My Issue with CrossFit Workouts
IronPlayground
Posts: 1,594 Member
First off let me say that I believe the general concept of CF is solid. An intense, interval workout that focuses on aerobic and anaerobic activities that can be done in a relatively short period of time. All that is fine. However, some of the people who put together these WODs (Workout of the Day) don't know what they are doing.
Take for example this workout below. There is a certain order that exercises/lifts should be done in order to maximize effort and avoid injury. This particular workout puts "cleans" way down on the list and has someone doing 20 of them after they are very fatigued from the previous exercises/lifts. "Cleans" are a power movement where form needs to be strict in order to avoid injury. They should be done first in this workout followed by deadlifts.
I'm sure the folks here who enjoy CF are going to take issue with this post. That's fine. However, just because the workouts are something you enjoy doesn't mean they are built for safety. This one in particular is not.
Photo is from Mississippi CrossFit Facebook Page
Take for example this workout below. There is a certain order that exercises/lifts should be done in order to maximize effort and avoid injury. This particular workout puts "cleans" way down on the list and has someone doing 20 of them after they are very fatigued from the previous exercises/lifts. "Cleans" are a power movement where form needs to be strict in order to avoid injury. They should be done first in this workout followed by deadlifts.
I'm sure the folks here who enjoy CF are going to take issue with this post. That's fine. However, just because the workouts are something you enjoy doesn't mean they are built for safety. This one in particular is not.
Photo is from Mississippi CrossFit Facebook Page
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Replies
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Couldn't you just go lighter weight towards the end to match what you can do? I don't see the issue.0
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My problem with it is that all the workouts are either as many reps as possible in a set time, or a set number of reps as quickly as possible. Both lead to time being a factor instead of keep form. A lot of the exercises can be very technical and have a higher chance of injury if not done right.0
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Agree with foot56 - after warming up we always do our heavy lifting before we start our WOD - always concentrating on form before weight.
Any lifting done as part of a WOD is usually timed but always with a lighter weight and usually the bar only, unless the athlete is exceptionally strong and experienced - and there is always a coach watching our form.0 -
Couldn't you just go lighter weight towards the end to match what you can do? I don't see the issue.
The intent for the workout is to go lighter weight. Still, doesn't matter with the fact that the individual will be very fatigued at that point and the risk of injury has exponentially increased.0 -
Couldn't you just go lighter weight towards the end to match what you can do? I don't see the issue.
The intent for the workout is to go lighter weight. Still, doesn't matter with the fact that the individual will be very fatigued at that point and the risk of injury has exponentially increased.
1. If you are not scaling your work-out correctly, that’s the problem. 2. The coach should be watching people with bad form and stop it right away. (This happens all the time at my box) 3. I’ve been doing Crossfit over 10 months, not one injury in terms of lifting. Just scrapes and bruises. I think people like to exaggerate the “injuries” claim. Just my two cents. Also, people in my box are required to show proper form before starting the regular classes.0 -
I'll have to agree. I did it for a few months but decided it wasn't for me. I remember everyone cheering me on, pushing myself completely fatigued just trying to finish the WOD and my form was crap. High probably of an injury at some point.
That being said, I do know of a couple of boxes that take a slightly different approach. So, I'm from my limited expereice, I'm guessing depends alot on the box you attend. Also, crossifitters are some of the coolest people I have ever met in a fitness environment. I miss them! lol0 -
Couldn't you just go lighter weight towards the end to match what you can do? I don't see the issue.
The intent for the workout is to go lighter weight. Still, doesn't matter with the fact that the individual will be very fatigued at that point and the risk of injury has exponentially increased.
1. If you are not scaling your work-out correctly, that’s the problem. 2. The coach should be watching people with bad form and stop it right away. (This happens all the time at my box) 3. I’ve been doing Crossfit over 10 months, not one injury in terms of lifting. Just scrapes and bruises. I think people like to exaggerate the “injuries” claim. Just my two cents. Also, people in my box are required to show proper form before starting the regular classes.
I get that and think it's good that people are watching for proper form and will stop someone who is executing poor form. Like I said in my OP, I know there are people who love CF. I think it's great that you and others have found an exercise that you enjoy and will stick with it. IMO, this workout is put together poorly and doesn't follow the order that should be prescribed in order to maximize the lifts for what they are intended and minimize the risk of injury.0 -
Why are you holding the ENTIRE CrossFit world to what ONE box posts for ONE workout? If you have a problem with what this particular CrossFit box posted on their Facebook page, why not take up the issue with them, where it belongs? Using this single instance of a workout you personally disagree with as an example of your issue with all of CrossFit is ridiculous and very passive aggressive, IMO.0
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Why are you holding the ENTIRE CrossFit world to what ONE box posts for ONE workout? If you have a problem with what this particular CrossFit box posted on their Facebook page, why not take up the issue with them, where it belongs? Using this single instance of a workout you personally disagree with as an example of your issue with all of CrossFit is ridiculous and very passive aggressive, IMO.
While I can appreciate your comment, the same goes for you skipping past my post and not taking issue with it.
However, since you commented, I have been against most other CF workouts that incorporate power/olympic lifts in their routines for time/max reps. Especially when they are preceded by other fatiguing exercises, i.e. burpees.0 -
Why are you holding the ENTIRE CrossFit world to what ONE box posts for ONE workout? If you have a problem with what this particular CrossFit box posted on their Facebook page, why not take up the issue with them, where it belongs? Using this single instance of a workout you personally disagree with as an example of your issue with all of CrossFit is ridiculous and very passive aggressive, IMO.
Oh the irony.0 -
In addition to the problems the OP mentioned about Crossfit workouts not being safe, some Crossfit boxes can be like cults.
They are very extreme in the way they go about their workouts, and they have a superiority complex and believe they are better than people that aren't involved with Crossfit. At many Crossfit boxes, the coaches put a lot of pressure on people to eat Paleo, and they are usually WAY more expensive than most other gyms.
Here is a good blog on the topic of Crossfit Culture: http://www.thegreatfitnessexperiment.com/2012/07/the-problem-with-crossfit-cult-or-culture.html
Believe me, there are much healthier, safer and less expensive ways to get in shape than joining Crossfit!0 -
High probably of an injury at some point.
Yup. I have several friends that do/live crossfit. They have a really high incidence of injuries. They wear it like a badge of courage instead of seeing it as bad planning/form/practice.
Whatever.0 -
I totally agree some of the workouts the box designs themselves are just stupid.
I've seen too many injuries from my friends that it made me stop doing it all together. That, and I was getting yelled at by the instructor for not using heavy enough weight. I didn't feel like throwing a bunch of heavy weights around (quite literally I might add) was going to make me in better shape.
That said, I did learn a LOT about lifting when the good instructor was there, but then he left, so I left shortly afterwards.
I do a lot of the same stuff, but in a controlled environment, with heavy weights I can manage.
That workout is just stupid by the way. I could never manage to lift heavy after all of those burpees and box jumps.0 -
Any form of excercise that emphasises puking over progressive overload is not worth doing (Unless you simply want to burn fat)0
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In addition to the problems the OP mentioned about Crossfit workouts not being safe, some Crossfit boxes can be like cults.
They are very extreme in the way they go about their workouts, and they have a superiority complex and believe they are better than people that aren't involved with Crossfit. At many Crossfit boxes, the coaches put a lot of pressure on people to eat Paleo, and they are usually WAY more expensive than most other gyms.
Here is a good blog on the topic of Crossfit Culture: http://www.thegreatfitnessexperiment.com/2012/07/the-problem-with-crossfit-cult-or-culture.html
Believe me, there are much healthier, safer and less expensive ways to get in shape than joining Crossfit!
Good morning Health_Gal! Good to see you still don't miss any opportunity to comment on crossfit :laugh:0 -
Why are you holding the ENTIRE CrossFit world to what ONE box posts for ONE workout?
Exactly the first thought that came to mind..
I'm gonna sit back and watch the witch hunt!0 -
Why are you holding the ENTIRE CrossFit world to what ONE box posts for ONE workout?
Exactly the first thought that came to mind..
I'm gonna sit back and watch the witch hunt!
Was the OP modified after you wrote this?
Because when I read it, I see use of language that qualifies the criticism and narrows it to SOME of the people setting up the WOD. which is sort of the opposite of the accusation leveled at him.
I want to do crossfit some day, but to me, movement mastery isn't something I feel I can learn in a class setting. If and when I'm so good at Olympic lifts that I feel I can do them with perfect form, even when under pressure, I will think about joining a box. Idk, to me we are talking about something really tricky that requires lots and lots and lots of practice and slow, individual instruction from someone with a good track record (their clients have good form and low injury incidence).0 -
Why are you holding the ENTIRE CrossFit world to what ONE box posts for ONE workout?
Exactly the first thought that came to mind..
I'm gonna sit back and watch the witch hunt!
Was the OP modified after you wrote this?
Because when I read it, I see use of language that qualifies the criticism and narrows it to SOME of the people setting up the WOD. which is sort of the opposite of the accusation leveled at him.
The topic reads: 'My issue with CrossFit Workouts'.
It doesn't read 'My issue with this CrossFit Workout'
The title itself generalises crossfit, which imo is a shame. But hey, I'm Dutch so I might just not get the use of language! I just feel it's a shame to devote a thread that suggests there is a problem with crossfit.
Just to be clear; I'm not suggesting the OP is on a witch hunt, but I see some familiar faces on this thread that will jump in at any occasion to say anything nagative about crossfit. Tsskk tssskk..0 -
Why are you holding the ENTIRE CrossFit world to what ONE box posts for ONE workout?
Exactly the first thought that came to mind..
I'm gonna sit back and watch the witch hunt!
Was the OP modified after you wrote this?
Because when I read it, I see use of language that qualifies the criticism and narrows it to SOME of the people setting up the WOD. which is sort of the opposite of the accusation leveled at him.
The topic reads: 'My issue with CrossFit Workouts'.
It doesn't read 'My issue with this CrossFit Workout'
The title itself generalises crossfit, which imo is a shame. But hey, I'm Dutch so I might just not get the use of language! I just feel it's a shame to devote a thread that suggests there is a problem with crossfit.
Just to be clear; I'm not suggesting the OP is on a witch hunt, but I see some familiar faces on this thread that will jump in at any occasion to say anything nagative about crossfit. Tsskk tssskk..
So are you nitpicking, or is that back pedaling?
OP made a really good point. As someone still debating this CF business with myself, i find it extremely helpful to hear from all sides. It's also helpful for me to watch the cultish aspect come out in your response, so I can guard against it.
Your issue is now: the thread title is not specific enough (even though the actual post IS), combined with you don't like some of the other things SOME of the people responding have said in some other posts. Half of that is irrelevant, since i read the whole post, and the other half is ad hominem. Seems to me there may be no critique of crossfit you will accept, which does imply SOME of the criticism may be right.0 -
So are you nitpicking, or is that back pedaling?
OP made a really good point. As someone still debating this CF business with myself, i find it extremely helpful to hear from all sides. It's also helpful for me to watch the cultish aspect come out in your response, so I can guard against it.
Your issue is now: the thread title is not specific enough (even though the actual post IS), combined with you don't like some of the other things SOME of the people responding have said in some other posts. Half of that is irrelevant, since i read the whole post, and the other half is ad hominem. Seems to me there may be no critique of crossfit you will accept, which does imply SOME of the criticism may be right.
Yep! You are absolutely right! Very much nitpicking and backpedaling. I just CANNOT accept critisism of crossfit! Glad you were able to read exactly what I wrote.
:laugh:0 -
So are you nitpicking, or is that back pedaling?
OP made a really good point. As someone still debating this CF business with myself, i find it extremely helpful to hear from all sides. It's also helpful for me to watch the cultish aspect come out in your response, so I can guard against it.
Your issue is now: the thread title is not specific enough (even though the actual post IS), combined with you don't like some of the other things SOME of the people responding have said in some other posts. Half of that is irrelevant, since i read the whole post, and the other half is ad hominem. Seems to me there may be no critique of crossfit you will accept, which does imply SOME of the criticism may be right.
Yep! You are absolutely right! Very much nitpicking and backpedaling. I just CANNOT accept critisism of crossfit! Glad you were able to read exactly what I wrote.
:laugh:
Set me straight then. Which criticisms do you accept and why?
I don't try to force people into making points they don't want to make. Go ahead and elucidate. I read exactly what you wrote, told which impression it gives me, and now you can clarify.
Or you can act all smug, laugh at me, and be generally unhelpful.0 -
Or you can act all smug, laugh at me, and be generally unhelpful.
:noway: Yeah, you really don't know me, at all... Hold on, I'll clarify in a minute.0 -
What's a lat burpee?0
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I am not all that familiar with CrossFit, but have seen some YouTube videos of it where people's form has been horrible. It seemed like the emphasis was on getting a certain number of reps/exercises in within an allotted time frame rather than using correct form. I certainly would not generalize the entire CrossFit "community" that way, though.
I know runners and triathletes who have MAJOR superiority complexes because they think they are all that plus a bag of chips. KInd of seems like any activity/sport that has devoted participants comes off as a bit cult-ish. :ohwell:0 -
I agree with:First off let me say that I believe the general concept of CF is solid. An intense, interval workout that focuses on aerobic and anaerobic activities that can be done in a relatively short period of time. All that is fine. However, some of the people who put together these WODs (Workout of the Day) don't know what they are doing.
Why? Because I don't think this particular WOD would be a good idea. Why not? Because I agree that deadlifts and cleans should not be part of an amprap, which I believe they are in this case. I agree that I doubt you could keep good form when you're going for the quickest time and are already trying to catch your breath.If you are not scaling your work-out correctly, that’s the problem. 2. The coach should be watching people with bad form and stop it right away. (This happens all the time at my box) 3. I’ve been doing Crossfit over 10 months, not one injury in terms of lifting. Just scrapes and bruises. I think people like to exaggerate the “injuries” claim. Just my two cents. Also, people in my box are required to show proper form before starting the regular classes.
Amen.
I don't agree with:In addition to the problems the OP mentioned about Crossfit workouts not being safe, some Crossfit boxes can be like cults.
:noway: Did she just say 'cults' again?They are very extreme in the way they go about their workouts, and they have a superiority complex and believe they are better than people that aren't involved with Crossfit. At many Crossfit boxes, the coaches put a lot of pressure on people to eat Paleo, and they are usually WAY more expensive than most other gyms.
Superiority complex? Better than non-crossfitters? Pressure people into eating Paleo? This lady hasn't even been near a crossfit box... It's not just this post, use your 'search' option and search for crossfit, just for fun.High probably of an injury at some point.
Yup. I have several friends that do/live crossfit. They have a really high incidence of injuries. They wear it like a badge of courage instead of seeing it as bad planning/form/practice.
Whatever.
With high incidence of injuries, do you mean scrapes and bruises? If so, probably yes. I have a bruise on my leg from swinging a kettlebell against it. Did my instructor warn me about my poor form? Hell yes, of course he did. If you attend a proper crossfit box with good instructors, you will not have any more incidence of injuries that lifting weights at your gym.Any form of excercise that emphasises puking over progressive overload is not worth doing (Unless you simply want to burn fat)
Crossfit doesn't emphasise puking. The instructors will Always try to push you a little futher than your comfort zone. That is why I personally like it more than going to the gym, where they don't hover around me to check my form and leave me doing my thing. I just wasn't challenged enough. Often, you stop when you reach the limit of your comfort zone (read = this does not apply to all but I'm pretty sure a lot of people recognise themselves in this). Also, you don't burn fat by puking. :noway:
I've been reading a lot of threads about crossfit, and I'm probably just ticked off by now. Last week a guy commentented negatively on crossfit because he had DELIVERED A PACKAGE NEXT TO A CROSSFIT BOX and had drawn his conclusions about crossfit from that one moment. This is what I mean with witch hunt.
By the way, I have been called a lot of things, but never smug or unhelpful.0 -
ZealousMissJJ
Given that you have been doing Crossfit for a while and are in a position to speak from an informed standpoint, what would you say are actual - as opposed to perceived - flaws and weaknesses wthin Crossfit?
There are bound to be some ( nothing is perfect ) and maybe pointing out some actual problems with the system would make it a bit redundant for people with less experience to attack it.
And for the love of God will someone please tell me what a LAT BURPEE is?0 -
It's also helpful for me to watch the cultish aspect come out in your response, so I can guard against it.
Now you're just being an *kitten*.0 -
Wow, this is interesting reading. I love how passionate people on here get about things.
Also, what is a LAT Burpee? (no I'm not taking the mick, just really want to know now!!)0 -
ZealousMissJJ
Given that you have been doing Crossfit for a while and are in a position to speak from an informed standpoint, what would you say are actual - as opposed to perceived - flaws and weaknesses wthin Crossfit?
There are bound to be some ( nothing is perfect ) and maybe pointing out some actual problems with the system would make it a bit redundant for people with less experience to attack it.
And for the love of God will someone please tell me what a LAT BURPEE is?
Flaws within Crossfit? Like any form of exersize it has flaws. Running gives me super painful knees. Crossfit gives me bruises! That is my personal bad experience. I'm kind of skinny in my neck and back, so the heavy bar will bruise my neckbone a bit. At my gym they have a cushion covering it. HOWEVER; last Monday my instructor noticed I had trouble with the weight because it hurt my neck, and asked me if he should by a cushion for the bar. I told him I think I can squat heavier if only the bar wasn't killing my neckbone, so problem solved. Also, brastraps will give me bruises while doing medball getups. And swinging a kettlebell against the back of your knee will also cause a bruise in my case. I don't mind it though; the WOD went great and I felt amazing!
Other flaws I can think of are that if - with any exersise- you don't listen do your body, you can cause injuries. Just use your common sense. The point during a crossfit workout is to go outside your comfort zone, but not to the point that you get injured. There will always be some people that overdo it, and those people will need the 'puke-bucket'.
I can't think of any other flaws to be honest. My brother in law is coming to join me for a free trial session tonight. I'll ask him what he thinks.
And I lave NO idea what a lat burpee is :laugh: !0 -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju2-jLXwYL8
link for LAT burpees!!!!0
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