Is crossfit worth it?
fitforlife34
Posts: 331 Member
QUICK background story:
I get bored with the gym, and the workout classes are never convenient times, and it's about 15 minutes in the opposite direction where I live (anyway, giving excuses).
On the other hand, I saw that we have an excellent Crossfit location close to me that looks very interesting. I need that social interaction, something new and different each day, and a mix of strength training and cardio opposed to doing them separately. Only downside is it is 140.00 a month opposed to the 34 I pay at the gym. I don't make much money, but I want to get in shape, and I am sure losing weight will help me with my self esteem, energy levels, and mood. Which could make a huge difference in my life and job too.
What do you guys think of Crossfit? Is it really worth it? Because it's gotta be EXCELLENT if I am investing that much money. I want to drop the pounds, and if this is the ticket, I am willing to sacrifice other things to pay for it. ALSO, can you be overweight already, and not at a great fitness level? And does it bulk you up?I already have a very muscular build, runs in my genes.
I get bored with the gym, and the workout classes are never convenient times, and it's about 15 minutes in the opposite direction where I live (anyway, giving excuses).
On the other hand, I saw that we have an excellent Crossfit location close to me that looks very interesting. I need that social interaction, something new and different each day, and a mix of strength training and cardio opposed to doing them separately. Only downside is it is 140.00 a month opposed to the 34 I pay at the gym. I don't make much money, but I want to get in shape, and I am sure losing weight will help me with my self esteem, energy levels, and mood. Which could make a huge difference in my life and job too.
What do you guys think of Crossfit? Is it really worth it? Because it's gotta be EXCELLENT if I am investing that much money. I want to drop the pounds, and if this is the ticket, I am willing to sacrifice other things to pay for it. ALSO, can you be overweight already, and not at a great fitness level? And does it bulk you up?I already have a very muscular build, runs in my genes.
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Replies
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In my opinion it's absolutely not worth the money. You'd be better served finding somebody to go to the gym with. Your profile says you're in Seattle, I'm sure you could even find someone on MFP in the Seattle area that would want a gym buddy. Paying four times as much for Crossfit isn't worth it especially when you could do the workouts on your own to be honest.0
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I don't have anyone to go to they gym with, and it's hard for me to stay motivated. But thanks for the advice! Hope to hear more.0
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Couple of things:
Weight loss is more dependent on your calories in/out than actual exercise regimen.
Crossfit idea is great. Training from "boxes" differ immensely. Shoulder injury rates are about 25% from Crossfit according to a report from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning. That's higher than Olympic and powerlifting competitors (who move much higher amounts of weight).
If you're inexperienced in weight training, it's probably NOT a good idea to join Crossfit.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
i dont think it's worth it unless you can get it at a price less than $100 a month. I used to belong to a box that was $70 a month and it was perfect but they moved location and are now like $175 a month.
i dont think it's worth it for me because
- you have to go to specific class times and the class times at the box near me don't work for me because they are all during 9-5 work hours.
- for that price i'd expect to have a pool, a sauna, a jacuzzi, etc you dont get that at most boxes i've seen. hell they dont even give you a towel
- i got sick of having coaches try and push paleo diet on me
one thing to keep in mind is that you would not be doing crossfit everyday since you'd need to recover. not all boxes keep that in mind which i imagine is one way people get injured.
if you have the money then go for it, if you dont then you can always try the WOD at your own gym. in fact, many of the athletes who compete in the crossfit games dont spend the majority of their workout time in crossfit gyms0 -
If you want both cardio and strength training, kettlebells are the way to go. I am taking a class at a local recreation centre. It's $55 and I'm learning moves that I can then use at home with my own kettlebells. It's a workout that burns calories like crazy. If you rent a video from your local library you can hopefully learn about proper form. Some gyms are way too expensive.
We have a set of 500 stairs that I walk up and down, that joins the top of our city to the downtown area.0 -
If you can find a good gym with experienced trainers it can be a lot of fun. If you do go just make sure you get instruction and keep to your own pace. Don't let the clock or any other bozo make you work harder than you can or compromise your form.
Here is a link to the study mentioned above as well as a link analysing the data
http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/24276294
http://www.stackactive.com/2014/01/16/crossfits-injury-rates/
and here is a link for what not to do on your first day
http://www.stackactive.com/2014/04/11/zercher-squat-fail/ lol0 -
Not being funny but draw up a list of pro's/con's?
1. You state you have limited funds. Crossfit is far more expensive - why spend money you don't have?
2. You state you don't feel motivated to use the gym membership you already have due to boredom - mix it up with some strength training as well as cardio?
3. The gym is only 15mins away from you and you factor this as being too far away - this really isn't very far is it realistically?
4. The gym classes aren't a convenient time - make time?
Bottom line if you want to workout then don't make excuses. Why spend a lot more money on something you may or may not stick to?
*Edited to add - why not look up generic boot camp groups in your area? They are normally a lot cheaper & you'd still get the group interaction at a fraction of the price.0 -
Thanks everyone! Yeah, because of the price I am starting to have second thoughts. Plus, I did read from some women who say it can make you look more muscular, which is NOT what I need. I want to have lean muscles. I understand that diet is very important too.0
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Thanks everyone! Yeah, because of the price I am starting to have second thoughts. Plus, I did read from some women who say it can make you look more muscular, which is NOT what I need. I want to have lean muscles. I understand that diet is very important too.
looking more muscular has more to do with the amount of body fat you carry. and muscles are muscles there's not a lean type0 -
:huh: :huh: It takes years to "look more muscular" trust me it will never happen. No matter how hard you work out you will never wake up one morning too muscular.Thanks everyone! Yeah, because of the price I am starting to have second thoughts. Plus, I did read from some women who say it can make you look more muscular, which is NOT what I need. I want to have lean muscles. I understand that diet is very important too.0 -
Only downside is it is 140.00 a month opposed to the 34 I pay at the gym.
**** that! For 140 a month I'd expect to lose weight without having to put any effort in. :laugh:
I don't pay anything for my gym - apart from the initial purchase of moderately heavy weights.
Also 15 minutes travelling time is nothing! I've driven 30+ minutes to gyms I've attended in the past.0 -
Don't think Crossfit is worth it at all. Download "Impetus" to your phone and incorporate some HIIT into your routine at the gym if you'd like to pick things up a little : )0
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:huh: :huh: It takes years to "look more muscular" trust me it will never happen. No matter how hard you work out you will never wake up one morning too muscular.Thanks everyone! Yeah, because of the price I am starting to have second thoughts. Plus, I did read from some women who say it can make you look more muscular, which is NOT what I need. I want to have lean muscles. I understand that diet is very important too.
You know when they say, "I don't want to bulk up so I won't lift heavy weights" it's like saying, "I only want to drive to the local shops so I'll only drive at 1mph."
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I absolutely love CrossFit.
Its what gets me out of bed in the morning when I'm having a depressive episode. The community support is second to nothing and is the best motivational tool I've ever found.
But I don't pay anything like $140 dollars a month to be fair.
And no, it won't make you bulky. Most men at my CrossFit gym aren't even bulky. It tends to make them lean and athletic but it doesn't make for huge muscles.0 -
The local crossfit places around here run $150-$180 a month.
My home gym setup, with all the gear required to do powerlifting and olympic lifting, cost under $1000.
The math was easy.0 -
The local crossfit places around here run $150-$180 a month.
My home gym setup, with all the gear required to do powerlifting and olympic lifting, cost under $1000.
The math was easy.
This throws it into stark relief.
We don't have cf here (or maybe we do nowadays, I haven't checked recently) but I did something similar with regular gym fees and worked out that it was much, much cheaper in the long term to buy my own gear. With cf that price difference gets so much larger it is, as the Americans say, a no brainer.
If you mean worth in a non-financial sense, then it may well be worth it given what some people seem to get out of it's social aspect. I'm totally anti-social, so the whole thing seems a bit much to me. But I am not everyone and some people do seem to thrive in a social/competitive/vaguely cult-like setting.0 -
QUICK background story:
I get bored with the gym, and the workout classes are never convenient times, and it's about 15 minutes in the opposite direction where I live (anyway, giving excuses).
On the other hand, I saw that we have an excellent Crossfit location close to me that looks very interesting. I need that social interaction, something new and different each day, and a mix of strength training and cardio opposed to doing them separately. Only downside is it is 140.00 a month opposed to the 34 I pay at the gym. I don't make much money, but I want to get in shape, and I am sure losing weight will help me with my self esteem, energy levels, and mood. Which could make a huge difference in my life and job too.
What do you guys think of Crossfit? Is it really worth it? Because it's gotta be EXCELLENT if I am investing that much money. I want to drop the pounds, and if this is the ticket, I am willing to sacrifice other things to pay for it. ALSO, can you be overweight already, and not at a great fitness level? And does it bulk you up?I already have a very muscular build, runs in my genes.
Based on what you're looking for, I think you would really enjoy it. Most boxes offer a free intro class which would give you a better idea of how you feel about it.
I think you should just try it for yourself and see if it suits your fitness goals.0 -
Couple of things:
Weight loss is more dependent on your calories in/out than actual exercise regimen.
Crossfit idea is great. Training from "boxes" differ immensely. Shoulder injury rates are about 25% from Crossfit according to a report from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning. That's higher than Olympic and powerlifting competitors (who move much higher amounts of weight).
If you're inexperienced in weight training, it's probably NOT a good idea to join Crossfit.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
Seriously? No.
I had never picked up a bar before joining crossfit and never once got injured. Saying that newbies to lifting shouldn't join crossfit is ridiculous.0 -
I love it! The cost is a problem, but the CrossFit gym I go to is associated with my regular gym, so I just pay a little more and have access to both. I've decided that for me, this is worth it.
I love the strength part! I HATE the cardio part (because it kicks my *kitten*)!!
I was strength training on my own before joining and honestly didn't think I'd like the group setting, but I'm now part of a small group of "6AM'ers." Also (the post below mine made me think of this) I like having a coach, it is weird to have someone watching me work out, but he pushes me to my limits while keeping an eye on my form and safety.
My goals are to get leaner and stronger.0 -
If you like doing CF and having a coach, etc then yeah...it's worth it. To me, not worth it at all...I tried it and didn't really like it overall. Most boxes offer a free intro class so you should probably go check that out and decide for yourself. CF tends to be a love it or hate it kind of thing.
If you do it, just make sure the box is a good one and the coaches are good...I tried two different boxes and one of them was pretty horrible...classes were too large and coaches couldn't really monitor everyone...most people had horrible form on their lifts and pretty much everything else as well and there was a great deal of emphasis on just busting stuff out as fast as possible with complete disregard for doing the exercise properly. The other box was much better, but it just wasn't my thing...I don't like working out with a bunch of people.0 -
Thank you. Yes, I will have to go this week and check it out, to see if it fits what I am looking for. Maybe I can do that with the lower monthly payment AND the gym? There is a cheaper membership, that one is for like 3 days a week. Anyway, thanks.0
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Then it must be bone mass then. In my genes, heavy bones runs in my family. Even as a baby my mom said I was super heavy, not being fat or anything. I am overweight at 180, but because of my body type of muscular/heavy bones I don't look it at all, also the weight distribution (which is mainly in my boobs. not a good thing,despite popular belief.) I have compared myself to others of the same weight, and I look smaller than they do. Even at 135, my lowest weight in 12 years, I looked more like 120.
Thanks everyone!0 -
Then it must be bone mass then. In my genes, heavy bones runs in my family. Even as a baby my mom said I was super heavy, not being fat or anything. I am overweight at 180, but because of my body type of muscular/heavy bones I don't look it at all, also the weight distribution (which is mainly in my boobs. not a good thing,despite popular belief.) I have compared myself to others of the same weight, and I look smaller than they do. Even at 135, my lowest weight in 12 years, I looked more like 120.
Thanks everyone!
I have a muscular frame and all I noticed was more muscle definition and overall fat loss. You definitely won't get "bulky" because everything is varied so much, there isn't really the progressive overload you would be working towards in a strict strength program. Also, for girls it's way more difficult to increase muscle size and next to if not completely impossible n a caloric deficit.0 -
I get bored with the gym, and the workout classes are never convenient times, and it's about 15 minutes in the opposite direction where I live (anyway, giving excuses).
Those are all excuses. $140 a month, how many hours of work is that for you? Is it enough to keep what are pretty flimsy excuses at bay? Why do you believe that joining a crossfit gym will make you dedicated and consistent?
In my experience, the only people I've known to stick with crossfit were the ones that were sticking with working out consistently prior.
Hell, for $140 a month you could buy a couple hours worth of sessions each month with a personal trainer, and make sure that you have a dialed in workout that won't involve someone pushing you to get this prize:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-robertson/crossfit-rhabdomyolysis_b_3977598.html
I can't ding you on the price, because I spend at least that for my personal sessions right now.0 -
There is no higher rate of rhabdomyolysis as a result of crossfit. See the link I posted earlier about injury rates.I get bored with the gym, and the workout classes are never convenient times, and it's about 15 minutes in the opposite direction where I live (anyway, giving excuses).
Those are all excuses. $140 a month, how many hours of work is that for you? Is it enough to keep what are pretty flimsy excuses at bay? Why do you believe that joining a crossfit gym will make you dedicated and consistent?
In my experience, the only people I've known to stick with crossfit were the ones that were sticking with working out consistently prior.
Hell, for $140 a month you could buy a couple hours worth of sessions each month with a personal trainer, and make sure that you have a dialed in workout that won't involve someone pushing you to get this prize:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-robertson/crossfit-rhabdomyolysis_b_3977598.html
I can't ding you on the price, because I spend at least that for my personal sessions right now.
http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/242762940 -
I'm in Seattle and have found a great CF place-- Jab CrossFit (near U-Village). I bought a GroupOn for 2 months unlimited for $89. Instructor is very supportive and knowledgeable and really pays attention to proper form. Lots of newbies mixed in with vets. Great vibe. Enjoying it a lot.
Oh, there's a free intro class too.
I say "go for it"!0 -
I can only speak for me but I have been doing it a month and it was the best decision I made. I have great coaches who are realistic scale everything to my body and weight and really take the time to show me proper technique and correct me when I am wrong. I have never worked out by lifting weights in my life so this is what I need. The support at crossfit by the other members if amazing and they are all very kind and motivating. It is expensive I pay 175.00 a month but my other option I was looking into was a personal trainer and that was more expensive or I would get less sessions than crossfit for the same price I am already using muscles I never have and everyday I start to feel better and stronger. Like i said though I know there is lots of mixed reviews and it's really up to each person to decide 0
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Just my two cents. I know a lot of people hate on CrossFit, but it honestly changed my life. I'm like you - I spent years paying for gym memberships that went unused, because I couldn't motivate myself to go or to work hard once I got there. I hated doing the same thing every day, or even if I had 4-5 'workouts' that I rotated it just got stale. I found it lonely, had a hard time striking up conversations with other gym members, who mostly wanted to work out alone.
Three years ago my boyfriend signed us up for a CrossFit foundations course. I'm not gonna lie, it did still take me a year or so to really get 'into' it, but the point is, I was there, consistently, for the first time in my life. I made friends who encouraged me, and when I was the last one finishing the workout, they would jump in and do extra work so I wouldn't be the last one working alone. And now, I am super motivated, my body has changed, and my mental outlook has changed. I believe in myself, I developed endurance and mental grit, and I have confidence I didn't have before by doing new things and taking risks in class (and by taking risks, I don't mean dangerous activities, but just trying things I would have been embarrassed to try in front of other people before). And yes, it is expensive, but what I gained from it is priceless. I would rather pay my $100/month when I go 5+ hours a week, and get individualized attention EVERY DAY, then $40 for a gym membership that I might not use.
My mission isn't to convert everyone to CrossFit. It doesn't work for everyone, and if you are having success with a regular gym, then why change? But if you're not happy with your regular routine, and you have those traits (like me) of needing constant change and motivation and sociability and accountability, then I would urge you to try it. Sure, some people might say they're just excuses and okay, I guess you could get over them and slog it out at your usual gym, but why not try an alternative when it's there.0 -
I say try it and see what you think. Looking for a groupon is a good idea, or waiting for one.
My one experience with paying a lot monthly was for a yoga studio I liked from a groupon. The pro for me was the high cost kept me there 4-6 days a week. The con was a year after quitting I'm still nursing a back injury from overdoing it. Paying for live instruction didn't guarantee enough form correction to not get injured. So I wouldn't pay up for live trainers/instructors again, personally. And I can afford it. But I'm not really a 'group exerciser' by nature, either.0 -
Is it worth it is an individual thing. It's not for everyone, but there is no form of exercise that is.
My husband wanted to try it. I'd read all the stuff on the forums here about how terrible it really was and was hesitant. But my husband has gone along with lots of stuff I wanted to try so I went.
My husband hated the gym. We bought yearly memberships to the gym - he rarely went on his own (not scared just not interested) and sometimes he went with me. He ran with me - again, not the type to just go for a run. He tried triathlon with me, joined my swim club. Nothing really kept him interested or motivated except his winter hockey teams.
We both loved CrossFit, he did even more so. He was going 3-4 times a week, with or without me. He wants to improve and has made changed to do those things. I am not currently going to Crossfit (pregnant) but he is still going strong after more than a year.
Is it more expensive than our regular gym? Yup. But if you break it down to what he was paying per gym session to what he pays per CrossFit session, he is getting way more out of the CF membership than the gym one.
I have been a long time gym goer. I've competed in bodybuilding. I do prefer CrossFit as well.
I also have to say - the quality of the box makes a difference. The trainers at mine all had a background in liftin prio to CF, have taken lots of course, not just the intro one. Form is most important. You will be made to take weight off if your form suffers.
Do they push you? Yeah, but it's not like people make it out to be. In the end, we are all adults and we can say no.
Oh yeah, the only person I have known to experience rhabo is my friend who just completed an Ironman. It isn't specific to CrossFit
TL;DR - to us, it is totally worth it.0
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