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Monostructural Movements
What are Monostructural Movements?
Monostructural Movements refer to exercises that involve only one movement like running, biking, rowing, jump rope, or swimming.
These types of exercises are also classified as cardiovascular exercises – often called “cardio” in the mainstream fitness industry.
The term monostructural came about to provide clarity since any exercise can elicit a cardiovascular response if performed at a high-enough intensity.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Monostructural movements refer to exercises that involve only one movement like running, biking, rowing, jump rope, or swimming.
- The primary purpose of monostructural movements is to improve cardiorespiratory capacity and stamina.
- Monostructural movements are included in CrossFit programming, either on their own for a longer distance, or a shorter distance combined with other exercises to make up a metabolic conditioning workout.
Understanding Monostructural Movements
Mono means one, therefore monostructural movements mean movements that have only one structure. It is simply a term to better define “cardio” exercises like running, cycling, or rowing. The primary purpose is to improve cardiorespiratory capacity and stamina.
In CrossFit, the head coach will program monostructural movements into the WODs – sometimes as part of the metabolic conditioning workout – typically shorter distances – and sometimes on their own – typically a longer distance like a 5K run or row.
The original framework for CrossFit programming written by Greg Glassman and published in the CrossFit Journal in 2003 included a single, long, slow monostructural movement effort at least one out of every 12 days.
