CrossFit

engineman312

i went to a military college, so i think that this "do it or die trying" attitude isn't actually trying to promote anyone actually hurting or killing themselves. and i've puked after many a work out while at camp sunny merry time. its more of an attitude that drill instructors and some personal trainers use to get people motivated. so many people out there are afraid to leave their comfort zone, that they don't even try. they don't know how to push their limits. they stop themselves before they can even get to a limit.

inside of them their is the capacity to lift more, to run faster and further, to work out a little longer. but like i said, so many people never push themselves far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second.

Health_Gal

You can get people to push you to find your 2nd wind in many places other than Crossfit. And it's usually much less expensive.

engineman312

You can get people to push you to find your 2nd wind in many places other than Crossfit. And it's usually much less expensive.

so it's the money that get you? you don't like having to pay to be yelled at? lol, cuz i did that for college. nothing like knowing that i paid for this DI to yell at me for the next four years.

HMD7703

You can get people to push you to find your 2nd wind in many places other than Crossfit. And it's usually much less expensive.

so it's the money that get you? you don't like having to pay to be yelled at? lol, cuz i did that for college. nothing like knowing that i paid for this DI to yell at me for the next four years.

^^ This...

My DS yelled for free... LOL
It worked for me.
Looking back... maybe I need to go back in.. I kind of miss that feeling of domestic violence meets personal trainer type of love.

Maybe I am just a masochist.
:bigsmile:

snkeller24

You don't have to pay to do crossfit ... yeah Rebook has come into the picture for the games as a sponsor and sell clothing/shoes/hats but that doesn't mean you have to purchase them. That'd be like saying I buy UA so right away I support University of Maryland ... except I'm a 'Heels' fan. You have to pay to go to the Y.

Yes if you want to join an affiliate, you pay a gym membership like you would do at the Y or Golds or Planet Fitness ... So they're all the same, a chain that has privately owned smaller gyms. I've never seen anything community related at Golds or LA Fitness when I belonged there. But since being at my box we've done 3 fundraisers for cancer and/or Wounded Warrior .... We don't have commercials or billboards, the sign on the outside of our box isn't super big or flashy. The advertisement is the people who belong, the word of mouth, the presence we have in the community running or supporting charities.

But this is getting old, because all you're doing is quoting the same thing over and over like a closed minded bigot. Go run on the treadmill and quit arguing with people in nonsensical circles.

kdiamond

All I have to say is don't knock it until you try it...and at my box you have to pass a 2-4 week "basics" class based on your own abilities before you can participate in the actual WOD. Any box where you can just go in and do whatever you want is a bad box. People only get injured because they try more than they can handle. If you find a good trainer, you'll love it.

35 years old and in the best shape of my life, hands down, because of Crossfit.

Health_Gal

All I have to say is don't knock it until you try it...and at my box you have to pass a 2-4 week "basics" class based on your own abilities before you can participate in the actual WOD. Any box where you can just go in and do whatever you want is a bad box. People only get injured because they try more than they can handle. If you find a good trainer, you'll love it.

35 years old and in the best shape of my life, hands down, because of Crossfit.

If you had a good personal trainer or a good class that was not Crossfit, I am sure you would be in just as good of shape as you are with Crossfit. Crossfit has no "magic system" It's just one system, and there are many others that would have given you equal or better results.

That's one reason I don't like Crossfit. So many people that do it are convinced by their coaches or the elite Crossfitters that it is so much better than anything else when that is not at all the case.

And from what I've heard, for every Crossfit gym that is run in a safe responsible way, there are many more where people are getting injured on a regular basis because of the "do it or die trying" mentality the coaches project.

No thanks, I don't want your Crossfit Kool Aid, even if you gave me a lifetime membership for free.

engineman312

All I have to say is don't knock it until you try it...and at my box you have to pass a 2-4 week "basics" class based on your own abilities before you can participate in the actual WOD. Any box where you can just go in and do whatever you want is a bad box. People only get injured because they try more than they can handle. If you find a good trainer, you'll love it.

35 years old and in the best shape of my life, hands down, because of Crossfit.

If you had a good personal trainer or a good class that was not Crossfit, I am sure you would be in just as good of shape as you are with Crossfit. Crossfit has no "magic system" It's just one system, and there are many others that would have given you equal or better results.

That's one reason I don't like Crossfit. So many people that do it are convinced by their coaches or the elite Crossfitters that it is so much better than anything else when that is not at all the case.

And from what I've heard, for every Crossfit gym that is run in a safe responsible way, there are many more where people are getting injured on a regular basis because of the "do it or die trying" mentality the coaches project.

No thanks, I don't want your Crossfit Kool Aid, even if you gave me a lifetime membership for free.

this is no different then someone that says "you know what works? running/rowing/swimming/cycling. its the best exercise." people are talking about their experiences, and if the poster wants to say that she's in the best shape of her life due to crossfit, whats the big deal? so many people try so many different things, and it takes a while to find what works.

Health_Gal

Because she is not in the best shape of her life due to Crossfit. It's because of her own effort and motivation! She could have taken that same effort and motivation to a personal trainer, boot camp class, or any number of other places and also been in the best shape of her life.

I do quite a few different things. I run, I life weights, I swim, I dance, and when there's snow on the ground, I snow shoe. But I don't give any one of those activities or the people that teach them credit for making me in the best shape of my life. I just decided that I wanted to be in better shape, and took that motivation to whatever activity I decided to get involved with.

LaMujerMasBonitaDelMundo

I had just signed up for a free trial at our local Crossfit gym here. I really love lifting weights & to keep challenging my body.

snkeller24

Crossfit works for her, giving her the results she wanted ... there for she is in the best shape of her life because of crossfit. If i lived somewhere with sweet *kitten* slopes, I'd be in the best shape of my life because I'd spend it snowboarding.

So you're saying running works for you, crossfit works for her. No one is here bashing running, swimming, or lifting. You're lashing out at one method of exercise for no reason. People are adults, can make the choices, can do their research, and base their opinions on personal experience. Until you've completed the checklist your opinion doesn't hold a lot of credit. As the saying goes ...

Everything you've stated has been thanks to google or something you "heard"; not something you PERSONALLY know or experienced. I do not care for running, but I don't go talk a bunch of **** on the running boards, stating random facts or articles I found on google and yahoo. And I've personally run, a lot. I know the risks, injuries, preventive maintenance, equipment to use, and form to perfect. I also don't care for Ohio State football, but again, I'm not going to go out and bash them with out understanding or being apart of their program. Guess some people are just more open minded then others.

I'm going to go shave the calluses on my hand, want to help?

Health_Gal

I had just signed up for a free trial at our local Crossfit gym here. I really love lifting weights & to keep challenging my body.

Crossfit has a lot of unusual lifts most people don't do that can be very dangerous unless you have perfect form and a good spotter.

Just be careful and don't drink the Crossfit Kool Aid. They are just offering you the free sample to get you addicted!

Huffdogg

I tried it; it wasn't for me. I don't dig the supercompetitive culture that surrounds it and the system calls for way more intensity than I care/need to expend to get where I want to be.

snkeller24

I tried it; it wasn't for me. I don't dig the supercompetitive culture that surrounds it and the system calls for way more intensity than I care/need to expend to get where I want to be.

Glad you tried it and could form an honest opinion. Thank you!

snkeller24

http://www.livestrong.com/article/552008-dangers-with-zumba/


oooh no!!! NOT ZUMBA!!

Is crossfit koolaid found in the same bottle of Power's Whiskey?

Health_Gal

I tried it; it wasn't for me. I don't dig the supercompetitive culture that surrounds it and the system calls for way more intensity than I care/need to expend to get where I want to be.

That's how I feel about it too. When I hear enough negative things about something from people whose opinions I respect, I don't feel that I have to spend my time and money just to "prove" it doesn't work for me either.

The Crossfit culture is too super competitive and cultish for my liking too.

westcoastSW

I tried it; it wasn't for me. I don't dig the supercompetitive culture that surrounds it and the system calls for way more intensity than I care/need to expend to get where I want to be.

That's how I feel about it too. When I hear enough negative things about something from people whose opinions I respect, I don't feel that I have to spend my time and money just to "prove" it doesn't work for me either.

The Crossfit culture is too super competitive and cultish for my liking too.

That's fine. It wasn't for you. End of story. I don't care for boxing either, but I don't see any point in spending my time and energy reciting quotes and internet sites to people who like boxing. For something that you don't care for, you sure have put a lot of energy into thinking and posting about it.

Side note -- what's up with the YMCA? The OP did not mention them at all, so why do we keep coming back to this particular organization? The fact that people on this site are participating in any variety of gyms/workouts/classes/etc. is fantastic! Let's lose some of the negativity around here, wow.

Edited to add: I am interested in hearing from other people who DO enjoy their Crossfit experiences. It's something I have looked into every now and then but have not yet seriously considered. Anyone else's thoughts?

jsuaccounting

I thank you for your concern and I do in fact have excellent health insurance, thanks for caring! I also have an extensive background in physical therapy and I have an extremely knowledgeable (he has a degree in Exercise Science & Wellness) box owner/trainer who is adamant about proper technique & avoidance of injury. CrossFit also STRONGLY encourages modification & substitutions whenever necessary. Just because there are some negative examples/outcomes, doesn't mean that it applies to everyone. If you don't like or agree with it, just don't do it... Simple. Good luck with your endeavors in whatever sport or activity you so choose.

I've heard that there is a wide range of competencies between different CrossFit owners/trainers. Can you comment? I want to try it out but need to make sure I am working with a knowlegable trainer that can work with me so I get strong and not damaged. Any advice? I live in Georgia and there is a box within walking distance of my home.

snkeller24

I've been crossfitting/WODing since July - I originally supplemented it with lifting and my half marathon training, but I pretty much switched completely to crossfitting 5-6 days a week.

A typical day at the box is spent warming up, stretching mobility (whole body and area specific to the work out or whatever is tight), then we do a skill (this can be before or after the WOD) sometimes it's the skill used in the WOD sometimes it's related. The WOD is gone over, exercises involved are explained, demonstrated, and the coach checks to make sure you're doing it correctly. 3.2.1...go. After the WOD you can take some time to work on other skills, stretch out, roll out, and clean up.

Almost all boxes require you to go through beginner classes, learning form, technique, and general understanding. It took me 8 classes to complete my skill check sheet.

Like anything you do, there are risks, but it's scalable. I have a bad shoulder from swimming, so some things for me are scaled back, either in movement or weight. If you like a sense of community, knowing the people you work out with, and sense of belonging you may enjoy crossfit.

I played sports, both on as a team and individual, I do best when I'm being "coached" and pushed to dig a little deeper.

Keep in mind your beginner classes will be a little different but you're still being coached and digging. Keep conscious of your form and movement because as you fatigue and get sloppy you open yourself up to being sore or getting injured, same as with lifting or any other activity.

As far as credentials, my coaches have gone through courses, achieved certifications, degrees, etc ... we have 4 full time coaches who know each of us personally. Most boxes have a website that has an outline of the coaching staff and what they bring to the table. Through CrossFit HQ they offer classes; my coaches also took courses through olympic lifting coaches.

Health_Gal

I thank you for your concern and I do in fact have excellent health insurance, thanks for caring! I also have an extensive background in physical therapy and I have an extremely knowledgeable (he has a degree in Exercise Science & Wellness) box owner/trainer who is adamant about proper technique & avoidance of injury. CrossFit also STRONGLY encourages modification & substitutions whenever necessary. Just because there are some negative examples/outcomes, doesn't mean that it applies to everyone. If you don't like or agree with it, just don't do it... Simple. Good luck with your endeavors in whatever sport or activity you so choose.

I've heard that there is a wide range of competencies between different CrossFit owners/trainers. Can you comment? I want to try it out but need to make sure I am working with a knowlegable trainer that can work with me so I get strong and not damaged. Any advice? I live in Georgia and there is a box within walking distance of my home.

Have you checked out the local YMCAs? They usually have personal trainers at a much more reasonable rate than most places. Many also have boot camp classes when you would get a lot of variety of exercise routines at a reasonable price, not highway robbery like Crossfit. Wherever you decide to go, I would suggest you make sure that the trainer/coach is not only knowledgeable and knows their stuff, but is someone you feel you feel comfortable with as a person and can work well with.

thecrossfitter

I've heard that there is a wide range of competencies between different CrossFit owners/trainers. Can you comment? I want to try it out but need to make sure I am working with a knowlegable trainer that can work with me so I get strong and not damaged. Any advice? I live in Georgia and there is a box within walking distance of my home.

Just a small checklist of things to look for from my own opinion:

-Some sort of beginners courses. I know this was mentioned, but I cannot stress this enough! I would strongly advise against going to a box that just throws you into the regular workouts. I had to go through 3 weeks and 10 classes that were each an hour and a half. Of course you can't learn everything in three weeks, but you can really get the basics.

-I would also advise to find a box with coaches that have MORE than only the crossfit certification as far as credentials go (this will be the case at the majority of good boxes!) Look for various degrees or other certifications involving weightlifting or other activities.

-The atmosphere of the gym. I personally would be miserable in a gym that was overly-competitive. Friendly competition is fun of course, but ultimately the box should make it about you the individual member and your own personal growth. I would hate to work out some place that coaches just yelled a time at me. I need positive encouragement! Speed and weight should never, ever be emphasized over form. EVER.

-Quality coaching. Even if you don't know what the correct form is yet, you can spot quality coaching by observing. Coaches should always go over every lift used in the workout that day and have members practice it with only the bar or what is light weight for them. They should make corrections before the workout begins (and if a member just can't get it they should be substituting!) They should also continue to make comments as necessary DURING the workout. Our coaches give us friendly reminders that they will personally come and take the plates off of our bar if they see us using poor form.

This is just a small list - but a good place to start.

Prices vary. Shop around. I pay $6.25 per hour session, which I deem as quite reasonable for personal training in a group setting but I understand and respect we all have different financial situations

Check it out and see what you think. Don't sign anything or commit until you can check it out and make an informed decision. If you find a quality box and you think it's for you, give it a go! It's the most positive community I've ever been a part of. I've never belonged to any workout facility where I walk in and see friends who know my name

(For reference, here is my history of workouts/facilities: Zumba, yoga (still do), hip-hop dance classes, boot camp classes, abs classes, college rec center, YMCA (3 times in 2 countries), personal training at Y (during 2 memberships; once in each country I belonged), globo-gym in my city, team sports in high school, intramural leagues in Chicago (still do), ballet modern and jazz dancing, running on my own (still do)... all that I can think of off the top of my head.)

anouje

Wow, small world... I just happened to come across this thread by accident, and had a major deja-vu - Just an FYI, the member "Rachelsno" is everywhere on this site, usually posting about things "she" doesn't agree with, which is many apparently. Always with a handy list of links and info about why you shouldn't be doing what you are doing to get in shape/lose weight. My advice to everyone is to ignore. It's sad this person has SO much time to be able to incessantly post and comment and reply and make it a mission to be negative about everyone elses choices. PLEASE, get a life whoever you are.

Health_Gal

Wow, small world... I just happened to come across this thread by accident, and had a major deja-vu - Just an FYI, the member "Rachelsno" is everywhere on this site, usually posting about things "she" doesn't agree with, which is many apparently. Always with a handy list of links and info about why you shouldn't be doing what you are doing to get in shape/lose weight. My advice to everyone is to ignore. It's sad this person has SO much time to be able to incessantly post and comment and reply and make it a mission to be negative about everyone elses choices. PLEASE, get a life whoever you are.

You know what, Anouje, I DO have a life! And for you to post that I, or anyone else "always" writes posts about things I don't agree with, or "always" does anything is an untrue statement.

There is nothing wrong with backing up one's opinion with links from websites where people can get more information.

BTW, Anouje are you one of those people that is crying over the fact that the FDA is taking action against those snake oil salesmen that promote the dangerous 500 calorie a day HCG diet scam? Is that why you are telling people not to pay attention to anything I post?

chrissyv1024

CrossFit rocks!!! Jus' Say'n! I have done P90X (man aerobics to CF-Lol) & Zumba and I love participating in a multitude of sports & activities... Different strokes for different folks. Some people run, others bike, swim, lift weights, rock climb, scuba dive, ski, wake board, etc. We're all different, that's what makes it interesting! Anyone can get hurt doing any kind of activity, some sports are more dangerous than others; that's life! I say do whatever makes you happy & don't knock the other guy just because they like something different than you do! :happy:

well said!

LisaCFSF

Thanks chrissyv1024!!!

BKR1977

I don't think I mind Crossfit as much as I mind the people who Crossfit.
With that said, if someone is doing something that benefits their body I'm not going to bash them.
But why do 90% of Crossfitters wear calf tights? I would understand the recovery factor if it were an endurance sport.
I live in the largest military region. Tons of the people I know Crossfit. I personally can't see paying that much to go to a gym when the military already provides so many gym facilities (where they can do their WODs at). I guess it's to be around other guys wearing calve socks, that aren't really socks.

I'm a regular at a rock gym and dudebags come in all the time with their Crossfit 757 Tees on. They're looking pretty ripped, but then they get on the rock and owned by the sissy routes that the college barbie girls do. This is no exaggeration. (Just a note, Vibrams are NOT climbing shoes, they do the opposite of what actual climbing shoes do, and they smell.)
I recently ran a half marathon in atlanta on thanksgiving day. I was pacing my brother to pull in at the finish under 2hrs to set his PR at age 39. Half a mile into it a guy in his early 20s I'd say goes past us at a pretty good clip with his Local Crossfit Pride tee and calve tights with Vibrams (not going into the Vibrams and Crocs issues right now). Long story short at the 8.5 mile water station we passed him as he was grabbing his side and walking. We crossed at 1:57.xx, never saw him again.
I have been forced to do some Crossfit workouts by actual certified trainers in the military. They were good workouts. The funny thing was is that they told me I was doing the pull-ups wrong because I wasn't swinging my legs and that I was doing "traditional Pull-ups". My response was "I don't cheat on my workouts, I can handle 20 pull-ups straight."

I think Crossfitters just want rights as a special interest group so that can't be discriminated against, like gays and lesbians. (not saying crossfitters are or are not, I have no problems with anyone who is gay).

To each their own but don't try to push your beliefs on me.

Regardless of the workout you do it's all about the effort you put in.

Running has never injured me. Completed a 50k last weekend.

Have a Merry Christmas.

Brent

chickybuns

I have never done it but would love to try. My gym doesn't offer that though

live4turns

I wish I didn't have knee problems...the only problem precluding me from the awesomeness of crossfit.

live4turns

I don't think I mind Crossfit as much as I mind the people who Crossfit.
With that said, if someone is doing something that benefits their body I'm not going to bash them.
But why do 90% of Crossfitters wear calf tights? I would understand the recovery factor if it were an endurance sport.
I live in the largest military region. Tons of the people I know Crossfit. I personally can't see paying that much to go to a gym when the military already provides so many gym facilities (where they can do their WODs at). I guess it's to be around other guys wearing calve socks, that aren't really socks.

I'm a regular at a rock gym and dudebags come in all the time with their Crossfit 757 Tees on. They're looking pretty ripped, but then they get on the rock and owned by the sissy routes that the college barbie girls do. This is no exaggeration. (Just a note, Vibrams are NOT climbing shoes, they do the opposite of what actual climbing shoes do, and they smell.)
I recently ran a half marathon in atlanta on thanksgiving day. I was pacing my brother to pull in at the finish under 2hrs to set his PR at age 39. Half a mile into it a guy in his early 20s I'd say goes past us at a pretty good clip with his Local Crossfit Pride tee and calve tights with Vibrams (not going into the Vibrams and Crocs issues right now). Long story short at the 8.5 mile water station we passed him as he was grabbing his side and walking. We crossed at 1:57.xx, never saw him again.
I have been forced to do some Crossfit workouts by actual certified trainers in the military. They were good workouts. The funny thing was is that they told me I was doing the pull-ups wrong because I wasn't swinging my legs and that I was doing "traditional Pull-ups". My response was "I don't cheat on my workouts, I can handle 20 pull-ups straight."

I think Crossfitters just want rights as a special interest group so that can't be discriminated against, like gays and lesbians. (not saying crossfitters are or are not, I have no problems with anyone who is gay).

To each their own but don't try to push your beliefs on me.

Regardless of the workout you do it's all about the effort you put in.

Running has never injured me. Completed a 50k last weekend.

Have a Merry Christmas.

Brent

i found this amusing.

Huffdogg

You know what, Anouje, I DO have a life! And for you to post that I, or anyone else "always" writes posts about things I don't agree with, or "always" does anything is an untrue statement.

There is nothing wrong with backing up one's opinion with links from websites where people can get more information.

BTW, Anouje are you one of those people that is crying over the fact that the FDA is taking action against those snake oil salesmen that promote the dangerous 500 calorie a day HCG diet scam? Is that why you are telling people not to pay attention to anything I post?

Let's see...146 forum posts, no pic, no ticker, closed diary...yeah /ignore.