CrossFit enthusiasts may be smart to take a break after two consecutive days of hard workouts, suggests a new study, especially if they’re new to the sport. Otherwise, they may experience a temporary drop in anti-inflammatory immune system proteins.
Study author Ramires Tibana, PhD, is a CrossFitter himself. Writing in the journal Frontiers in Physiology, he notes that the fitness phenomenon—which has more than 13,000 affiliates around the world—clearly has a lot of benefits.
CrossFit has been shown to improve muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, and body composition, he says. And its model—different high-intensity workouts every day, in a group environment with lots of community support—keeps members coming back and helps them commit to regular workouts.