CrossFit

Aside from the argument of traditional cardio and weight lifting vs neo-fitness regimes like CrossFit, is there anything potentially more inherently bad about Crossfit than traditional gym? For example we know steroids will get you big very quickly, but is *generally* detrimental to your health over the long run. Been deliberating between CrossFit and a PT at Virgin Active.
 
Mystic Twilight said:
Aside from the argument of traditional cardio and weight lifting vs neo-fitness regimes like CrossFit, is there anything potentially more inherently bad about Crossfit than traditional gym? For example we know steroids will get you big very quickly, but is *generally* detrimental to your health over the long run. Been deliberating between CrossFit and a PT at Virgin Active.
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Not that I know of. I can only think of why it would be better than just PT sessions - it is a far more inclusive workout / fitness regime that has had more time, effort and energy go into it than the general PT's program. I have done both, and, although you may get thinner or bigger biceps (aka guns), the CrossFit approach is for the long run - it builds from the ground up an overall wellness and fitness - and is not about just looking good!
 
Mystic Twilight said:
Aside from the argument of traditional cardio and weight lifting vs neo-fitness regimes like CrossFit, is there anything potentially more inherently bad about Crossfit than traditional gym? For example we know steroids will get you big very quickly, but is *generally* detrimental to your health over the long run. Been deliberating between CrossFit and a PT at Virgin Active.
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Yes, google "crossfit injury". If you tried your best to dream up a fitness program likely to cause both short and long term injury, you couldn't do much better than CF. Forcing mostly untrained people into doing olympic movements at max intensity, timed... it's crazy. You might care about beating your buddy or group or whatever, but your joints care a lot more about the form you use. I guess if your goal is becoming a jack of all sports, master of none, CF will help.
I can see how the 'community' aspect is good for some people who have trouble motivating themselves for exercise but that's about the only positive I see.
If the name Stuart McGill means anything to you, it should be considered that he reckons potential harm from CF is greater than potential benefits. Find one specialist who recommends CF for fitness and you'll probably find he's already got his hand on your wallet.

Fwiw your analogy there is a bit off, roiding is not a prerequisite to doing gym.

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I haven't done it, it does look like good exercise and all. I would only do it to supplement my "actual" activities.

I think if you enjoy going to the gym as your primary means of doing exercise, crossfit will fit right in as a replacement of your regular aerobics/thai-bo/kickboxing/spinning classes. Alot of "gym bunnies" do gym for a combination of social/group and some exercise. I on the other hand only gym to improve my running or cycling or swimming, or whichever "sport" i am into at that stage.

So from that angle, crossfit is just another group exercise activity like say, Zumba , just more of a challenge. I just find these kinds of activities inherently "boring" as it's not a SPORT. If you play say rugby, you will be doing "crossfit" exercises all the time as part of your training, but it's a means to an end, it's certainly not the highlight of your day if you know what i mean.
 
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Chicken Boo said:
Yes, google "crossfit injury". If you tried your best to dream up a fitness program likely to cause both short and long term injury, you couldn't do much better than CF. Forcing mostly untrained people into doing olympic movements at max intensity, timed... it's crazy. You might care about beating your buddy or group or whatever, but your joints care a lot more about the form you use. I guess if your goal is becoming a jack of all sports, master of none, CF will help.
I can see how the 'community' aspect is good for some people who have trouble motivating themselves for exercise but that's about the only positive I see.
If the name Stuart McGill means anything to you, it should be considered that he reckons potential harm from CF is greater than potential benefits. Find one specialist who recommends CF for fitness and you'll probably find he's already got his hand on your wallet.

Fwiw your analogy there is a bit off, roiding is not a prerequisite to doing gym.
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Wrong!!! at least from my perspective :) Form comes first before all else where I train. I first had to use a PVC pipe before a barbell to learn form I kid you not. And they very quickly call "no rep" when you don't do something properly. Also warm-ups and stretch exercises are in place. Certainly any physical exertion will cause harm in the long run but then we may as well do nothing.

Also an example, yesterday evening the trainer spotted that I had hurt my elbow when jumping into a burpee too aggressively with partly locked arms (stupid beginner mistake). I didn't even make a scene but somehow he noticed and literally walked to me not 10 seconds after I had hurt my elbow and recommended to me not to drop and push up anymore but do another variation.

But then again this is probably where the factor of having the right coaches and studio comes in. Probably not all crossfit studios will be the same.
 
Chicken Boo said:
Yes, google "crossfit injury". If you tried your best to dream up a fitness program likely to cause both short and long term injury, you couldn't do much better than CF. Forcing mostly untrained people into doing olympic movements at max intensity, timed... it's crazy. You might care about beating your buddy or group or whatever, but your joints care a lot more about the form you use. I guess if your goal is becoming a jack of all sports, master of none, CF will help.
I can see how the 'community' aspect is good for some people who have trouble motivating themselves for exercise but that's about the only positive I see.
If the name Stuart McGill means anything to you, it should be considered that he reckons potential harm from CF is greater than potential benefits. Find one specialist who recommends CF for fitness and you'll probably find he's already got his hand on your wallet.

Fwiw your analogy there is a bit off, roiding is not a prerequisite to doing gym.
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Drumroll - was waiting for the first person to mention this old argument. You're a little off there. Google Toilet Injuries and you're gonna find a load of results too... Google anything plus injuries and I'm sure a wealth of results will come up. Sure - a workout can be extremely trying and intense, but, if you do your homework you would change your tone ever so slightly. CrossFit is not about "forcing" inexperienced people do Olympic movements... It will train them how to do it (starting with a PVC pipe as your method of "destruction") One of the foundations of CrossFit is first mechanics, the consistency and then intensity...
Also - it's not about being a jack of all sports - but by building your foundation for movement et all, it will help with all that you do. The name Stuart McGill means nothing to me...

Do you workout? How do you train?
 
Zukat said:
Im a true believer in old school heavy iron weights! Nothing can beat proper hard work with the free weights, if your goal is to gain muscle mass or to lose weight or even if you just want to get fit.

The modern society became more concern about their wellbeing/living a healthy lifestype and obviously enterpreneurs are riding the wave to accomodate rising demand by bringing new ways of training (crossfit, powerplates etc) and im not saying there is no benefit from crossfit, there definately is as compared to sitting on the couch, but achieving your goals will take much longer.

PS Im a fitness fanatic, model and competitor.
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So Cross Fit is the latest "fad". A lot of people are doing it and interested in it...so it is a "fad" and thus also "no good". Hmmm...have you ever watched Cross Fit Competitions on ESPN? Have you seen what condition those people are in?

Maybe you should start exercising the most important "muscle" as well...?
 
wizzypow said:
Drumroll - was waiting for the first person to mention this old argument. You're a little off there. Google Toilet Injuries and you're gonna find a load of results too... Google anything plus injuries and I'm sure a wealth of results will come up. Sure - a workout can be extremely trying and intense, but, if you do your homework you would change your tone ever so slightly. CrossFit is not about "forcing" inexperienced people do Olympic movements... It will train them how to do it (starting with a PVC pipe as your method of "destruction") One of the foundations of CrossFit is first mechanics, the consistency and then intensity...
Also - it's not about being a jack of all sports - but by building your foundation for movement et all, it will help with all that you do. The name Stuart McGill means nothing to me...

Do you workout? How do you train?
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Okay if you say so. You forgot to spew the other CF defense rhetoric though. (anyone can become an affiliate/there are no standards/some instructors good some rubbish etc.)

And yes I do, progressive calisthenics. I tested your theory, tried googling "bodyweight exercise injuries", not finding much besides how bw exercise is useful for rehab...
 
Please note that the use of steroids as an example was not a precursor to gym, it was just used as an illustration of the advantages/disadvantages of a given system/product and therefore a parallel to CrossFit. Another example, it is recommended that push-ups are done with a straight back. Apparently a curved back during push-ups is bad for you, the problem wont instantly appear as it is a progressive effect.

CrossFit on paper looks very good, I just prefer that when I hit 50 I wont develop hip problems or joint problems because I did something that looked good on paper. There are 3 different CrossFit places close to me, what worries me is that there doesnt seem to be any sort of standard or authoritative body and therefore I may get 3 different techniques for the same workout, hence which one would be the best?
 
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MightyQuin said:
So Cross Fit is the latest "fad". A lot of people are doing it and interested in it...so it is a "fad" and thus also "no good". Hmmm...have you ever watched Cross Fit Competitions on ESPN? Have you seen what condition those people are in?

Maybe you should start exercising the most important "muscle" as well...?
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Sarcasm isn't any kind of argument. Yes it's a trend. That isn't what makes it no good though.

And you're watching the cream of the crop on ESPN. Have you ever seen Olympic gymnasts? Those guys are pretty good too. :rolleyes:
 
Chicken Boo said:
Okay if you say so. You forgot to spew the other CF defense rhetoric though. (anyone can become an affiliate/there are no standards/some instructors good some rubbish etc.)

And yes I do, progressive calisthenics. I tested your theory, tried googling "bodyweight exercise injuries", not finding much besides how bw exercise is useful for rehab...
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Great - then you would have noticed there were sufficient results on actual injuries.
I am not here to spew out any defensive rhetoric... Sure - anyone can become an affiliate and offer CF (if they have a CF L-1) and yes, there are bad instructors that stuff things up. Same is true for anything though - especially where coaching / teaching is concerned...

Great approach you have to working out! I love calisthenics and incorporate it into my training all the time :)
Before I did CF I always wanted to be a pro with my body weight - was the thing that appealed to me most - and even now in CF, it's the one area I get the most and personal reward!
 
Mystic Twilight said:
Please note that the use of steroids as an example was not a precursor to gym, it was just used as an illustration of the advantages/disadvantages of a given system/product and therefore a parallel to CrossFit. Another example, it is recommended that push-ups are done with a straight back. Apparently a curved back during push-ups is bad for you, the problem wont instantly appear as it is a progressive effect.

CrossFit on paper looks very good, I just prefer that when I hit 50 I wont develop hip problems or joint problems because I did something that looked good on paper. There are 3 different CrossFit places close to me, what worries me is that there doesnt seem to be any sort of standard or authoritative body and therefore I may get 3 different techniques for the same workout, hence which one would be the best?
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On that point of authoritative body - there is definitely that in place, especially when it comes to movement... Check Google for the CrossFit manual. In there you will find the common errors, foundations and various points of performance required to execute the 9 foundation moves correctly. Best way to go about picking a CF Box - check the credentials on the coaches... Otherwise, go give it a look see and judge for yourself. It may not be for you - but, why not explore it and give it a shot first.
 
Mystic Twilight said:
Please note that the use of steroids as an example was not a precursor to gym, it was just used as an illustration of the advantages/disadvantages of a given system/product and therefore a parallel to CrossFit. Another example, it is recommended that push-ups are done with a straight back. Apparently a curved back during push-ups is bad for you, the problem wont instantly appear as it is a progressive effect.
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Noted... but still not making sense? Steroids aren't part of the gym system/product any more than they're part of the CF system/product. Second example, again would apply to both? Bad form done for gym or for CF is still bad form.
Sorry, I do understand the point you're getting at but the examples aren't good.
An advantage of gym would be - you have a wide range of machines and exercises to choose from
An advantage of CF would be - you have people supporting you
A disadvantage of gym would be - no one is going to tell you if you're buggering yourself up (unless you've hired a PT)
A disadvantage of CF would be - you have to join up, usually on top of being a gym member (although it was noted upthread you can do it on your own, I suspect that's not quite the same)
 
Wow this was interesting to see all the lovers and haters regarding cross fit.

I have been meaning to get involved in this type of fitness as I miss the pure functional fitness side of training. I am a typical Jack of all trades fitness freak ( i guess you can call it ). I have spent time on almost every type of discipline from cycling to MMA and back. By far my fittest years where during my MMA training where a large portion was flipping things, running and throwing.

Now that I have hung up my gloves ( from a MMA ) point of view I am looking for a fitness sport that would mimic this, I am hopping that Crossfit is it. I will start cross fit next month as I have been training for the warrior race (www.warrior.co.za) on this weekend.

Lets see how it goes but hell I enjoy new ways of being/staying fit. Maybe i am right maybe I am wrong but either way I am fitter than if I did not do anything.
 
Dr Who said:
Wow this was interesting to see all the lovers and haters regarding cross fit.

I have been meaning to get involved in this type of fitness as I miss the pure functional fitness side of training. I am a typical Jack of all trades fitness freak ( i guess you can call it ). I have spent time on almost every type of discipline from cycling to MMA and back. By far my fittest years where during my MMA training where a large portion was flipping things, running and throwing.

Now that I have hung up my gloves ( from a MMA ) point of view I am looking for a fitness sport that would mimic this, I am hopping that Crossfit is it. I will start cross fit next month as I have been training for the warrior race (www.warrior.co.za) on this weekend.

Lets see how it goes but hell I enjoy new ways of being/staying fit. Maybe i am right maybe I am wrong but either way I am fitter than if I did not do anything.
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Damm - I want to do the Warrior too - only going to try the next time round as I have another event on Saturday
 
I've been doing Crossfit for a few months so here is my take on it:

Effectiveness
Its been the most effective form of exercise for me in seeing results. I looked leaner and stronger in 3 months of training, but if you want the bodybuilding physique, stick to bodybuilding.

Injuries
Yes its high impact and it will expose your weaknesses. If you go overboard you will get injured. Even "elite" athletes have been missing the Crossfit Games because of injury. (Kristen Clever 2013, Thorisdottir 2013, Josh Bridges 2012, Miko Salo, 2012, 2013.)

Community
Its great knowing peoples names in the gym and suffering together. It builds camaraderie. It does become a tight group, so it may feel a bit like a cult. I once went to lunch with Crossfitters, and all they f----in talked about was Crossfit for a full 3 hours.

Overall
Whether its a fad or not is too early to tell. But it is becoming popular because you see results. Reebok are throwing money at marketing it, so I expect it to continue to grow.

Oh and ladies - go and google images of Rich Froning. You'll thank me later. Likewise gentlemen, there are a lot beauties in this "sport".
 
Dr Who said:
Wow this was interesting to see all the lovers and haters regarding cross fit.

I have been meaning to get involved in this type of fitness as I miss the pure functional fitness side of training. I am a typical Jack of all trades fitness freak ( i guess you can call it ). I have spent time on almost every type of discipline from cycling to MMA and back. By far my fittest years where during my MMA training where a large portion was flipping things, running and throwing.

Now that I have hung up my gloves ( from a MMA ) point of view I am looking for a fitness sport that would mimic this, I am hopping that Crossfit is it. I will start cross fit next month as I have been training for the warrior race (www.warrior.co.za) on this weekend.

Lets see how it goes but hell I enjoy new ways of being/staying fit. Maybe i am right maybe I am wrong but either way I am fitter than if I did not do anything.
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The place I go to, and I take it the others might do it as well, usually has a free trial day for starters. They do this until they are at capacity so as to avoid there being too many members and not enough space or kit. See if you can join up for one of those trials. Also before you sign up and spend all that cash they may force you to do another technical training session.
 
A friend doe sit and swears by it. Classes are much smaller thus you get more attention.
 
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