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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 10, No. 12
Publication Date: December 25, 2023
DOI:10.14738/assrj.1012.15984.
Dabeek, Q. A., Zakarnih, I. A., Jomhoor, H. A., & Benabderrahman, A. (2023). The Impact of the Cross Fit Program for 12 Weeks on
the Maximum Oxygen Consumption and Some Body Components Among Students in the Military Sports Training Department at
AL-istiqlal University for Security Sciences/Palestine. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 10(12). 160-173.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
The Impact ofthe Cross Fit Program for 12 Weeks on the Maximum
Oxygen Consumption and Some Body Components Among Students
in the Military Sports Training Department at AL-istiqlal University
for Security Sciences/Palestine
Qasem Assad Dabeek
Higher Institute of Physical Education and
Health Sciences at Manouba University/Qasr Said, Tunisia
Ismael Ahmad Zakarnih
Department of Sports Training at Al-Istiqlal
University for Security Sciences/Palestine
Haifaa Abdallah Jomhoor
Department of Physical Education at
Palestine Technical University/Palestine
Abderraouf Ben Abderrahman
Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Ksar-Said,
University of Manouba, Tunisia and Tunisian Research Laboratory
“Sports Performance Optimization”, National Center of Medicine and
Science in Sports (CNMSS) LR09SEP01, Tunis, Tunisia
ABSTRACT
The research aims to investigate the impact of a 12-week Cross Fit program on the
maximum oxygen consumption and some physiological components of the body
among students of the Military Sports Training Department at University of AL- istiqlal for Security Sciences. The researchers utilized an experimental approach to
achieve optimal results, focusing on the quality of the training program to
understand its physiological effects on maximum oxygen consumption, various
body components, and the performance of the students. The study examined the
impact of two different training programs from the cross-fit program. The first
program was applied on the experimental group, while the regular training
program was implemented for the control group. The sample consisted of 40
military students from the Military Sports Training Department at AL-istiqlal
University. They were purposively selected from the study population and were in
good health The sample individuals were randomly assigned to two groups: control
(20) and experimental (20). They were evaluated through measurements and
physiological tests before and after a 12-week period of military training. The
training program for the experimental group, known as Cross Fit, demonstrated a
significant impact and improvement on maximum oxygen consumption and some
body components "Where the improvement rate reached the maximum oxygen
consumption (38.8%) milliliters/kg/min, the improvement rate on the body mass
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161
Dabeek, Q. A., Zakarnih, I. A., Jomhoor, H. A., & Benabderrahman, A. (2023). The Impact of the Cross Fit Program for 12 Weeks on the Maximum
Oxygen Consumption and Some Body Components Among Students in the Military Sports Training Department at AL-istiqlal University for Security
Sciences/Palestine. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 10(12). 160-173.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.1012.15984
index (-9.95%) kg/m2, and the improvement rate on muscle mass (9.67%) kg. The
improvement rate on metabolic rate during rest for students was (5.55%) kcal/day.
The experimental group showed a favorable outcome in the dimensional
measurement. Researchers recommend the incorporation of diverse cross-fit
exercises into daily military programs at AL-istiqlal University due to their
numerous benefits on vital body functions and components."
Keywords: Cross Fit, Body Composition, Maximum Oxygen Composition
THE INTRODUCTION
The goal of sports training is considered to be the improvement of the physical, functional, and
psychological condition of athletes. However, it also places the body's biological system under
the influence of various physical loads, which may negatively affect the body's organs and
different systems. Therefore, the ability to adapt to high physical loads and engaging in
scientifically based sports exercises is the primary method for improving the functional level of
the body's vital systems. This, in turn, leads to the enhancement of physical and physiological
performance of the trainee (Zouhal et al., 2020). Modern sports coaching is considered one of
the most challenging professions due to its requirement for high concentration, extensive
expertise, and substantial resources built on scientific foundations. It involves the use of
advanced technological and technical means, demanding professional and managerial
competence, whether at the individual or team level, to achieve the desired goals, namely,
success and championship in various sports, whether team or individual. (Goldstein, D. L.
2022).
Radák (2018) suggests that the sports field is a race to access the means and exercises that
ensure desired development with the minimum possible side effects. It aims to assist in
enhancing endurance by improving energy production mechanisms, preserving muscle
reserves, and raising neural stimulation levels.
Cross Fit training is considered one of the modern trends in sports training, as indicated by
Avetisyan, Chatinyan, Streetman, & Heinrich (2022). Cross Fit programs are designed for
various activities and games to provide a diverse range of exercises aimed at reducing the risk
of injury. Cataldi et al. (2021) identified Cross Fit as a training method to enhance athletes'
strength, endurance, flexibility, and agility through activities such as running, swimming,
rowing, cycling, and a variety of other sports that have a significant impact on fundamental
motor skills.
Cross Fit training, which is not considered specialized fitness training but rather a training
method aimed at developing elements of physical fitness such as cardiovascular endurance,
respiratory endurance, physical stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination,
agility, balance, and accuracy. This is achieved through a focus on multi-joint functional
movements, utilizing a wide range of exercises (Hak, Hodzovic, & Hickey, 2022).
Researchers believe that incorporating Cross Fit exercises into the training program for
military personnel is beneficial. Cross Fit is considered one of the most widely practiced
exercises globally and has become very popular among individuals of various age groups,
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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 10, Issue 12, December-2023
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
especially youth. It can help boost morale and empower individuals to feel capable of
performing various activities.
The exercises performed by trainees vary based on their fitness levels and the intended goal of
the exercise, such as increasing muscle mass, weight loss, or improving overall fitness.
According to Claudino et al. (2018), Cross Fit training is a daily fitness and exercise regimen
that includes activities like running, rowing, weightlifting, and more. However, the distinctive
aspect lies in the execution of these exercises. Athletes choose a set of three to five exercises,
such as jumping rope for several minutes, followed by running and rowing, without any rest
between these activities. Cross Fit exercises are known for their high intensity, requiring
significant effort and endurance.
The Cross Fit program has been developed to enhance individual efficiency in all physical tasks.
Athletes are successfully trained to perform well in various and random physical challenges.
Cross Fit training, in particular, helps develop the physical fitness required by military
personnel, police officers, firefighters, and many sports that demand high physical capabilities
(Martínez-Gómez et al., 2020).
The accepted students at the University of AL-istiqlal (freshmen) join, after completing the
initial admission procedures at the university, a closed training course. During this course, they
undergo a training program prepared by the Military Training Authority for Palestinian
Security Forces, which is responsible for developing the training program that aligns with the
nature of military life. The students transition from civilian life to military life through this
program, facilitated by specialized military trainers. The closed course lasts for 45 days, with
two training sessions daily (morning and evening), continuously. During this period, students
are isolated from the outside world and experience the same conditions regarding food, drink,
accommodation, and special exercises. (Zakarneh, el.2021)
The Problem of the Study
Despite the development of modern training programs and their expansion in line with
scientific and technological advancements, many still adhere to conventional and traditional
methods of training, especially in military training exercises. Through the practical and training
experience of researchers at various fitness and health centers, and also some of them are
instructors in the military sports training department at AL-istiqlal University, besides thay are
instructors at colleges and universities and through their daily observations of the reality of
daily sports training in the field, whether in the morning or evening sessions attended by
university students, it has been notice, there is a deficiency in the way students are trained due
to reliance on traditional and simple methods and tools in the training process and daily
routines of exercises, which has led to insufficient development in students' physiological and
physical aspects. Rapid fatigue appears in most of them, and they are more prone to various
injuries. The shortage of training tools and devices, as well as the lack of scientific foundations
in the experiences of military trainers, and their adherence to the conventional pattern of
training students, have resulted in a decline in the physical, physiological, and bodily
competence of most military students.The absence of excitement and the desire for continuity
pose a barrier to improvement in their physical and health fitness, as the trainers' reliance on
limited tools and lack of diversity in training methods for this category of trainees will
negatively impact their abilities. Hence, the idea of introducing Cross Fit training came about,