Crossfit yes or no
Replies
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The only thing I know about cross fit is my orthopedic DR says injuries from it have paid for his mortgage.
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vespiquenn wrote: »Typically the amount of reps are ridiculous and unnecessary, at least in my experience.Motorsheen wrote: »The only problem I have with CF is doing Olympic Lifts for time.
^^^
These are a few on my biggest issues with CF. The volume was often crippling and unnecessary for the goal of strength or hypertrophy. Or too sporadic for certain movements. Pounding the same muscle groups day after day. I was also subjected to the "you barely know how to do Oly lifts but do this clean and jerk WOD for time."
That and doing burpees for 15 min and THEN doing your bench press strength work. No thanks.
Kind of seemed like a lot of the 'regular' people I met who'd been doing it a few years hadn't made a ton of progress for strength/conditioning/or body comp.... *shrugs* YMMV1 -
not_a_runner wrote: »vespiquenn wrote: »Typically the amount of reps are ridiculous and unnecessary, at least in my experience.Motorsheen wrote: »The only problem I have with CF is doing Olympic Lifts for time.
^^^
These are a few on my biggest issues with CF. The volume was often crippling and unnecessary for the goal of strength or hypertrophy. Or too sporadic for certain movements. Pounding the same muscle groups day after day. I was also subjected to the "you barely know how to do Oly lifts but do this clean and jerk WOD for time."
That and doing burpees for 15 min and THEN doing your bench press strength work. No thanks.
Kind of seemed like a lot of the 'regular' people I met who'd been doing it a few years hadn't made a ton of progress for strength/conditioning/or body comp.... *shrugs* YMMV
My coworker has been doing CF for about a year. He's most definitely "fitter" now than he was but he actually shrank... which is funny because his stated goal when he started was he wanted to gain mass and get "big". I had pointed him in the direction of some good bodybuilding routines and gyms but he was sold on the idea of CF as the best way to achieve the "look" he wanted.
I do wonder how many of the super buff guys and gals doing CF actually achieved their mass doing traditional hypertrophy routines prior to CF and not because of CF.0 -
I started CrossFit at the beginning of September. It's costing me $120/mo and I'm still doing it, going three days a week, if that's any indication.
I'm in a lower level class, but it's still pretty intense. My coach is great, which makes a difference. I like the team atmosphere and the fact I have a coach there to watch my form.
I do have to say, I don't burn a lot of calories with CrossFit. My class is an hour long, which includes a strength or mobility portion at the beginning, a warm-up and a workout. The workout is generally ~8 - 15 minutes, but can go up to 20 minutes. I usually only burn around 350 calories during the full hour (per my hrm connected to UA Record). When I was doing Zumba I'd burn 750 - 800 calories in the same timeframe, but the twisting was hard on my knees and ankles.
(I'm currently 295 lbs, for calorie reference)
CrossFit has been great for my strength and mobility, as well as my confidence. It has not been great for weight loss. Prior to starting CrossFit I was steadily losing 1.5 - 2 pounds a week. Since starting CrossFit on September 6, I have lost 7 pounds total. This bugged me for a while, but I've realized I feel 1000x better and am losing inches.
I've lost a total of 115 pounds so far and the weight loss itself never made me feel better. If anything, I just felt more and more depressed as I lost weight. Getting stronger and fitter, on the other hand, has made a huge difference in how I feel both physically and mentally.
I have also started doing c25k on my in between days. I'm on week 5.3 -
I did it for 3 months and enjoyed a lot of it, but I was just too competitive, I pushed myself too hard because it would really bother me to look at the results board if my performance was subpar. I ended up with back pain and other issues, took a break, and never went back.2
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jseams1234 wrote: »not_a_runner wrote: »vespiquenn wrote: »Typically the amount of reps are ridiculous and unnecessary, at least in my experience.Motorsheen wrote: »The only problem I have with CF is doing Olympic Lifts for time.
^^^
These are a few on my biggest issues with CF. The volume was often crippling and unnecessary for the goal of strength or hypertrophy. Or too sporadic for certain movements. Pounding the same muscle groups day after day. I was also subjected to the "you barely know how to do Oly lifts but do this clean and jerk WOD for time."
That and doing burpees for 15 min and THEN doing your bench press strength work. No thanks.
Kind of seemed like a lot of the 'regular' people I met who'd been doing it a few years hadn't made a ton of progress for strength/conditioning/or body comp.... *shrugs* YMMV
My coworker has been doing CF for about a year. He's most definitely "fitter" now than he was but he actually shrank... which is funny because his stated goal when he started was he wanted to gain mass and get "big". I had pointed him in the direction of some good bodybuilding routines and gyms but he was sold on the idea of CF as the best way to achieve the "look" he wanted.
I do wonder how many of the super buff guys and gals doing CF actually achieved their mass doing traditional hypertrophy routines prior to CF and not because of CF.
I’ve wondered this as well. High level competitors are not just doing WODs.
People can certainly get “more fit” and gain muscle/strength with CF. But it’s not optimal for any one of those goals, aside from ‘general fitness’. (Cue the “crossfit isn’t meant to build muscle or strength” comments lol.) I was just not impressed by the results of many who regularly attend classes. Even on the general fitness side.
I walked in and could lift much heavier than any of the women at my box, and even many of the men. But I built that strength with specific programming, and felt my progress was suffering at CF.
I checked out the “competitor schedule” during my stint, and that was actually more well rounded training than the WODs. Regularly doing bench press, OHP, etc. As well as bicep, tri, and shoulder accessories. I found it really difficult to try to do that work in addition to the WODs though. Most people only do WODs, which to me if more of a test of fitness than it is building muscle/strength/skills.
Using CF when you have a goal to get stronger or build muscle is like choosing recomp over the bulk/cut method. Sure you’ll make some progress, but it will never compare to the progress you could’ve made with an appropriate method for your goals.1 -
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Im a yes for crossfit. Ive had injuries from car wrecks (not crossfit) so I modify a lot. I don't run or do burpees I love the group atmisphere. I chose the gym I go to because I trust the coach, other gyms not so much. i pay $100 a month and go about 5 times a week, i paid 45 a month at 24hr and never went. So I figure its worth the price since i actually go1
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LOVE it.
I have been at it for more than two years and have drastically increased my fitness level as well as strength. My favorite part is the group aspect - I am much more motivated to do a workout when I am alongside others doing the same. I also enjoy the fact that I don't have to "figure out" what I want to do each day in the gym. It is programmed for me.
Any sport will have its share of injuries. A good warm-up (particularly for those of us who are "older"), good form, good coaching, and keeping the ego in check are all things that help us stay injury free.
Enjoy!3 -
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I do wonder how many of the super buff guys and gals doing CF actually achieved their mass doing traditional hypertrophy routines prior to CF and not because of CF. [/quote]
The super buff guys and gals you see on the TV Crossfit competitions are doing steroids.
Yep, that's how they get that look and power.
It's the well-kept "secret" of Crossfit and helps market the business model.
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I did crossfit for 3 years, even started doing 2 classes a day one being a strongman wod just for me. They can program to your needs. Like me having bad knees I had to stop. You will be fit for sure. I was doing power lifting 3 times a week too in a regular gym. Now I just lift heavy upper body movements hoping for one more bench press meet. Put this way if you and your buddy come across a car accident and have no phone service, the crossfitter can go run for help while you rip the doors off an free the victim. Thats what I do...lol I'm not a spider monkey with a manbun.2
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@Luxduca it's Monday...did you check it out?!0
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Davidsdottir wrote: »@Luxduca it's Monday...did you check it out?!
Yeah, how did it go?0 -
They killed Lux!!! Savages.4
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To address the "random" notion, and it is a big problem I see at times...BUT sometimes what appears random, is actually building upon itself.
Of the programming is good, and looked at from a distance, it's not as random as it appears. CrossFit is built on not specializing, there are a lot of movements, so there has to be a ton of variety. Also realize that you are programming for a population, not an individual. One of the tenants of CrossFit is building work capacity over a range of time and modal domains. This means sometimes it's strength focused, sometimes it's longer cardio, sometimes shorter and more intense. It's also not to say that a person can't take some time to do extra more specific work outside of class. I could never just follow the classes as the only exercise I do. That doesn't mean the entire system is bad.
I find a lot of these criticisms funny because people are saying CrossFit is bad because it doesn't fit my goals. Yet people rarely go out of their way to dismiss another form of exercise because it doesn't fit their goals. No one cares that it doesn't fit your specific goals. But when it comes to a general fitness program that keeps people engaged and wanting to continue to workout, it's really tough to beat.10 -
My girlfriend does Crossfit and loves it. Is it for me, no. First off, it's triple what I pay a month for the gym. Second, they do a lot of stuff I have no interest in doing. If it helps you reach your goals, then do it.1
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I find a lot of these criticisms funny because people are saying CrossFit is bad because it doesn't fit my goals. Yet people rarely go out of their way to dismiss another form of exercise because it doesn't fit their goals. No one cares that it doesn't fit your specific goals. But when it comes to a general fitness program that keeps people engaged and wanting to continue to workout, it's really tough to beat.
Quite happy to discount anything that gets all ONE TRUE WAY (TM) and claim miracle results.
Particularly when it's significantly more expensive than other options.2 -
To address the "random" notion, and it is a big problem I see at times...BUT sometimes what appears random, is actually building upon itself.
Of the programming is good, and looked at from a distance, it's not as random as it appears. CrossFit is built on not specializing, there are a lot of movements, so there has to be a ton of variety. Also realize that you are programming for a population, not an individual. One of the tenants of CrossFit is building work capacity over a range of time and modal domains. This means sometimes it's strength focused, sometimes it's longer cardio, sometimes shorter and more intense. It's also not to say that a person can't take some time to do extra more specific work outside of class. I could never just follow the classes as the only exercise I do. That doesn't mean the entire system is bad.
I find a lot of these criticisms funny because people are saying CrossFit is bad because it doesn't fit my goals. Yet people rarely go out of their way to dismiss another form of exercise because it doesn't fit their goals. No one cares that it doesn't fit your specific goals. But when it comes to a general fitness program that keeps people engaged and wanting to continue to workout, it's really tough to beat.
This is a crossfit specific post, no one asked about other forms of exercise that 'don't fit goals'. Of course people are only dismissing CF.
But since you brought it up, I'll be happy to dismiss other things as well..
Some people are happy with improved "fitness" and maybe losing some weight/building a little muscle and strength over the years. And for those starting from basically no weight lifting experience, of course they'll see some newbie gains just from starting to incorporate some type of resistance training.
However, many people's motivation for joining CF is wanting to look like a Games athlete, or lift super heavy weight. For them, there would be better methods to achieve these specific goals.
Even in the weight lifting realm there are certain programs that don't fit certain goals. A powerlifter would not use a "bro split" hypertrophy program, just as someone with purely aesthetic goals would not do a powerlifting specific program. Getting really great at Oly lifts- you'd be better off hopping on an Oly specific program.
Yes, there is programming involved. You will likely test your maxes and run some programming off of that, but because you are trying to cram so many movements in you don't really get much time to spend on any one movement. Personally, I like to work on a skill several times per week, not once weekly or bi weekly.
The point is, just as you said, the programming is not individual. So if you have a specific goal - aesthetics/strength/Oly lifts/endurance events such as a marathon- you should do programming for that goal. Not just CF which has you spend time on #allthegoals
I actually tried to do additional programming more specific to my goals along side CF, but unless someone has the time to workout twice a day or can manage to do back to back training and recover from all of it, you're better off dropping the CF to focus on your goal.7 -
If you like group settings and are social then try it out. If you're like me and lift angry you'll likely not fit in.
On injury: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rosspomeroy/2014/04/03/crossfit-isnt-killing-us/#421374d9aec0
"Injury rates with CrossFit training are similar to that reported in the literature for sports such as Olympic weight-lifting, power-lifting and gymnastics and lower than competitive contact sports such as rugby union and rugby league," the researchers reported.
And that rate is positively puny compared to sports like soccer, skiing, and football. Even running may be more dangerous. A 2010 study followed recreational runners for eight weeks as they trained for a 4-mile race. 30.1 injuries were reported for every 1,000 hours of running."
Many of the same folks that claim it is so dangerous also take their kids to soccer and football before heading off for a run. Yes there is a chance you'll get injured. Yes, it's ugly when it happens. Thing is any and all exercise has risks. It's up to the individual to make their own risk vs' reward judgment.
Once again I am not a Crossfit cultist (just kidding
) but I don't see a problem with it if it would get you more into fitness. 6 -
Yes, If they have an actually Olympic lifting coach then yes; if not you'll reinforce terrible technique that will lead you to injury.
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I LOVE crossfit! I've been doing it for a little over a year. I'm sure I would see way better results if I would stick to better nutrition though lol... Most places give you a free workout or two so try it out and try a few different places out too to see if you like this place over that place and the workouts in general. If it doesn't seem to be the right fit, you can always try something else.1
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I LOVE crossfit! I've been doing it for a little over a year. I'm sure I would see way better results if I would stick to better nutrition though lol... Most places give you a free workout or two so try it out and try a few different places out too to see if you like this place over that place and the workouts in general. If it doesn't seem to be the right fit, you can always try something else.
My sister has been doing crossfit since Feb of this year and loves it. She was really disappointed that she wasn't losing weight. Her box started doing IIFYM 4 weeks ago (logging weight and inches lost). She is down 15 lbs and 5.5". Basically once she started keeping track of calories the weight started coming off. Diet is key:)2 -
Depends on your goals, what you enjoy and what motivates you, but of course everyone has said that already :P How did the class go?
I plan on joining a local box when I have the disposable income to do so, right now I get a discount at a gym chain from work and I'm saving to go back to school so I can't justify it. It is expensive but to me, a good box is going to be worth it. When I'm at the gym, outside of swiping my card to get into the gym I don't talk to anybody there, no one is watching my form, and no one is motivating me to push myself so a lot of the times - I don't. These are struggles I face, some people are great at pushing themselves and love the fact that when they're at the gym they don't talk to anyone. I come from a team sports background and I find the competition and camaraderie to really help me do the best I can, not to mention every session you go to you should have an experienced trainer motivating and keeping an eye on a relatively small group of people, that alone makes the thought of it worth it to me, because there should be somebody making sure your form is good.1 -
At my gym we do a type of Crossfit called Alpha. We do a lot of power-lifting. I love the class and my upper body got so much stronger but my right knee is killing me from barbell squats. I do miss the cardio that I used to get from Bootcamp also.1
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Davidsdottir wrote: »@Luxduca it's Monday...did you check it out?!
Moved to this Saturday. I couldn’t attend on Monday.
So,Saturday morning at 9am. I will give you my verdict.
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Jtalaskamom wrote: »Davidsdottir wrote: »@Luxduca it's Monday...did you check it out?!
Yeah, how did it go?
Going on Saturday. Couldn’t go on Monday.
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cbrealtor55 wrote: »Yes. Every box is different, find one that has good coaching. Also, it's important to listen to your body. Nobody forces you to do the reps at the prescribed weight. Scale the workouts as needed. Check your ego at the door, a lot of people get hurt because they have too much pride and won't use a lighter weight.
I second this^ The coaches and owners at the box I go to are amazing. They are serious about proper form and scaling down to a safe level. Another thing, CF used to have "prescribed" workouts with set weights for each lift and I think it made people more competitive and likely to injure themselves, they have gotten rid of this now and I think it's great. Just find what works for you, be safe, and ask the coaches about form if you are new to a lift or movement and you'll be fine. Could just as easily get injured running or playing a sport if you don't use proper form.1 -
I can't justify the cost.0
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