Jul 11, 2008 by Marine Corps News

Cpl. Jennifer B. Poole

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. —  Three miles, crunches, pull-ups and the flexed arm hang – these are the hallmark of the Marine Corps’ physical fitness test and the backbone of regular physical training. 

CrossFit is a new core strength and conditioning program designed to optimize physical competence.  CrossFit focuses on 10 fitness areas, like cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, strength, flexibility, speed, agility and balance. Although CrossFit is an independent, private organization, they have given special permission to certain groups, such as the Marine Corps, to conduct their program at no cost.

“We submitted our request to conduct CrossFit aboard MCAS Cherry Point through [CrossFit’s] headquarters and they approved,” said Maj. David Joseforsky, the personnel support detachment commanding officer for Marine Air Control Group 28. “Coach Greg Glassman, the founder of CrossFit, opens up the seminars that teach the concepts of CrossFit to military members for free.”

Military Fitness Equipment

Although CrossFit, Inc., provides training for instructors, the Cherry Point chapter has provided the equipment and weights for the program through personal donations.

“We rely solely on personal donation for equipment,” said Joseforsky.  “We’re working on trying to get command sponsorship for the equipment right now, and are open to anyone who would like to contribute.”

The program offers a different workout every day, said Joseforsky.

“CrossFit exercises are constant, varied, high-intensity functional movement workouts,” said Joseforsky. “These type of exercises not only promote a healthy, strong body and physique, but also improve PFT run times and scores.”

The CrossFit workouts are a mix between cardio, weight training and gymnastics.

“Through these metabolic workouts, our cardiovascular system is constantly being worked,” said Joseforsky.  “Therefore, while we only run maybe two or three times a month, Marines are dropping their three-mile run times by three and four minutes.  The transformation people receive from these workouts is not just physical, but mental as well.  Just knowing you can accomplish something above what you thought you could makes a difference.”

The workouts are set in a way that anyone from any physical background can participate.

“I was recovering from a broken ankle and was trying to get my body back into shape and thought the workouts would challenge me, without hurting me,” said 1st Lt. Jason Dequenne, logistics officer for MACG-28. “There’s an amazing amount of camaraderie shared when coming to these workouts. With each workout, you wonder what kind of shared pain you’re going to endure together.  I’ve never been with a group more supportive than this group.” 

The CrossFit program on MCAS Cherry Point is open to military, civilian Department of Defense employees and dependents. Identical workouts are held twice daily, Monday through Friday, at 6:30 and 11:45 a.m., behind the Marine Air Control Group 28 headquarters building. An additional afternoon workout can also be requested based on interest.

For information on CrossFit, visit http://www.crossfitcherrypoint.com or contact Maj. Joseforsky at 466-7057 or Maj. Ward at 466-7897.

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