CROSSFIT - Pros and Cons (You Decide)
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Date: 2022-04-22
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Comments and reviews: 9
Gigges85
Maybe I'm a little late watching and commenting this video. I want to thank you for your honest and professional opinion on Crossfit and it really got me thinking again. I signed up for Crossfit just some weeks ago and it's like a love/hate relation. I really enjoy the community there, on the other hand I totally get your point of risking injuries. In most boxes you'll train together with people in all sorts of levels, so there will be techniques required which are far too advanced for you - sure I can lift a barbell after someone showed/explained it to me, but chances are high I'll have really bad form, when I have to do it in a fast paced workout. It's like someone showing you how to drive a car for some minutes and in your next session you'll be put in a racecar (a very slow one) on a racetrack together with other drivers, some with years of experience and really fast cars. Nice thing is, you'll mostly have a lot of fun, especially when no-one talks bad about your skills and even cheers for you, just for trying. Bad thing is, looking realistically at it, it's really dangerous and you are kind of gambling with your health.
In my opinion it'd be much better to start some beginner classes from time to time, teaching the people all the basics before starting to combine them to the fast paced workouts, which Crossfit is known for. No-one will let you race a car, without making sure, you know how to handle it well.
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Maybe I'm a little late watching and commenting this video. I want to thank you for your honest and professional opinion on Crossfit and it really got me thinking again. I signed up for Crossfit just some weeks ago and it's like a love/hate relation. I really enjoy the community there, on the other hand I totally get your point of risking injuries. In most boxes you'll train together with people in all sorts of levels, so there will be techniques required which are far too advanced for you - sure I can lift a barbell after someone showed/explained it to me, but chances are high I'll have really bad form, when I have to do it in a fast paced workout. It's like someone showing you how to drive a car for some minutes and in your next session you'll be put in a racecar (a very slow one) on a racetrack together with other drivers, some with years of experience and really fast cars. Nice thing is, you'll mostly have a lot of fun, especially when no-one talks bad about your skills and even cheers for you, just for trying. Bad thing is, looking realistically at it, it's really dangerous and you are kind of gambling with your health.
In my opinion it'd be much better to start some beginner classes from time to time, teaching the people all the basics before starting to combine them to the fast paced workouts, which Crossfit is known for. No-one will let you race a car, without making sure, you know how to handle it well.
reply
Inkubator1980
Thanks Jeff. Judging from my experience of going to the gym for 20+years with a couple breaks in between, Crossfit has all the ingredients to be a great tool or a terrible tool depending on who you are and who you train with. Like you said the technic on those olympic style lifts should be already part of what you bring to the training since noone will be coaching you properly on those during a wod. Also knowing the difference between challenging yourself and destroying yourself should be something you already have and can recognize during your training. Group training can be great to motivate you but it shouldn-t peer pressure you into injury. I also think you are spot on with your last point. It is not for training something specific. It is great though for people like me who have a generalist approach to exercise, fitness and movement. I-m not trying to compete at my age (40. I-m trying to keep my body in shape for my kids. I definitely improved in stamina and strength compared to the time I went to the gym and I got leaner. That for me is a win over standard gym practice. My biggest issue with it is like you said also that it is communicated as something that people without any prior training experience can or should start with.
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Thanks Jeff. Judging from my experience of going to the gym for 20+years with a couple breaks in between, Crossfit has all the ingredients to be a great tool or a terrible tool depending on who you are and who you train with. Like you said the technic on those olympic style lifts should be already part of what you bring to the training since noone will be coaching you properly on those during a wod. Also knowing the difference between challenging yourself and destroying yourself should be something you already have and can recognize during your training. Group training can be great to motivate you but it shouldn-t peer pressure you into injury. I also think you are spot on with your last point. It is not for training something specific. It is great though for people like me who have a generalist approach to exercise, fitness and movement. I-m not trying to compete at my age (40. I-m trying to keep my body in shape for my kids. I definitely improved in stamina and strength compared to the time I went to the gym and I got leaner. That for me is a win over standard gym practice. My biggest issue with it is like you said also that it is communicated as something that people without any prior training experience can or should start with.
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For
I've been doing CrossFit 18 mths, attended 7 boxes (gyms. I have encountered mostly very experienced very disciplined coaches and with very structured programming. and a couple of less experienced coaches/less disciplined, less structured. You should pay close attention to how quickly and how much a coach corrects you or a classmate when form is slipping. Good coaches have an eagle eye for this, and will quickly intervene (and most often) insist that you scale to an easier version, reduce weight, stop etc. Also ask the coach how far out (and how detailed) programming is planned. If the coach creates the program when you arrive, that's a red flag for me. Should be planned at least a month out, with careful thought to progressing through skills and providing adequate rest for muscle groups. A lot of boxes have a 12 week training cycle with testing in week one. I find that works best for me. I don't doubt that there are inexperienced coaches and therefore bad/dangerous form out there. but I haven't personally seen it. I have never seen a serious injury. My worst injury was scraping my shin on a wooden box. It hurt, but I was able to finish the workout and attend the next day.
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I've been doing CrossFit 18 mths, attended 7 boxes (gyms. I have encountered mostly very experienced very disciplined coaches and with very structured programming. and a couple of less experienced coaches/less disciplined, less structured. You should pay close attention to how quickly and how much a coach corrects you or a classmate when form is slipping. Good coaches have an eagle eye for this, and will quickly intervene (and most often) insist that you scale to an easier version, reduce weight, stop etc. Also ask the coach how far out (and how detailed) programming is planned. If the coach creates the program when you arrive, that's a red flag for me. Should be planned at least a month out, with careful thought to progressing through skills and providing adequate rest for muscle groups. A lot of boxes have a 12 week training cycle with testing in week one. I find that works best for me. I don't doubt that there are inexperienced coaches and therefore bad/dangerous form out there. but I haven't personally seen it. I have never seen a serious injury. My worst injury was scraping my shin on a wooden box. It hurt, but I was able to finish the workout and attend the next day.
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alundo55
I'm a professional trainer who loves CrossFit because of the vast strength and conditioning protocols that (when done properly) yield real world functional results for those of us who know what we're doing. Technical exercises require a lot of prep and personal understanding of what your limits are. Much of crossfit is about the varied complexity of the protocols to shock all of the metabolic systems, and prepare you for any real world scenario that comes your way. I wouldn't be standing on my hands, swinging from bars, power-lifting, or doing double unders if it weren't for crossfit. Kipping pull-ups are difficult to do correct but it requires incredible coordination and is technically harder to do than a strict form pull-up. also more dangerous.
Crossift is about challenging your spirit and getting you to do things you've never done before. Don't prioritize looks, prioritize health and the looks will come. What good is a strong back when you can't carry a box up 3 flights of stairs because you shredded your back in a bodybuilding routine.
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I'm a professional trainer who loves CrossFit because of the vast strength and conditioning protocols that (when done properly) yield real world functional results for those of us who know what we're doing. Technical exercises require a lot of prep and personal understanding of what your limits are. Much of crossfit is about the varied complexity of the protocols to shock all of the metabolic systems, and prepare you for any real world scenario that comes your way. I wouldn't be standing on my hands, swinging from bars, power-lifting, or doing double unders if it weren't for crossfit. Kipping pull-ups are difficult to do correct but it requires incredible coordination and is technically harder to do than a strict form pull-up. also more dangerous.
Crossift is about challenging your spirit and getting you to do things you've never done before. Don't prioritize looks, prioritize health and the looks will come. What good is a strong back when you can't carry a box up 3 flights of stairs because you shredded your back in a bodybuilding routine.
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Romulan2469
I started CrossFit recently and have to say I don't really enjoy it that much. I never received an induction on how to do the basics and was just sort of thrown in there and my first impressions are:
a) It's mostly about speed and achieving a low time to complete a set of exercises rather than proper form / technique
b) The risk of injury is high as I don't think the warm up exercises at the beginning are adequate
c) The class supervision is limited and trainers seem less bothered about technique than about speed of completing the exercises
d) On a positive note, the CrossFit community feel is strong and people are encouraging and support of each other which is great to see
All in all, I prefer the gym method of training. Safer, just as effective and less expensive as well, but glad I tried CrossFit so I know what it is about. Please note that the points above are based on my CrossFit training with a certain CrossFit training organisation, so may not properly reflect other companies methods of training.
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I started CrossFit recently and have to say I don't really enjoy it that much. I never received an induction on how to do the basics and was just sort of thrown in there and my first impressions are:
a) It's mostly about speed and achieving a low time to complete a set of exercises rather than proper form / technique
b) The risk of injury is high as I don't think the warm up exercises at the beginning are adequate
c) The class supervision is limited and trainers seem less bothered about technique than about speed of completing the exercises
d) On a positive note, the CrossFit community feel is strong and people are encouraging and support of each other which is great to see
All in all, I prefer the gym method of training. Safer, just as effective and less expensive as well, but glad I tried CrossFit so I know what it is about. Please note that the points above are based on my CrossFit training with a certain CrossFit training organisation, so may not properly reflect other companies methods of training.
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Ryan
The ONLY thing with your 3rd positive point on crossfit, the team/community, its really -yes- and -no. -
If you were to walk into a CrossFit Gym, but you are only there to use the equipment and not do any actual CrossFit programs, then the CrossFit trainers don't care about you and they will be rude to you.
I've been to a few CrossFit gyms, and I just use the equipment to do my proper and way better Athlean-X workouts. The FIRST thing the staff will ask is -are you going to take part in our classes? - If you say no, their attitude changes and they won't afford to you that camaraderie of the people who are taking the classes, despite the fact that you pay them the same ridiculous CrossFit gym prices. They will treat you like an outsider.
If you like team and community based gyms, DO NOT go to a CrossFit gym if you won't take part in the, quite frankly, DANGEROUS and DAMAGING classes and challenges.
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The ONLY thing with your 3rd positive point on crossfit, the team/community, its really -yes- and -no. -
If you were to walk into a CrossFit Gym, but you are only there to use the equipment and not do any actual CrossFit programs, then the CrossFit trainers don't care about you and they will be rude to you.
I've been to a few CrossFit gyms, and I just use the equipment to do my proper and way better Athlean-X workouts. The FIRST thing the staff will ask is -are you going to take part in our classes? - If you say no, their attitude changes and they won't afford to you that camaraderie of the people who are taking the classes, despite the fact that you pay them the same ridiculous CrossFit gym prices. They will treat you like an outsider.
If you like team and community based gyms, DO NOT go to a CrossFit gym if you won't take part in the, quite frankly, DANGEROUS and DAMAGING classes and challenges.
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AP
I have been doing Crossfit for 3 years. I can't believe how bitter people are about Crossfitters. And though not everyone is like this, a lot of people who criticize Crossfit are deep down quite jealous that they aren't as fit.
Any good box, even half decent ones will tell you that losing form for reps is the absolute worst, never is that encouraged. Do just 5 reps but do them correctly, heck do just 1 but execute correctly.
Crossfit pushes you to the extreme but its all in small increments, not going crazy on Day 1.
I have significantly increased muscle mass, I can run more and I can run faster, I lift much more and overall I am much fitter than I have ever been. Also because I have always been into sports (Football, yes -Soccer-) and I really like the idea of competing and pushing yourself than just going to the gym and training one muscle Group at a time.
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I have been doing Crossfit for 3 years. I can't believe how bitter people are about Crossfitters. And though not everyone is like this, a lot of people who criticize Crossfit are deep down quite jealous that they aren't as fit.
Any good box, even half decent ones will tell you that losing form for reps is the absolute worst, never is that encouraged. Do just 5 reps but do them correctly, heck do just 1 but execute correctly.
Crossfit pushes you to the extreme but its all in small increments, not going crazy on Day 1.
I have significantly increased muscle mass, I can run more and I can run faster, I lift much more and overall I am much fitter than I have ever been. Also because I have always been into sports (Football, yes -Soccer-) and I really like the idea of competing and pushing yourself than just going to the gym and training one muscle Group at a time.
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Don
I have been doing CrossFit for about 6 months and bootcamp style workouts for about 14 years. I learned years ago what I can do or will do to my body. I have no desire to compete in CrossFit. I-m there for the cardio and strength training. I-m 58 years old and in great shape but I check my ego at the door. Yes some women deadlift more than me but I-m not a college student and still have to move the next day and or raise my kids.
My coaches are great and understands me now and my self imposed limits like no running because of years in others sports. So I hit the assault bike, skier or rower as opposed to running. I love the core work and overall fitness approach as well.
Like I said I know my limits and I can hold my own against men younger than me on days I feel like pushing some but 75% of the time I-m staying in my lane. -
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I have been doing CrossFit for about 6 months and bootcamp style workouts for about 14 years. I learned years ago what I can do or will do to my body. I have no desire to compete in CrossFit. I-m there for the cardio and strength training. I-m 58 years old and in great shape but I check my ego at the door. Yes some women deadlift more than me but I-m not a college student and still have to move the next day and or raise my kids.
My coaches are great and understands me now and my self imposed limits like no running because of years in others sports. So I hit the assault bike, skier or rower as opposed to running. I love the core work and overall fitness approach as well.
Like I said I know my limits and I can hold my own against men younger than me on days I feel like pushing some but 75% of the time I-m staying in my lane. -
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Luke
Honestly. did body building for 10 years and loved it. have done Crossfit for 2 years now and love it as well. there is a place for both and pros and cons to both. I feel as if you are an expert on hypertrophy style lifting but have not ever been in the crossfit arena training with good trainers and watching people grow. the benefits i have gained from it are huge! So sad to see people bash something they don't understand. There is room for both. but if you are a bodybuilder i strongly suggest you don't try crossfit unless you are ready to get rid of your ego and be bad at something you are new to.
As for the low barrier for coaches. think of all people in the world who are just training their freinds all the wrong ways to do things. atleast crossfit is structured.
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Honestly. did body building for 10 years and loved it. have done Crossfit for 2 years now and love it as well. there is a place for both and pros and cons to both. I feel as if you are an expert on hypertrophy style lifting but have not ever been in the crossfit arena training with good trainers and watching people grow. the benefits i have gained from it are huge! So sad to see people bash something they don't understand. There is room for both. but if you are a bodybuilder i strongly suggest you don't try crossfit unless you are ready to get rid of your ego and be bad at something you are new to.
As for the low barrier for coaches. think of all people in the world who are just training their freinds all the wrong ways to do things. atleast crossfit is structured.
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