Cross fit couple’s aim is to get more people active and healthy
Franco and Janine Rabe are two names known in fitness circles, especially CrossFit.
POLOKWANE – Franco says participating in CrossFit is something people do for various reasons.
“For one person it is about losing weight, for another it is about building muscle and for the next it is about fitness. It is something for everyone, young and old. Our outlook is to get people healthy and staying active,” he says.
He says the best way to understand and explain CrossFit is that you use everyday actions like sitting, which is a form of a squat and picking up as a form of a dead lift.
“You use every part of your body and everything is based on free weights.
“Cycling, rowing and running together with swimming and skipping rope make up for a high intensity training session, which includes something for everyone.”
He advises that people attend a free class to see for themselves.
“There is no right or wrong way when one participates in CrossFit. Training challenges everyone on a variety of levels and this is what makes it challenging, yet fun,” Franco adds.
He goes on to say that CrossFit may look simple to someone, but that every movement has a movement standard that defines how and at what degree the movement should be done.
This not only makes for an effective training method but also prevents people from injuring themselves, he said.
Franco and Janine agree that it is important to only receive training from people who are certified CrossFit trainers. “Their affiliation should be with someone like CrossFit HQ in the US.
“Qualifications include a level 1, 2 and 3 certified CrossFit trainer.
“It is only at level four that one can become a certified instructor, not before that.”
The two say they manage to find the perfect business balance: Franco focuses more on the business side of things while Janine sets her focus on the more people-oriented aspects.
She says she particularly enjoy the challenges that CrossFit presents.
“I get butterflies when I walk into a training session because I never know what to expect.”
The Rabes want to challenge residents to experience CrossFit firsthand.
“We all work together, sweat together and when we are done, we enjoy spending time together,” they say.
