Um... Thanks??? Unsolicited Stay Away From CrossFit Advice

JanieJack
JanieJack Posts: 3,831 Member
I just received some spam from someone telling me that CrossFit is bad for us. I'm not sure if this unsolicited advice came with an expectation that I would thank the sender... I suppose they felt they were doing their public service by helping me see the error of my ways...?

I do realize there are a lot of injuries associated with CrossFit, but I've run races (marathons, halfs) for 7 years now and there are a lot of injuries associated with that as well. And with other sports. Each domain has it's fair share of people who hurt themselves and those who continue to aggravate self-inflicted injuries. In fact, I find the runners of my last two running groups to be more cultish and self-injurious than anyone I met at CrossFit. Of course, that could be sour grapes speaking because I was too large and ran too slowly to fit in with those groups, lol. But both groups were permeated with that "I like to feel pain because it makes me feel alive" theme echoed in many Runners World articles. So CrossFit doesn't corner the market on dumb people who insist on injuring themselves.

The key is to listen to your body. To honor it when it tells you back off so its own miraculous healing processes can work and get you back out there at full speed quicker than if you kept re-injuring yourself. To rest when needed so that inflammation in your body doesn't hinder your hard work from being effective.
«13

Replies

  • kiramaniac
    kiramaniac Posts: 800 Member
    I too received a "helpful note" from Health_Gal (?) Totally offensive. I'd like to report this individual to MFP. I feel harassed based on her unsolicited and unwelcome messaging.
  • difabu
    difabu Posts: 143
    Hahaha! I was just logging in to discuss this.

    She is CrossFit's version of the Westboro Baptist Church.

    I felt a strong urge to tell her, "Chile, please. Mind your own business!" but don't want to think her opinion means even that much to me as to warrant a response. She's such a non-factor.
  • Mrs_Duh
    Mrs_Duh Posts: 263
    I've gotten the same message, and I've heard this same old song from other people. My main response is, "Have you ever tried Crossfit?" They always say no. How can you judge something if you aren't even willing to give it a try?

    And I agree with the OP... all fitness plans come with risk of injury. Crosffit isn't the problem. People who go too hard, too fast, or quit listening to their bodies are in for possible injury. You can find those people at Crossfit, Yoga, Zumba, Gold's Gym, etc.
  • kiramaniac
    kiramaniac Posts: 800 Member
    Here was my response to this individual (loved the analogy to WBC)
    Your comments are unsolicited and unwelcome. I responded to someone's inquiry about Cross-Fit and gave an honest response about my experience, especially as related to the Keto diet. How / why you construed this to me wanting your very-biased opinion about Cross-Fit, I have no idea.

    You have no idea about MY experience with Cross-Fit, and the training level of the staff at the Cross-Fit I go to, and the focus on safety and scaling that goes on there.

    I have seen your comments in MFP posts related to Cross-Fit. You certainly have a biased agenda against Cross-Fit and seem to have made it your mission to bad-mouth Cross-Fit wherever you can.

    I can find articles about ANY exercise and risk of injuries, so that really isn't the basis for an argument either.
    Running: http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sportsmedicine/a/runninginjury.htm
    Walking: http://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/solutions-10-biggest-walking-pains
    Your Precious Bootcamp: http://fitmontclair.wordpress.com/2010/02/14/bootcamp-bootcant-or-why-group-exercise-classes-are-really-group-injury/

    Please keep your unwanted opinions to yourself and mind your own business. You do not know what you are talking about.
  • difabu
    difabu Posts: 143
    Good one, Kiramaniac!

    I blocked her silly butt too, BTW.
  • Murphy9206
    Murphy9206 Posts: 2 Member
    Funny I did not get anything but I was warned about that type of thing when I made a post on the regular board. The person was nice enough to let me know that not "everyone" thinks crossfit is good and that coming to this group is a better idea.
  • PaleoChocolateBear
    PaleoChocolateBear Posts: 2,844 Member
    I haven't gotten a message from her yet, but she is legendary. Any work out you do can lead to injury so she can just shut it I support anyone working regardless of what exercise they are doing
  • Tamurken
    Tamurken Posts: 14
    Yo I totally got that msg my 1st day joining MFP from health_gal. I immediately wrote on the board "NIX DOES CROSSFIT"
    Anybody else get that weird message from Heath_girl to not to Crossfit? Seemed like spam or a virus trying to make me go to a link! I didn't click it!

    Then immediately I received an email that says "I AM NOT A VIRUS" from her. I wrote back "SMELLS LIKE A VIRUS" and blocked her.
  • ZealousMissJJ
    ZealousMissJJ Posts: 454 Member
    I haven't gotten a message from her yet, but she is legendary. Any work out you do can lead to injury so she can just shut it I support anyone working regardless of what exercise they are doing

    Oh hunny, she'll find you.. She's the most annoying person I have EVER come across... I don't get people that bash something they've never done before and don't understand. And the stereotyping of crossfitters is just :noway: :noway: :noway:.. Not just her btw. :ohwell:
  • kelr0110
    kelr0110 Posts: 213 Member
    She spams ALL posts in the general exercise section with people that are asking general advice about crossfit. She will discourage them all to not go.

    Yea I tore my ACL at Crossfit last month doing lateral jumps. But hey, I tore the other ACL 10 years ago playing hockey. Stuff is gonna happen......people will jump out of planes, go bungee jumping and work as a window washer on a skyscraper, then go home and trip over the front step and break their face. Whatever you know? lol
  • I've also gotten the anti-crossfit message from her. Happened within a day or so of my first crossfit post. It's like she's looking for us!
  • Mummyadams
    Mummyadams Posts: 1,125 Member
    I got the same message and told her to F Off and blocked her a**.
  • Par8hed4life
    Par8hed4life Posts: 104 Member
    I got the same message and told her to F Off and blocked her a**.

    ^^^ This was also my response to her the SECOND time she emailed me.^^^^
    Although I think I told her to F herself. :laugh:

    I was nice the first time! I promise! :blushing:
  • MinimalistShoeAddict
    MinimalistShoeAddict Posts: 1,946 Member
    I have seen this also! Did she send you all the same (very old) NY Times article?
  • julielittlefish
    julielittlefish Posts: 134 Member
    I knew exactly who this was in reference to as soon as I saw the thread title.

    I've yet to be "blessed" with a message from her.
  • shutupandlift13
    shutupandlift13 Posts: 727 Member
    I knew exactly who this was in reference to as soon as I saw the thread title.

    I've yet to be "blessed" with a message from her.

    Haha me too... and I have also yet to receive anything from her. Probably because I called her an idiot in the forums and said if I didn't want to get hurt I should probably just stay in my house for the rest of my life.
  • fattyfoodie
    fattyfoodie Posts: 232 Member
    I kind of want to go post a "new to crossfit" post on the forums now.....
  • Tobi1013
    Tobi1013 Posts: 732 Member
    I kind of want to go post a "new to crossfit" post on the forums now.....

    Me too!!
  • rmk20togo
    rmk20togo Posts: 353 Member
    Got it! My favorite part was where the told me to quit CF and join the Y because they had a safer trainer/athlete ratio. I do both CF and Y classes. My CF workouts can be 2:1 (Yep, 2 trainers + me!) up to 2:10. My Y class is consistently 1:25-1:30.

    I talked to a lot of folks before starting CF, mostly because I'm older and was worried about my ability to do the workouts. Every negative comment began with "Well, I've never tried it, but I hear it's too dangerous, etc.".
  • kelr0110
    kelr0110 Posts: 213 Member
    I kind of want to go post a "new to crossfit" post on the forums now.....

    Me too!!

    LOL you guys will lure her out immediately.
  • jayr1532
    jayr1532 Posts: 2
    I did not receive any from people online, but I did get some from local people in my area. My response was that I was not going to judge anything I have not tried. When I went to crossfit, I left my ego at the door walking in and was not afraid to use less weight to learn technique, before learning to increase weight, and that has served me well.
  • shaywallis
    shaywallis Posts: 165 Member
    I had it out with her hard core on a thread once. Pretty sure she knows not to message me =P
  • fattyfoodie
    fattyfoodie Posts: 232 Member
    I totally just got Health_Gal-ed! Off to check out her highly scientific links.....
  • Don't you know that Crossfit is dangerous! OMG! I just got Health_Gal'ed as well. Luckily I had read this thread before it happened. I just laughed and then clicked "Block".
  • SnicciFit
    SnicciFit Posts: 967 Member
    I got her unsolicited advice as well. This was my response (which she never responded to):
    I have a free membership (paid for by my employer) at a "regular gym" and I still pay for CF. I have EXCELLENT coaches and feel very comfortable knowing that they have my health and best interest in mind. I see people acting stupid occasionally at my box, but if the coaches see it, it's over. They really focus on proper form and will actually tell you take weight off if you are doing something incorrectly. I realize this may not be the case at all CF facilities (and maybe not even the norm), but who is going to push me to be the best me I can be at my "regular gym"? Nobody. Who is going to build widely varying workouts for me that incorporate gymnastics, strength, cardio, agility and flexibility? For the first time in my 30+ years of life I feel like an athlete. I've never been so encouraged by others when it comes to fitness. I've read that article and I feel like there is always a risk of injury in any fitness program or athletics. The last injury I sustained was about 4 years ago in a Zumba class. It can happen anywhere.
  • juicemoogan
    juicemoogan Posts: 994 Member
    WOW... I just got Health Gal'd:



    Hi,

    Sorry to her that you are involved with Crossfit. I know from friends that were once addicted to Crossfit that it can be both a dangerous and expensive addiction.

    But it is possible to overcome your addiction and get out of Crossfit.

    Hopefully, this article will help you find your way out.

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/545200-the-fall-of-fitness/

    Good luck!
  • SnicciFit
    SnicciFit Posts: 967 Member
    WOW... I just got Health Gal'd:



    Hi,

    Sorry to her that you are involved with Crossfit. I know from friends that were once addicted to Crossfit that it can be both a dangerous and expensive addiction.

    But it is possible to overcome your addiction and get out of Crossfit.

    Hopefully, this article will help you find your way out.

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/545200-the-fall-of-fitness/

    Good luck!

    Looks like she's changed up her approach a little. You might need to go away to rehab for your addiction...:tongue:
  • SnicciFit
    SnicciFit Posts: 967 Member
    “I think the benefits of CrossFit outweigh the risks—but the risks are real.”

    Yes, I actually read the article. I think this line says it all. You could replace the word "CrossFit" with just about any common sport or fitness program.
  • juicemoogan
    juicemoogan Posts: 994 Member
    I know... because i have a serious addiction,... I don't think i can stop by myself...

    Has anyone actually reported her to MFP?
  • happyheathen927
    happyheathen927 Posts: 167 Member
    Has anyone actually reported her to MFP?

    Been wondering this same thing... :grumble: