Welcome to Debate Club! Please be aware that this is a space for respectful debate, and that your ideas will be challenged here. Please remember to critique the argument, not the author.

CrossFit

2

Replies

  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    SideSteel wrote: »
    Generally I think that Crossfit has become the whipping boy of the fitness industry.

    I do admit that it's funny, but at the same time I think that Crossfit tends to get some things very right even though they also get some things very wrong, IMO.

    Random notes:

    1) I don't tend to agree with how some things are programmed (or lack of programming perhaps). A bit more structured overload and a LOT less randomness would probably benefit people for strength and hypertrophy.

    2) Performing technically complex movements at high levels of fatigue is a good recipe for injury.

    3) Certain sub cultures seem to wear injuries like a badge of honor but in fairness that's not a judgement that can extend to all of crossfit.

    But what they get right:

    a) Social support and community. This is freaking HUUUUUUGE and obviously they do it well, because every crossfitter to ever exist tells you they crossfit. (lol)

    b) They are bringing barbell lifting to the mainstream. Another huge plus.

    c) They are getting people to train hard using a variety of modalities.


    In my opinion crossfit is definitely a huge net-positive, even though I do still make crossfit jokes =)

    i pretty much agree with this ...

    although, some of the moves they have people doing seem to be lacking form ...like Kipping Pullups...

    I knew we would eventually get to kipping. While not a CF expert by any means, the kipping pull up requires a definite form and technique. It is similar in concept to a clean or jerk.

    what form is that? Throwing your legs up in the air like a maniac?
  • moe0303
    moe0303 Posts: 934 Member
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    SideSteel wrote: »
    Generally I think that Crossfit has become the whipping boy of the fitness industry.

    I do admit that it's funny, but at the same time I think that Crossfit tends to get some things very right even though they also get some things very wrong, IMO.

    Random notes:

    1) I don't tend to agree with how some things are programmed (or lack of programming perhaps). A bit more structured overload and a LOT less randomness would probably benefit people for strength and hypertrophy.

    2) Performing technically complex movements at high levels of fatigue is a good recipe for injury.

    3) Certain sub cultures seem to wear injuries like a badge of honor but in fairness that's not a judgement that can extend to all of crossfit.

    But what they get right:

    a) Social support and community. This is freaking HUUUUUUGE and obviously they do it well, because every crossfitter to ever exist tells you they crossfit. (lol)

    b) They are bringing barbell lifting to the mainstream. Another huge plus.

    c) They are getting people to train hard using a variety of modalities.


    In my opinion crossfit is definitely a huge net-positive, even though I do still make crossfit jokes =)

    i pretty much agree with this ...

    although, some of the moves they have people doing seem to be lacking form ...like Kipping Pullups...

    I knew we would eventually get to kipping. While not a CF expert by any means, the kipping pull up requires a definite form and technique. It is similar in concept to a clean or jerk.

    what form is that? Throwing your legs up in the air like a maniac?

    No.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    _John_ wrote: »
    Timed olympic lifts is my sticking point. I would do anything for fitness, but I won't do that.

    This is pretty much where I'm at...that and the volume. I do like that it has re-introduced a lot of people to the Oly lifts...it just seems like not in a good way.
  • moe0303
    moe0303 Posts: 934 Member
    edited June 2016
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    SideSteel wrote: »
    Generally I think that Crossfit has become the whipping boy of the fitness industry.

    I do admit that it's funny, but at the same time I think that Crossfit tends to get some things very right even though they also get some things very wrong, IMO.

    Random notes:

    1) I don't tend to agree with how some things are programmed (or lack of programming perhaps). A bit more structured overload and a LOT less randomness would probably benefit people for strength and hypertrophy.

    2) Performing technically complex movements at high levels of fatigue is a good recipe for injury.

    3) Certain sub cultures seem to wear injuries like a badge of honor but in fairness that's not a judgement that can extend to all of crossfit.

    But what they get right:

    a) Social support and community. This is freaking HUUUUUUGE and obviously they do it well, because every crossfitter to ever exist tells you they crossfit. (lol)

    b) They are bringing barbell lifting to the mainstream. Another huge plus.

    c) They are getting people to train hard using a variety of modalities.


    In my opinion crossfit is definitely a huge net-positive, even though I do still make crossfit jokes =)

    i pretty much agree with this ...

    although, some of the moves they have people doing seem to be lacking form ...like Kipping Pullups...

    I knew we would eventually get to kipping. While not a CF expert by any means, the kipping pull up requires a definite form and technique. It is similar in concept to a clean or jerk.

    what form is that? Throwing your legs up in the air like a maniac?

    The kip engages the core by starting from the hang and pushing the "hips and shoulders forward and then relaxing, push forward and then relax, until a swing develops. The athlete moves from “arched to hollow” forming a “C” alternating between belly forward, shoulder open (arched), and belly retreating, shoulder closing (hollow).
    Once the swing is developed, the athlete will find the kip by giving a sharp tug upward at the back of the swing while leaning back slightly, which heaves the athlete toward the bar."

    "Kipping pull-ups have the same advantages over strict pull-ups that the jerk has over the shoulder press. Each is a fundamentally more potent stimulus than its less dynamic, less powerful counterpart. Our program’s extensive reliance on the more dynamic, powerful movements holds the seeds of our athletes’ successes."

    http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/32_05_Kipping_Pullup.pdf

    ETA: Added source. (I started, then thought I should look up official documented points of performance)
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    SideSteel wrote: »
    Generally I think that Crossfit has become the whipping boy of the fitness industry.

    I do admit that it's funny, but at the same time I think that Crossfit tends to get some things very right even though they also get some things very wrong, IMO.

    Random notes:

    1) I don't tend to agree with how some things are programmed (or lack of programming perhaps). A bit more structured overload and a LOT less randomness would probably benefit people for strength and hypertrophy.

    2) Performing technically complex movements at high levels of fatigue is a good recipe for injury.

    3) Certain sub cultures seem to wear injuries like a badge of honor but in fairness that's not a judgement that can extend to all of crossfit.

    But what they get right:

    a) Social support and community. This is freaking HUUUUUUGE and obviously they do it well, because every crossfitter to ever exist tells you they crossfit. (lol)

    b) They are bringing barbell lifting to the mainstream. Another huge plus.

    c) They are getting people to train hard using a variety of modalities.


    In my opinion crossfit is definitely a huge net-positive, even though I do still make crossfit jokes =)

    i pretty much agree with this ...

    although, some of the moves they have people doing seem to be lacking form ...like Kipping Pullups...

    I knew we would eventually get to kipping. While not a CF expert by any means, the kipping pull up requires a definite form and technique. It is similar in concept to a clean or jerk.

    what form is that? Throwing your legs up in the air like a maniac?

    The kip engages the core by starting from the hang and pushing the "hips and shoulders forward and then relaxing, push forward and then relax, until a swing develops. The athlete moves from “arched to hollow” forming a “C” alternating between belly forward, shoulder open (arched), and belly retreating, shoulder closing (hollow).
    Once the swing is developed, the athlete will find the kip by giving a sharp tug upward at the back of the swing while leaning back slightly, which heaves the athlete toward the bar."

    "Kipping pull-ups have the same advantages over strict pull-ups that the jerk has over the shoulder press. Each is a fundamentally more potent stimulus than its less dynamic, less powerful counterpart. Our program’s extensive reliance on the more dynamic, powerful movements holds the seeds of our athletes’ successes."

    http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/32_05_Kipping_Pullup.pdf

    ETA: Added source. (I started, then thought I should look up official documented points of performance)

    "More potent stimulus" in what way?
  • moe0303
    moe0303 Posts: 934 Member
    SideSteel wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    SideSteel wrote: »
    Generally I think that Crossfit has become the whipping boy of the fitness industry.

    I do admit that it's funny, but at the same time I think that Crossfit tends to get some things very right even though they also get some things very wrong, IMO.

    Random notes:

    1) I don't tend to agree with how some things are programmed (or lack of programming perhaps). A bit more structured overload and a LOT less randomness would probably benefit people for strength and hypertrophy.

    2) Performing technically complex movements at high levels of fatigue is a good recipe for injury.

    3) Certain sub cultures seem to wear injuries like a badge of honor but in fairness that's not a judgement that can extend to all of crossfit.

    But what they get right:

    a) Social support and community. This is freaking HUUUUUUGE and obviously they do it well, because every crossfitter to ever exist tells you they crossfit. (lol)

    b) They are bringing barbell lifting to the mainstream. Another huge plus.

    c) They are getting people to train hard using a variety of modalities.


    In my opinion crossfit is definitely a huge net-positive, even though I do still make crossfit jokes =)

    i pretty much agree with this ...

    although, some of the moves they have people doing seem to be lacking form ...like Kipping Pullups...

    I knew we would eventually get to kipping. While not a CF expert by any means, the kipping pull up requires a definite form and technique. It is similar in concept to a clean or jerk.

    what form is that? Throwing your legs up in the air like a maniac?

    The kip engages the core by starting from the hang and pushing the "hips and shoulders forward and then relaxing, push forward and then relax, until a swing develops. The athlete moves from “arched to hollow” forming a “C” alternating between belly forward, shoulder open (arched), and belly retreating, shoulder closing (hollow).
    Once the swing is developed, the athlete will find the kip by giving a sharp tug upward at the back of the swing while leaning back slightly, which heaves the athlete toward the bar."

    "Kipping pull-ups have the same advantages over strict pull-ups that the jerk has over the shoulder press. Each is a fundamentally more potent stimulus than its less dynamic, less powerful counterpart. Our program’s extensive reliance on the more dynamic, powerful movements holds the seeds of our athletes’ successes."

    http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/32_05_Kipping_Pullup.pdf

    ETA: Added source. (I started, then thought I should look up official documented points of performance)

    "More potent stimulus" in what way?

    Power? Movement, maybe?
  • stevencloser
    stevencloser Posts: 8,911 Member
    I don't do it. Our gym has a CrossFit section and a Poster with CrossFit Workouts on it (all named after women).
    The idea of doing complex Olympic lifts at highish weights in A "do as many reps as you can in 30 seconds" manner doesn't sit well with me.
  • stevencloser
    stevencloser Posts: 8,911 Member
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    SideSteel wrote: »
    Generally I think that Crossfit has become the whipping boy of the fitness industry.

    I do admit that it's funny, but at the same time I think that Crossfit tends to get some things very right even though they also get some things very wrong, IMO.

    Random notes:

    1) I don't tend to agree with how some things are programmed (or lack of programming perhaps). A bit more structured overload and a LOT less randomness would probably benefit people for strength and hypertrophy.

    2) Performing technically complex movements at high levels of fatigue is a good recipe for injury.

    3) Certain sub cultures seem to wear injuries like a badge of honor but in fairness that's not a judgement that can extend to all of crossfit.

    But what they get right:

    a) Social support and community. This is freaking HUUUUUUGE and obviously they do it well, because every crossfitter to ever exist tells you they crossfit. (lol)

    b) They are bringing barbell lifting to the mainstream. Another huge plus.

    c) They are getting people to train hard using a variety of modalities.


    In my opinion crossfit is definitely a huge net-positive, even though I do still make crossfit jokes =)

    i pretty much agree with this ...

    although, some of the moves they have people doing seem to be lacking form ...like Kipping Pullups...

    I knew we would eventually get to kipping. While not a CF expert by any means, the kipping pull up requires a definite form and technique. It is similar in concept to a clean or jerk.

    Im sure kipping pullups are supposed to have Form. Unfortunately, If your goal is "do as many as you can dish out in A minute", Form is the first thing that flies out the window.
  • sappermuff
    sappermuff Posts: 175 Member
    I like that it is getting people to use a barbell. I like that it is encouraging hard work.

    I dislike group think. I dislike elitism. I dislike AMRAP snatches or any other technical movement.
  • FunkyTobias
    FunkyTobias Posts: 1,776 Member
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    SideSteel wrote: »
    Generally I think that Crossfit has become the whipping boy of the fitness industry.

    I do admit that it's funny, but at the same time I think that Crossfit tends to get some things very right even though they also get some things very wrong, IMO.

    Random notes:

    1) I don't tend to agree with how some things are programmed (or lack of programming perhaps). A bit more structured overload and a LOT less randomness would probably benefit people for strength and hypertrophy.

    2) Performing technically complex movements at high levels of fatigue is a good recipe for injury.

    3) Certain sub cultures seem to wear injuries like a badge of honor but in fairness that's not a judgement that can extend to all of crossfit.

    But what they get right:

    a) Social support and community. This is freaking HUUUUUUGE and obviously they do it well, because every crossfitter to ever exist tells you they crossfit. (lol)

    b) They are bringing barbell lifting to the mainstream. Another huge plus.

    c) They are getting people to train hard using a variety of modalities.


    In my opinion crossfit is definitely a huge net-positive, even though I do still make crossfit jokes =)

    i pretty much agree with this ...

    although, some of the moves they have people doing seem to be lacking form ...like Kipping Pullups...

    I knew we would eventually get to kipping. While not a CF expert by any means, the kipping pull up requires a definite form and technique. It is similar in concept to a clean or jerk.

    Im sure kipping pullups are supposed to have Form. Unfortunately, If your goal is "do as many as you can dish out in A minute", Form is the first thing that flies out the window.
    sappermuff wrote: »
    I like that it is getting people to use a barbell. I like that it is encouraging hard work.

    I dislike group think. I dislike elitism. I dislike AMRAP snatches or any other technical movement.

    This and this.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    edited June 2016
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    SideSteel wrote: »
    Generally I think that Crossfit has become the whipping boy of the fitness industry.

    I do admit that it's funny, but at the same time I think that Crossfit tends to get some things very right even though they also get some things very wrong, IMO.

    Random notes:

    1) I don't tend to agree with how some things are programmed (or lack of programming perhaps). A bit more structured overload and a LOT less randomness would probably benefit people for strength and hypertrophy.

    2) Performing technically complex movements at high levels of fatigue is a good recipe for injury.

    3) Certain sub cultures seem to wear injuries like a badge of honor but in fairness that's not a judgement that can extend to all of crossfit.

    But what they get right:

    a) Social support and community. This is freaking HUUUUUUGE and obviously they do it well, because every crossfitter to ever exist tells you they crossfit. (lol)

    b) They are bringing barbell lifting to the mainstream. Another huge plus.

    c) They are getting people to train hard using a variety of modalities.


    In my opinion crossfit is definitely a huge net-positive, even though I do still make crossfit jokes =)

    i pretty much agree with this ...

    although, some of the moves they have people doing seem to be lacking form ...like Kipping Pullups...

    I knew we would eventually get to kipping. While not a CF expert by any means, the kipping pull up requires a definite form and technique. It is similar in concept to a clean or jerk.

    what form is that? Throwing your legs up in the air like a maniac?

    The kip engages the core by starting from the hang and pushing the "hips and shoulders forward and then relaxing, push forward and then relax, until a swing develops. The athlete moves from “arched to hollow” forming a “C” alternating between belly forward, shoulder open (arched), and belly retreating, shoulder closing (hollow).
    Once the swing is developed, the athlete will find the kip by giving a sharp tug upward at the back of the swing while leaning back slightly, which heaves the athlete toward the bar."

    "Kipping pull-ups have the same advantages over strict pull-ups that the jerk has over the shoulder press. Each is a fundamentally more potent stimulus than its less dynamic, less powerful counterpart. Our program’s extensive reliance on the more dynamic, powerful movements holds the seeds of our athletes’ successes."

    http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/32_05_Kipping_Pullup.pdf

    ETA: Added source. (I started, then thought I should look up official documented points of performance)

    Who is stronger, the person doing 20 pull-ups with perfect form or someone doing 20 kipping pull-ups in 30 seconds?

    Using your body's momentum does not allow you to engage your shoulders, back, core etc...
  • moe0303
    moe0303 Posts: 934 Member
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    SideSteel wrote: »
    Generally I think that Crossfit has become the whipping boy of the fitness industry.

    I do admit that it's funny, but at the same time I think that Crossfit tends to get some things very right even though they also get some things very wrong, IMO.

    Random notes:

    1) I don't tend to agree with how some things are programmed (or lack of programming perhaps). A bit more structured overload and a LOT less randomness would probably benefit people for strength and hypertrophy.

    2) Performing technically complex movements at high levels of fatigue is a good recipe for injury.

    3) Certain sub cultures seem to wear injuries like a badge of honor but in fairness that's not a judgement that can extend to all of crossfit.

    But what they get right:

    a) Social support and community. This is freaking HUUUUUUGE and obviously they do it well, because every crossfitter to ever exist tells you they crossfit. (lol)

    b) They are bringing barbell lifting to the mainstream. Another huge plus.

    c) They are getting people to train hard using a variety of modalities.


    In my opinion crossfit is definitely a huge net-positive, even though I do still make crossfit jokes =)

    i pretty much agree with this ...

    although, some of the moves they have people doing seem to be lacking form ...like Kipping Pullups...

    I knew we would eventually get to kipping. While not a CF expert by any means, the kipping pull up requires a definite form and technique. It is similar in concept to a clean or jerk.

    what form is that? Throwing your legs up in the air like a maniac?

    The kip engages the core by starting from the hang and pushing the "hips and shoulders forward and then relaxing, push forward and then relax, until a swing develops. The athlete moves from “arched to hollow” forming a “C” alternating between belly forward, shoulder open (arched), and belly retreating, shoulder closing (hollow).
    Once the swing is developed, the athlete will find the kip by giving a sharp tug upward at the back of the swing while leaning back slightly, which heaves the athlete toward the bar."

    "Kipping pull-ups have the same advantages over strict pull-ups that the jerk has over the shoulder press. Each is a fundamentally more potent stimulus than its less dynamic, less powerful counterpart. Our program’s extensive reliance on the more dynamic, powerful movements holds the seeds of our athletes’ successes."

    http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/32_05_Kipping_Pullup.pdf

    ETA: Added source. (I started, then thought I should look up official documented points of performance)

    Who is stronger, the person doing 20 pull-ups with perfect form or someone doing 20 kipping pull-ups in 30 seconds?

    I don't know. Why is that relevant?
    Using your body's momentum does not allow you to engage your shoulders, back, core etc...

    What creates the momentum?
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    SideSteel wrote: »
    Generally I think that Crossfit has become the whipping boy of the fitness industry.

    I do admit that it's funny, but at the same time I think that Crossfit tends to get some things very right even though they also get some things very wrong, IMO.

    Random notes:

    1) I don't tend to agree with how some things are programmed (or lack of programming perhaps). A bit more structured overload and a LOT less randomness would probably benefit people for strength and hypertrophy.

    2) Performing technically complex movements at high levels of fatigue is a good recipe for injury.

    3) Certain sub cultures seem to wear injuries like a badge of honor but in fairness that's not a judgement that can extend to all of crossfit.

    But what they get right:

    a) Social support and community. This is freaking HUUUUUUGE and obviously they do it well, because every crossfitter to ever exist tells you they crossfit. (lol)

    b) They are bringing barbell lifting to the mainstream. Another huge plus.

    c) They are getting people to train hard using a variety of modalities.


    In my opinion crossfit is definitely a huge net-positive, even though I do still make crossfit jokes =)

    i pretty much agree with this ...

    although, some of the moves they have people doing seem to be lacking form ...like Kipping Pullups...

    I knew we would eventually get to kipping. While not a CF expert by any means, the kipping pull up requires a definite form and technique. It is similar in concept to a clean or jerk.

    what form is that? Throwing your legs up in the air like a maniac?

    The kip engages the core by starting from the hang and pushing the "hips and shoulders forward and then relaxing, push forward and then relax, until a swing develops. The athlete moves from “arched to hollow” forming a “C” alternating between belly forward, shoulder open (arched), and belly retreating, shoulder closing (hollow).
    Once the swing is developed, the athlete will find the kip by giving a sharp tug upward at the back of the swing while leaning back slightly, which heaves the athlete toward the bar."

    "Kipping pull-ups have the same advantages over strict pull-ups that the jerk has over the shoulder press. Each is a fundamentally more potent stimulus than its less dynamic, less powerful counterpart. Our program’s extensive reliance on the more dynamic, powerful movements holds the seeds of our athletes’ successes."

    http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/32_05_Kipping_Pullup.pdf

    ETA: Added source. (I started, then thought I should look up official documented points of performance)

    Who is stronger, the person doing 20 pull-ups with perfect form or someone doing 20 kipping pull-ups in 30 seconds?

    I don't know. Why is that relevant?
    Using your body's momentum does not allow you to engage your shoulders, back, core etc...

    What creates the momentum?

    Functional strength is not relevant??

    Swinging your legs creates momentum which makes it easier....
  • moe0303
    moe0303 Posts: 934 Member
    The functions of a strict pull up and a kipping pull up are not the same.

    What muscle groups are utilized in order to create the swing?
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    moe0303 wrote: »
    The functions of a strict pull up and a kipping pull up are not the same.

    What muscle groups are utilized in order to create the swing?

    What is the function of a kipping pull-up? To swing your legs so you can act like a bad *kitten* so you can say you did 30 pull-ups in 30 seconds??????
  • moe0303
    moe0303 Posts: 934 Member
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    The functions of a strict pull up and a kipping pull up are not the same.

    What muscle groups are utilized in order to create the swing?

    What is the function of a kipping pull-up? To swing your legs so you can act like a bad *kitten* so you can say you did 30 pull-ups in 30 seconds??????

    I am unaware of any work out which prescribes 30 kipping pull ups in 30 seconds.
  • moe0303
    moe0303 Posts: 934 Member
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    The functions of a strict pull up and a kipping pull up are not the same.

    What muscle groups are utilized in order to create the swing?

    What is the function of a kipping pull-up? To swing your legs so you can act like a bad *kitten* so you can say you did 30 pull-ups in 30 seconds??????

    I would say the object of a kipping pull up is to incorporate multiple muscle groups into a safe and repeatable motion in order to increase capacity of work potential for pulling ones body against gravity until their chest touches the bar.*

    *Source: Me...just now.
  • extra_medium
    extra_medium Posts: 1,525 Member
    zyxst wrote: »
    I don't even know what CrossFit is. Circuit training with cult-like atmosphere? I don't workout in public so I never run across CrossFit.

    rolling big tires using the wrong side
  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    zyxst wrote: »
    I don't even know what CrossFit is. Circuit training with cult-like atmosphere? I don't workout in public so I never run across CrossFit.

    rolling big tires using the wrong side

    ie, square tires
  • chocolate_owl
    chocolate_owl Posts: 1,695 Member
    This article explains kipping pretty well, I think. https://www.t-nation.com/training/kipping-pull-ups-the-truth

    TL;DR: kipping is used by CrossFit competitors because the competition defined a pull-up as chin-above-bar, it can be dangerous if you don't already have strong shoulder muscles, learn to do strict pull-ups first, kipping can be useful to add to the end of a set of strict pull-ups to aid with hypertrophy.

    My upper body strength sucks, so if I'm ever in an action-movie situation where I'm dangling from a bridge and need to pull myself back up, damn right I'm gonna kip my way back up there. Otherwise, I'm going to keep working on my strict pull-ups... So very close to getting one...
  • Keladelphia
    Keladelphia Posts: 820 Member
    y3xauhqnblby.jpg

    Just had to post it....because it's true.

    So many critiques of crossfit are valid. I can see how people wouldn't want to do high volume Olympic lifts for time. I can see that in many circumstances form is placed on a back burner. There are definitely a couple of dumb movements (I mentioned two earlier). I get that the whole "cult like mentality" is super annoying. What I really don't get the whole kipping pull-up debate. Whenever anyone talks about kipping pull-ups (and it happens in every single Crossfit debate eventually) they compare kipping pull-ups to strict pull-ups. A kipping pull-up is not used in Crossfit to elicit the same stimulus as a regular pull up. If you think they're being used in Crossfit to build the same raw strength as pull-ups you're nuts. Kipping pull-ups are used to create anaerobic demand on the musculature of the upper body. It's an efficiency movement that Crossfit has allowed to meet the standard of "pull-up" when strict pull-ups are not otherwise specified (which they often are). Stop comparing apples to oranges people.
  • abatonfan
    abatonfan Posts: 1,120 Member
    edited June 2016
    I might be an outlier -I refuse to support anything related to CrossFit. The CEO is a jerkhead who believes diabetics become diabetic by consuming too much sugar (even after Nick Jonas -a type 1 diabetic- directly addressed the CEO's comments. The CEO made a bigger fool trying to defend himself, IMO). I can exercise in ways that doesn't support false stereotypes and a narcissistic CEO.

    PS: If anyone hasn't read the comments, these articles provide a good general gist:
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/riva-greenberg/people-disgusted-by-cross_b_7721848.html
    http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/nick-jonas-chides-crossfit-diabetes-tweet-company-fires/story?id=32172324
  • CipherZero
    CipherZero Posts: 1,418 Member
    Why I dislike crossfit as a whole:
    • If you're following the crossfit WODs, you are not training, you're exercising.
    • Kipping pull-ups are not pull ups. The momentum of the swinging robs you of an effective strength training technique the same way does a bounced deadlifts does.
    • AMRAP on highly technical lifts is a good way to get joint injuries or drop a bar on yourself.
    • CF1-level trainers receive 300 minutes of training and no practical exam.
    • Crossfit gyms are horrifically expensive in my area - USD 120 a month is the lowest I've seen.
    • The WODs are full of silly *kitten* like bosu ball bench press.
    • Form appears to be secondary to completing a lift; this is the exact opposite of how it should be.
    • Injury is expected among the participants at CF gyms during training.
    • HQ is lawsuit-happy with people who diss the brand.

    And finally: Winners of the CF competitions do not principally train with CF techniques - they primarily strength train and work on CF games-specific conditioning.
  • moe0303
    moe0303 Posts: 934 Member
    CipherZero wrote: »
    Why I dislike crossfit as a whole:
    • If you're following the crossfit WODs, you are not training, you're exercising.
    I find this to be an odd conclusion. Can you elaborate on the differences?
    [*] Kipping pull-ups are not pull ups. The momentum of the swinging robs you of an effective strength training technique the same way does a bounced deadlifts does.
    I don't know what a bounced deadlift is, but if it means bouncing the weight off the ground, then you are talking about something completely different. A more appropriate comparison would be to the Jerk or Clean. Do you feel that those movements rob people of "effective strength training techniques"?
    [*] AMRAP on highly technical lifts is a good way to get joint injuries or drop a bar on yourself.
    [*] CF1-level trainers receive 300 minutes of training and no practical exam.
    [*] Crossfit gyms are horrifically expensive in my area - USD 120 a month is the lowest I've seen.
    I don't really disagree with any of this
    [*] The WODs are full of silly *kitten* like bosu ball bench press.
    Never seen this, but I'm sure it happens.
    [*] Form appears to be secondary to completing a lift; this is the exact opposite of how it should be.
    I can only speak to my experience which only encompasses 4 different gyms, but form is a requirement for the lift. In other words, if you come out of your form, the rep doesn't count. Now this doesn't mean that coaches catch or enforce this rule as well as they should, but it is not by design secondary.
    [*] Injury is expected among the participants at CF gyms during training.
    I think this will vary greatly and is probably based on old thought from the earlier days of crossfit. This may also be something that was influenced by the early communities in which crossfit flourished (i.e. military and police)
    [*] HQ is lawsuit-happy with people who diss the brand.
    I'd rather not get into politics as I feel they are irrelevant and there are plenty of practical aspects to debate.

    And finally: Winners of the CF competitions do not principally train with CF techniques - they primarily strength train and work on CF games-specific conditioning.

    If they are working on CF games-specific conditioning, wouldn't that be CrossFit techniques? I mean, all the stuff they do in the games is stuff I see in the classes. In any case, they have an established base in CF techniques.
  • CipherZero
    CipherZero Posts: 1,418 Member
    moe0303 wrote: »
    CipherZero wrote: »
    Why I dislike crossfit as a whole:

    Kipping pull-ups are not pull ups. The momentum of the swinging robs you of an effective strength training technique the same way does a bounced deadlifts does.
    I don't know what a bounced deadlift is, but if it means bouncing the weight off the ground, then you are talking about something completely different. A more appropriate comparison would be to the Jerk or Clean. Do you feel that those movements rob people of "effective strength training techniques"?

    The Jerk and Clean are properly performed lifts. A kipping pullup uses swing momentum to get the rep. Simlarly, a deadlift starts from a dead stop - hence the name. Bouncing the plates and doing another rep is using bounce momentum to get the rep.
    moe0303 wrote: »
    CipherZero wrote: »

    Form appears to be secondary to completing a lift; this is the exact opposite of how it should be.
    I can only speak to my experience which only encompasses 4 different gyms, but form is a requirement for the lift. In other words, if you come out of your form, the rep doesn't count. Now this doesn't mean that coaches catch or enforce this rule as well as they should, but it is not by design secondary.

    Check out the lower tiers of a crossfit games. The reps of the non-elite athletes are horrific and allowed.
    moe0303 wrote: »
    CipherZero wrote: »
    Injury is expected among the participants at CF gyms during training.
    I think this will vary greatly and is probably based on old thought from the earlier days of crossfit. This may also be something that was
    influenced by the early communities in which crossfit flourished (i.e. military and police)


    Read https://www.t-nation.com/powerful-words/open-letter-to-crossfit-hq - from a doctor who was on-site for the 2015 Crossfit Games.

    I'll quote one of the passages after he discusses athletes dropping from heat exhaustion and other injuries from the 120-150F floor of the center of the games:

    Dave Castro, the oft-ridiculed Ryan Seacrest of the CrossFit Games, and Justin Bergh, general manager of the CrossFit Games, unceremoniously sauntered into the medical treatment area following Murph, had a short discussion with the medical director, then walked out.

    No apologies, no outward expression of concern toward the affected athletes. Nothing.

    moe0303 wrote: »
    CipherZero wrote: »
    And finally: Winners of the CF competitions do not principally train with CF techniques - they primarily strength train and work on CF games-specific conditioning.

    If they are working on CF games-specific conditioning, wouldn't that be CrossFit techniques? I mean, all the stuff they do in the games is stuff I see in the classes. In any case, they have an established base in CF techniques.

    The strength portion of the CF games require strength, which doing the WODs will not give as the WODs are essentially randomized exercise lists.

    As for the difference between training and exercising, that's a dive into esoterica and defintions that's probably better suited to another discussion. :)
  • moe0303
    moe0303 Posts: 934 Member
    edited June 2016
    CipherZero wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    CipherZero wrote: »
    Why I dislike crossfit as a whole:

    Kipping pull-ups are not pull ups. The momentum of the swinging robs you of an effective strength training technique the same way does a bounced deadlifts does.
    I don't know what a bounced deadlift is, but if it means bouncing the weight off the ground, then you are talking about something completely different. A more appropriate comparison would be to the Jerk or Clean. Do you feel that those movements rob people of "effective strength training techniques"?

    The Jerk and Clean are properly performed lifts. A kipping pullup uses swing momentum to get the rep. Simlarly, a deadlift starts from a dead stop - hence the name. Bouncing the plates and doing another rep is using bounce momentum to get the rep.

    Why is kipping not a properly performed lift? Doesn't the clean and jerk use momentum of the body to get the rep?

  • moe0303
    moe0303 Posts: 934 Member
    edited June 2016
    CipherZero wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    CipherZero wrote: »

    Form appears to be secondary to completing a lift; this is the exact opposite of how it should be.
    I can only speak to my experience which only encompasses 4 different gyms, but form is a requirement for the lift. In other words, if you come out of your form, the rep doesn't count. Now this doesn't mean that coaches catch or enforce this rule as well as they should, but it is not by design secondary.

    Check out the lower tiers of a crossfit games. The reps of the non-elite athletes are horrific and allowed.

    I know at the lowest levels, specific points of performance are outlined and identified. Reps which don't meet the criteria are not supposed to be counted. I have personally witnessed competitors "no-reped" for bad form during competition at the very lowest levels of the games.
  • moe0303
    moe0303 Posts: 934 Member
    edited June 2016
    CipherZero wrote: »
    moe0303 wrote: »
    CipherZero wrote: »
    And finally: Winners of the CF competitions do not principally train with CF techniques - they primarily strength train and work on CF games-specific conditioning.

    If they are working on CF games-specific conditioning, wouldn't that be CrossFit techniques? I mean, all the stuff they do in the games is stuff I see in the classes. In any case, they have an established base in CF techniques.

    The strength portion of the CF games require strength, which doing the WODs will not give as the WODs are essentially randomized exercise lists.

    Every CrossFit gym I have attended routinely allots class time specifically towards strength training as a separate activity from any WOD. It is part of the CrossFit programming.

This discussion has been closed.