Crossfit yes or no

Luxduca · November 2017

Thinking about doing some crossfit along with my normal strenght training. Lots of crossfit gyms around here. Giving it a try on Monday. I’m positive it will be fun and great cardio.

Davidsdottir · November 2017

I love Crossfit because it works well for my goals. No harm checking it out to see if you like it.

Luxduca · November 2017

Good to know. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks

BNY721 · November 2017

It's a no from me.

Luxduca · November 2017

Why not?

mcgowantoni · November 2017

No. To strenuous with no medical trainer available. I had Navy SEAL instructor who kept saying if I could still talk, I was not working hard enough. Had fluid build up in pleura. Went away when I stopped.

Luxduca · November 2017

Wow! That doesn’t sound like a good experience at all.

TavistockToad · November 2017

Nope. Running for me for cardio

Luxduca · November 2017

I’ll give a try on Monday. At least I can actually experience it once.

vespiquenn · November 2017

You’re going to fin a huge divide on those for or against CrossFit. The biggest negative is that the trainers sometimes don’t have a clue what they are doing, which invites injury. Typically the amount of reps are ridiculous and unnecessary, at least in my experience.

Many do like the group aspect of it, but personally the risk of injury outweighs any of the positives for me. If you can actually find a trainer that is knowledgeable, great. But it doesn’t always seem to be the norm.

Luxduca · November 2017

I can definitely tell the divide. That’s why i was asking for opinions. I can see what you’re saying. They do exaggerated sets and reps snd i can see how it can be overwhelming especially if trained by someone who doesn’t know what he’s doing.
Thank you for your takes on this.

cbrealtor55 · November 2017

Yes. Every box is different, find one that has good coaching. Also, it's important to listen to your body. Nobody forces you to do the reps at the prescribed weight. Scale the workouts as needed. Check your ego at the door, a lot of people get hurt because they have too much pride and won't use a lighter weight.

Motorsheen · November 2017

The only problem I have with CF is doing Olympic Lifts for time.
(The CF community is a lil' quirky, but most niche sports are, right?)

Like mentioned above, scaling the training is a smart move.

Best of luck

julie_broadhead · November 2017

vespiquenn wrote: »

You’re going to fin a huge divide on those for or against CrossFit. The biggest negative is that the trainers sometimes don’t have a clue what they are doing, which invites injury. Typically the amount of reps are ridiculous and unnecessary, at least in my experience.

Many do like the group aspect of it, but personally the risk of injury outweighs any of the positives for me. If you can actually find a trainer that is knowledgeable, great. But it doesn’t always seem to be the norm.

Actually the number of poor trainers in the Crossfit world is decreasing. It happened early on when large cities maybe had 2 CF affiliates. Now that most larger cities have 20+ affiliates and every small town I've been to has at least one, the competition for the Crossfit dollar is greater now than it has ever been. With this level of competition, incompetence doesn't last long. People who are paying $150+ per month are not going to tolerate incompetence. I've been to 8 different affiliates and only one had an incompetent staff member. I had only been there a month before he was fired.

OP, I would try a few different boxes. Go to their websites and see if you can look at their workout blog. What I would look for (I did Crossfit for about 5 years) is a variety of different workouts of different lengths and different types of movements. I would also look for affiliates who do skill and strength work as a part of the class. Show up to your class early. Early enough to watch the class before yours. Are the coaches engaged? Are they making form corrections during the WOD? Are they on their phones (I've seen it. I've reported it to the managers)? Are they offering encouragement to members who are struggling?

I have a pretty positive view of Crossfit. I don't do it anymore because it is too expensive.

sgt1372 · November 2017

Luxduca wrote: »

Why not?

I don't like: 1) the group orientation of the program (I prefer working out alone), 2) the emphasis on pushing you to do more than you may be capable of doing (i don't like being pushed and this practice also increases the risk of injury) and 3) the inclusion of running as part of the WOD (I hate running).

However, I like certain Crossfit activities like battle ropes, sled push/pull, and tire flips. I like them so much that I've got a mini Crossfit setup including them in my backyard.

I also like doing 20-25' rope climbs but there was no cheap/quick/easy way to set that up in my backyard but I'm still thinking about how to get that done.

Lean59man · November 2017

Crossfit is like a cult.

Motorsheen · November 2017

Lean59man wrote: »

Crossfit is like a cult.

Ha... That's exactly what we call it in our home.

"So, are you going to your cult following today?"

" Shut up............ yes."

Luxduca · November 2017

Thanks for your input. Monday will be the day. I will have my own way of seeing it but all you told is very helpful.

sgt1372 · November 2017

Oh, one other thing, while they have some "open" gym times, most Crossfit workout sessions are scheduled either early or late in the day around most people's work schedules but this is not compatible with mine.

jennifer_417 · November 2017

Not for me. Roughly 107% chance I'd end up in the ER.
If you do it right, seems like the results can be awesome.

rybo · November 2017

Crossfit isn't anything earth shattering nor is it inherently dangerous. I agree now that it has been around a while, places are getting better and more informed with fewer poor coaches and trainers.

I am a fan because it gets people excited to exercise. That's huge. I'd still urge anyone new to go to as many boxes as they can and check them out. Also make sure you are put through a pretty encompassing beginner or on ramp program.

It's unfortunate to see so many people shy away because of the price...but then again when it comes to fitness in general, so few people are willing to invest money in their health. Everybody wants planet fitness prices, but then complain they don't get results. But that's a whole different tangent.

sgt1372 · November 2017

rybo wrote: »

It's unfortunate to see so many people shy away because of the price...but then again when it comes to fitness in general, so few people are willing to invest money in their health. Everybody wants planet fitness prices, but then complain they don't get results. But that's a whole different tangent.

Yeah, there's that too but you can get as good a workout and physique for FREE working out by yourself, or in a small group of like minded people, if you have the discipline to do it. Unfortunately, few people do.

Chieflrg · November 2017

No. Too random(low frequency) & sub optimal strength training for my goals of powerlifting.

brooklyngyrrl1 · November 2017

YES!!! at least give it a try. It’s not for everyone but I’ve been doing it for two year and I love it. It’s not a magic bullet. As with everything you have to maintain a healthy diet to SEE changes in you body structure but I’m definitely stronger, faster and my endurance has increased dramatically. I love Crossfit.

Momjogger · November 2017

Nope. I know A LOT of people who used to cross fit, but got injured. Back surgery, knee surgery, etc. These people don't cross fit anymore. They never went back to it, which tells me something. I really like full contact kick boxing (contact is with sparring pads). Full body workout and SO much fun. I couldn't lift my arms above my head for three days after my first class because I was so sore, but I built my stamina up quickly and have had no injuries. Great stress reliever and confidence builder.

Jen2133 · November 2017

I really enjoy Crossfit and agree with @cbrealtor55 that you need to set your own limits as to modifications, weight and reps. Good coaches will be supportive and provide guidance in this. As most have suggested, check out a few gyms in your area before committing.

I also agree with @Chieflrg that it is not a specific workout. If this isn't a concern for you, then you might just really enjoy the variety and community at Crossfit.

Let us know how it goes!

KylaBlaze · November 2017

Why pay a crazy amount of money every month just to have most (if not all) the same equipment in a regular gym? I’ll pass!

KarenSmith2018 · November 2017

I am a fully paid up member of the CrossFit cult. I absolutely adore it. So long as you can cope with "random" programming, not knowing what you are facing until the day and happy mixing it up its all good. Deff check rour ego at the door. No-one cares if you are lifting RX or scaled so long as you try your hardest, don't cheat your reps, listen to your coach and engage with the class. It has got me the fittest, fastest and strongest I've ever been and i have an amazing coach and members to push me along me way!

MeanderingMammal · November 2017

karenbeckwith5 wrote: »

So long as you can cope with "random" programming, not knowing what you are facing until the day and happy mixing it up its all good.

This is my most significant issue with CrossFit. I train to objectives, so random sessions that don't clearly contribute to a training objective don't work for me.

Morgaen73 · November 2017

karenbeckwith5 wrote: »

I am a fully paid up member of the CrossFit cult. I absolutely adore it. So long as you can cope with "random" programming, not knowing what you are facing until the day and happy mixing it up its all good. Deff check rour ego at the door. No-one cares if you are lifting RX or scaled so long as you try your hardest, don't cheat your reps, listen to your coach and engage with the class. It has got me the fittest, fastest and strongest I've ever been and i have an amazing coach and members to push me along me way!

So am I

I used to to go to gym. Get there, do my cardio, pick *kitten* up, put it down, go home. I got tired of it. I love the randomness because it keeps on challenging my body.

The box that I am at is big on proper form to prevent injuries but injuries do happen as they do with weightlifting in a gym.

What I can say is that I've seen my flexibility improve massively. My motivation has gone up as well and what I love is community thing. If you are doing your workout, no-one leaves until everyone is done. The ones that are done cheer one the ones that are still busy. It's brilliant.

Oh and "leave your ego at the door" is a real thing. Even though it is a community, you do you and compete against yourself. The first time I had to do Olympic lifting I thought "How hard can this be?" till a woman half my age and a third my size snatched more than I did. No-one even noticed or cared.

BrianKMcFalls · November 2017

The best workout for you... "The one you will do!"

Crossfit yes or no

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