CROSSFIT

fasterbetterstronger89

Just wondering, has anyone ever tried this crossfit thing? I have heard great things about it but would be worried that I am too weak/unfit/overweight to try something as intense as that! Any info would be much appreciated. Currently weigh about 81kg.

drmerc

It's a one of the more interesting cults

joycebrett

i do it and LOVE it! it is VERY hard, but if the box (that's what they call crossfit gyms) that you chose to try is GREAT like mine, then they will scale down the workout for you! I say give it a try!

IronPlayground

Depends on the trainers. Anyone can get a CrossFit certification. Many of these folks aren't qualified to teach some of the lifts that are done in the workouts.

My main concern with CrossFit are the lifts they have people doing for multiple reps and/or time. The Olympic lifts involved with some workouts are complex and shouldn't be done in the manner of a CrossFit workout.

VitVit18

I've tried it and like I had said previously on here, I would try it again. My main concern with it is the fact that it's timed and you're encouraged to compete against yourself and the other members. For me, I become winded very easily, and I know that my stamina isn't the greatest, so part way through going at the pace that I thought was good and would have had me on track for a good time, I started to feel faint and dizzy. Personally, I'd rather challenge myself by how much weight I'm picking up and the number of reps rather than blasting through for the best time.

With anything, listen to your own body with it. They're big on the modifying things to what's right for you. I guess if you don't mind racing against the clock, you're alright!

lasmit4477

Depends on the trainers. Anyone can get a CrossFit certification. Many of these folks aren't qualified to teach some of the lifts that are done in the workouts.

My main concern with CrossFit are the lifts they have people doing for multiple reps and/or time. The Olympic lifts involved with some workouts are complex and shouldn't be done in the manner of a CrossFit workout.

^^This!

This is one of the many reasons we are friends, IronPlayground! I agree completely!

paintedlady77

I start Wednesday! So excited! Turns out my new workout partner and I are mutual friends with the instructor who also happens to be a marine. I'm gonna get my *kitten* handed to me!

ilsalice

Hi! New here to the forums but I have been working at with Crossfit for the last 5 months so I thought I'd contribute.

Why I love Crossfit:
1. workouts are varied everyday so I never get bored
2. workout are scalable
3. We have a trainer that oversees all classes, movements and they teach us correct form and the focus is on good form. They would rather us have lower weight, great form than higher weight, messy form
4. I've lost 30 pounds and lost lots of inches since I started at the end of July
5. pushes me out of my comfort zone

Why people talk crap about Crossfit:
I hear people talk about crossfit all the time and why it is "bad" for you. They say you will get hurt. Like I said I've been doing this for 5 months, was totally out of shape when I started (like couldn't even do one situp!) and I have never seen anyone get hurt. You need to be SMART about what you are doing. Don't lift weights that are too heavy, don't go so fast that you compromise your form. I only compete with myself. I am pretty much the slowest person there and still scale almost every workout but I don't care and the trainers are supportive of this. Know your limits. People can get hurt in any sport. If the box you go to doesn't support your scaling then find somewhere else.

Also I wouldn't try crossfit at home to begin with. A good trainer will scale appropriately and make sure you are doing things right.

Good luck!!

FullOfWin

Not the cheapest way to do anything
Not the best way to build muscle
Not the best way to build strength
Not the best way to build endurance
Not the easiest way to lose weight
Not the best way to win the Crossfit games

twinmom01

I did crossfit for 6 months and loved it....the only reason I gave it up was because my box moved so the times were not conducive to my life. I use a lot of what I learned in my workouts though. IN fact yesterday I did some bench presses (2 sets of 6), strict presses (3 sets of 3) and push presses (3 sets of 3) and followed it up with 3 rounds of 15 step-ups (instead of box jumps), 20 kettlebell swings and 10 pushups.


Here is the thing about crossfit though -just like any other exercise program - it is only as good as the trainers and the classes. You can have a box who choose to keep class sizes small, who will take every precaution to teach you about proper form and function, who will not let you lift/do more than your body can do in order to throw a number up on a board, who will push you but be respectful of your limitations.

The box I went to was great - small class sizes (no more than 6 people) and while they encouraged people to push themselves they also understood not everyone was equal and would modify things as need be. There were many times I did ring rows instead of pull ups, or used bands for pushups. I have an issue with running so days where running might be involved I was able to row instead

I was usually the last to complete any sort of exercise if we were doing rounds and had the least amount of reps if we were doing anything for time - but I was fine with it because I was doing it.

I had the opportunity to attend a class at a different box and it was VERY overwhealming to me...there were about 16 people in the class and 2 trainers and to me I felt out of place being a slower, less fit attendee.

I will say I have seen various videos of crossfit games and some of that stuff is downright crazy...