How effective is crossfit?

tyraun_b

I've heard good and bad things about crossfit. For those of you that do it and have tried it....what are your thoughts on it???

Nissi51

Tried it
Too much risk of injury for my liking

tedrickp

Totally personal decision IMO.

For me, I am not a big fan because I don't like the group dynamic and am not really motivated by it.

However, my friend loves it, embraces it - and is working out more than ever. He loves the group dynamic and challenging himself against other people's times. Another bonus is it really introduced him to a lot of lifts (squat, deadlift, power cleans) that he hadn't been using much before.

So if you are someone motivated by competition, it may be worth a shot.

My only concerns would be price can be crazy and you need to find a good trainer who will actually teach you proper form, who wont rush your weights up until your form is solid.

chrisdavey

effective for what?

thepetiterunner

I do Kaia Fit, which is Cross-fit-esque, but a bit less intense as far as lifts go. I really enjoy it because it's a group dynamic that is supportive and encouraging, but also the workouts change every day. I like not having to go into a gym with my own routines - I did this for years and would just get stuck in ruts. I do get a little competitive, but nothing too crazy.

I think every Cross Fit gym really really depends on the trainers you're working with and the general culture of that particular gym. I really enjoy the trainer-like workouts, but with more people in the class with me. I've never been one for those gym "aerobics" type classes and this seems to strike a happy medium for me. It's gotten me to work out WAY more than I usually would and I really enjoy it.

The drawback is, of course, cost. There's nothing in the workouts that you couldn't do on your own with enough research on the internet, youtube, etc. But for me, it really comes down to the environment. It's worth the cost to me, but I could see why a lot of other people wouldn't dig it.

shmerek

Yes, effective for what would be my question as well? I do a cross fit type training three times a week and there are only 4 of us that train at that time and I really enjoy it. There is nothing inherently "dangerous" about it as long as you are using good form. Even when the workouts are against the clock or whatever I still do strict pull ups etc. I am not going to sacrifice form to shave a few seconds off of a clock. What I enjoy about it is I never know what kind of work out I am walking into, I could be doing lots of squats or deadlifts or bodyweight exercises who knows. It is great for getting your heart rate up. I am usually in my last two heart rates zones for the entire workout which is awesome. I love it, I think it is great for overall fitness. I also love lifting heavy **** as well.

I will say that if the people at the gym were douchy or referred to it as a "box" or started to think they were all bad *kitten* I would run away.

parisallez

Crossfit is very effective to answer your question. Very sound and well-designed for all around fitness. Of course there are so many different instructors that there are surely those who instruct less effectively than others, or encourage more risky things than others. Watching the crossfit games on TV is crazy motivating for me. My pic here is of my favorite crossfitter Iceland annie!

Hendrix7

effective for what?

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Stonekerry

Effective - yes, does help fitness - depending on what "effective" means to you.
Think it depends on the class though - in UK, have a friend who has hurt their back - badly, as they push you to do more and more and don't look at technique. Wouldn't do it again because of that

MeanderingMammal

Depends on your objectives really. It's a fairly generalised programme so it's not going to be suitable if you have particular goals in mind. As far as a general circuit is concerned it has many benefits, plus for those that are interested the use of olympic lifts is useful.

There are risks, it depends very much on the quality of the instructors, as noted upthread form is important and if that's not coached in then there is a threat of injury or excessive overload.

Horses for courses, it's not my scene as I'm not a fan of group classes and training indoors if I can avoid it, and it doesn't suit my training objectives. Lots of people rave about it.

SallyFTW

As a women I have seen some very good results. The workouts are tough, so I reduce the intensity to fit my current fitness levels. I can see progress and also my fitness levels have increased.

MityMax96

Depends on what your goals are.