A1C Alexandre Montes Chief Master Sgt. Harold Hutchison, 11th Operations Group superintendent, participates in a CrossFit training program at the Bolling Fitness Center Oct. 10. CrossFit classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. at the Bolling Fitness Center with instructor Rudy Nielsen.

Welcome to the world of CrossFit.

CrossFit, a form of physical training that focuses on speed, quickness, strength and durability, is now available at the Bolling Fitness Center.

“I started CrossFit three years ago while assigned to the faculty at the National War College (Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.) and found it to be simple yet extremely demanding,“ said 11th Wing Commander Col. Kurt Neubauer. “In the last three years, I've noticed a substantial increase in my personal fitness, conditioning and stamina. I also like the fact that you can tailor its core strength, powerlifting and plyometric exercises to meet your personal fitness level and goals.“

CrossFit, as stated on the Web site www.crossfit.com, is the principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies and tactical operations teams, military special operations units, champion martial artists, and hundreds of other elite and professional athletes worldwide.

“We're offering the class here because many military personnel have been asking about the program,“ said Tony Alcala, Bolling Fitness Center coordinator. “Our staff researched the program, and it definitely supports the Air Force's 'fit to fight' commitment.“

Airman 1st Class Alexandre MOnte Col. Elizabeth Borelli, 11th Operations Group commander, participates in a CrossFit training class at the Bolling Fitness Center Oct. 10.

Rudy Nielsen, the instructor of CrossFit classes at Bolling – and owner of CrossFit Alexandria (www.crossfitalexandria.com) – discovered CrossFit about two years ago and says it is the best fitness training program because it is not a trend.

“CrossFit combines the best of all training programs – weightlifting, gymnastics and plyometric – to create this incredible fitness workout in a short amount of time,“ Nielsen said. “As far as training protocol, I believe CrossFit is the best and quickest way for people to get in the best possible shape. In my opinion, the variety of the program helps military folks in their physical and mental preparedness. The full chaos of the program helps prepare people for high stress environments.“

CrossFit classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Classes are limited to 15 participants, but Alcala says the Fitness Center staff will assess participation to determine if more classes are needed.