Functional, varied, intense.

That's a CrossFit workout. "It's a fun, intense way to get in phenomenal shape," says Skip Miller, owner of Front Range CrossFit. "You're moving your body weight, or a weight, around your body, and the workouts are constantly changing."

Because CrossFit workouts are timed and coached, they offer a "very efficient way to get in shape." And because they are conducted in a group, CrossFit classes employ a certain amount of competition to boost the burn.

"It's basically group suffering," says Miller. "You're much more willing to suffer in a group than you are by yourself; that's just human nature."

As organizer of the annual Colorado Open CrossFit competition, Miller must really like making people suffer. Now in its third year, the event has grown from 37 athletes to the 180 CrossFitters who competed Aug. 28 and 29.

Don't let these photos fool you. CrossFit is for anyone who wants to get in shape fast, says Miller. "The key thing about CrossFit is it's scalable for anybody's fitness level. We have people of all shapes and sizes."

How they did WOMEN First: Jasmine Dever, Front Range CrossFit Second: Kristen Olson, Front Range CrossFit Third: Shannan Simpson, Front Range CrossFit Fourth: Cherie Chan, CrossFit Verve Fifth: Louisa Berky, Front Range CrossFit MEN First: Matt Hathcock, CrossFit Unbroken Second: Nate Beard, CrossFit RED, located in Grand Junction Third: Dan Fink, CrossFit Castle Rock Fourth: Chris Hoppe, Progressive Fitness CrossFit Fifth: Kevin Montoya, CrossFit Flex Gym Read more: Want to get fit fast? CrossFit workout uses the competitive nature in all of us - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/ci_15996021#ixzz0yn8ENlLl

Could you do this?

Check out the final of four workouts over two days in the Colorado Open. Competitors had 18 minutes to complete two rounds of the following exercises.

500 meters on rowing machine

10 burpees: For this modified squat thrust, the athlete starts in a standing position, then squats and kicks out his or her legs, reaching a plank, or pushup position. After the pushup, the athlete comes back to a squat, then jumps over a 6-inch-high bar, with the hands clapping fully extended over the head. The clap must be audible and must happen while the athlete is in the air.

20 kettlebell snatches, each hand (24 kg for men, 16 kg for women): The athlete must have the kettlebell hit lockout (come to a stop) overhead, with the arm at extension and the hand directly over the shoulder. The knees and hips must be at extension (aligned) when the hand is directly over the shoulder.

30 ball slams (45 pounds for men, 30 for women): The athlete lifts the weighted ball from the ground and raises it overhead. The ball must be directly over the head with the knees and hips at extension. The athlete slams the ball down onto the ground hard enough to make it bounce. The athlete must catch the ball before it hits the ground again. You cannot simply raise the ball over your head and then let it drop to the ground. It must be slammed, and you must catch it on the rebou

Read more: Want to get fit fast? CrossFit workout uses the competitive nature in all of us - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/ci_15996021#ixzz0yn7v8ePs