If you have been following Athlete365 for the past few months then you know that I have been experimenting with this whole CrossFit thing in my training. Being the training nerd that I am means that I am always looking for new ways to challenge myself both physically and mentally, so CrossFit had to be tackled. It is all the rage now in the fitness world and it is has been become cultish in a way for some. Meaning, either you live CrossFit, or you are wasting your time doing whatever else you are doing. A little extreme don't you think?
Do I like CrossFit? Not really, sort of, depends on how it is applied.
How is that for an answer. Let me list pros and cons.
Pros:
- it is low tech so little or no equipment is needed
- workouts are quick, intense and to the point
- exercises using body weight movements are central to the training so participants work with their body and don't constrict themselves to machines
- there is loads of variety so workouts never get boring
- it beats the hell out of those bodybuilding-fitness club centered workouts
- Olympic lifting is emphasized
Cons:
- some workouts of the day (WOD) are dangerous and can cause serious injury if performed by a newbie unfamiliar with training
- the workouts do not follow any sort of plan and are all over the place (are exercises picked out of a hat?)
- someone with no training background and experience can do a weekend CrossFit certification and suddenly be "qualified" to develop and put people through workouts
Do I like CrossFit? I guess so... because there are five pros versus three cons. That must mean something. But the issue that makes me most uneasy about CrossFit is safety. CrossFit is demanding and needs to be monitored by a coach who has experience. If you happen to stroll into a CrossFit affiliate centre then make sure to find out how much of a background the instructors have with training as a whole, not just CrossFit. If they only have the weekend course and nothing else, then I would recommend walking out the door and finding someone more qualified.
Also refer to:
1. The Truth about CrossFit
2. No Puke, no pain - no gain
3. Getting fit, even if it kills you
4. CrossFit Misunderstanding
Do I like CrossFit? Not really, sort of, depends on how it is applied.
How is that for an answer. Let me list pros and cons.
Pros:
- it is low tech so little or no equipment is needed
- workouts are quick, intense and to the point
- exercises using body weight movements are central to the training so participants work with their body and don't constrict themselves to machines
- there is loads of variety so workouts never get boring
- it beats the hell out of those bodybuilding-fitness club centered workouts
- Olympic lifting is emphasized
Cons:
- some workouts of the day (WOD) are dangerous and can cause serious injury if performed by a newbie unfamiliar with training
- the workouts do not follow any sort of plan and are all over the place (are exercises picked out of a hat?)
- someone with no training background and experience can do a weekend CrossFit certification and suddenly be "qualified" to develop and put people through workouts
Do I like CrossFit? I guess so... because there are five pros versus three cons. That must mean something. But the issue that makes me most uneasy about CrossFit is safety. CrossFit is demanding and needs to be monitored by a coach who has experience. If you happen to stroll into a CrossFit affiliate centre then make sure to find out how much of a background the instructors have with training as a whole, not just CrossFit. If they only have the weekend course and nothing else, then I would recommend walking out the door and finding someone more qualified.
Also refer to:
1. The Truth about CrossFit
2. No Puke, no pain - no gain
3. Getting fit, even if it kills you
4. CrossFit Misunderstanding