The GRID Games, also known as the National Pro Grid League (NPGL), is a team-based, competitive fitness sport similar to CrossFit but with a unique format and scoring system. GRID was founded in 2014, aiming to create a fast-paced, team-oriented athletic competition that focuses on functional fitness but also emphasizes speed, power, and strategy.
Here are some key elements of the GRID Games:
-
Team-Based Structure: Each team consists of both men and women, typically with a mix of specialists and generalists. They are divided into categories like power athletes, speed specialists, endurance specialists, and gymnastics experts.
-
Race Format: Instead of long workouts, the sport is divided into short, intense races with specific fitness tasks. These races are often focused on elements like strength, agility, endurance, and gymnastics skills, making the events fast-paced and exciting to watch.
-
Specialization: Unlike CrossFit, where athletes are typically more well-rounded, GRID encourages athletes to specialize in specific skills. For example, some athletes may be experts in bodyweight movements, while others focus on heavy lifting or sprinting.
-
Scoring and Strategy: Each race has a point value, and teams can earn points by completing tasks the fastest or with the highest efficiency. This adds a strategic element, as coaches need to place the right athletes in the right events based on their strengths.
-
Relay-Style Transitions: Races are structured as a relay, where athletes tag in and out of events. This relay format adds a layer of excitement and requires teamwork and coordination.
-
Spectator-Friendly: The GRID Games is designed for a stadium or arena setup, making it highly spectator-friendly, with constant action and visible results.
The NPGL ran regular seasons in the U.S. for a few years, but interest has waned, and it now has a smaller following than CrossFit. However, some fans and athletes continue to participate in smaller GRID-style competitions and view it as a unique approach to team-based functional fitness.
