer Øystein Nigar, offers her encouragement. Janne admits sometimes he can be annoying but he wants the best for her.
90 people from one gym
– We are hosting for every crossfit gym in the bergen area and we are cooperating with the other gyms. We set up heats and times for the competitors.
According to Øystein Nigar, CrossFit Ȧsane, has been quite busy preparing for this open.
– Crossfit games started seven to eight years ago, this is the 3rd year we are really involved with it in Ȧsane but community support is growing.
So far 90 people have competed from this gym. When a competition is held the workout is always different. This year it is overhead squats and chest to bar pullups.
– Its rather cruel actually. You get to a point you don’t want the extra pull-ups, Øystein says.
The aim for some is to go to regionals.
Øystein believes Janne has a shot, but the competition is fierce.
– There are several good female athletes. Competitions for the 3 places is fierce. It just takes a few workouts.
On the other hand he feels in a few years she could make it really far. Janne said it is really difficult to say already, its good for her to improve since friday.
– I feel good even if i don’t go to regionals.
Risk of injury is great.
Øystein says shoulder strain is a major concern for anyone doing CrossFIt. CrossFit often does pull-ups differently than most fitness centres. This may cause strain. However, according to Øystein, if you are trained properly there is little risk.
