Crossfit

samiejones1 · July 2018

I have an induction week to a new CrossFit gym next week.
I’m thinking of leaving my current gym (just a standard ‘planet fitness’ type gym but in the UK) as unless I go to my kettlebell classes I tend to drift towards the treadmill (I can run outside though) and the kettlebell classes are pretty high rep more cardio based. I’m really keen to start increasing my strength and building some muscle as I’m soon to start approaching maintainance.

Obviously I’ll find out more when I go next week and I know they will vary gym to gym but I’m just looking for some insight as to what I can expect from a CrossFit gym? What do people enjoy about it? What results are you getting? Will it help me achieve my goals of increasing strength and building up some muscle?
I’d be looking to go 4-5 hours a week.

loveisapineapple · July 2018

It wasn't for me, but I know a lot of people who love it.
Pros:
Good atmosphere, emphasis on heavy weights, variety. I really enjoyed the onramp training where they took us through technique and concentrated on any weaknesses we might have.
Cons:
Emphasis on heavy weights at the expense of all else, I didn't really get the 'high five' culture, and I question the programming (seems sporadic). Also, in contrast to the onramp weeks, the instructor presence seemed a bit light - there wasn't enough of picking up on poor form.

Plus, being totally vain here - I don't like the shape it can give women. The gymnastic moves and oblique work can thicken your torso so you get that 'blocky' look. I prefer more aesthetic targeted training, which goes against the entire premise of Crossfit so it was likely never going to be a good fit for me. And my comments are based on one box only, so YMMV. It does kick your butt though, you never feel as though you haven't worked out.
And if you love it, you love it - the only way to know is to give it a go! Good luck!

natruallycurious · July 2018

First, every CrossFit gym is different. Know that going in. Good coaching is super important, and if you don't feel like the gym has that, I would look elsewhere. People like to say that CrossFit is dangerous, but the truth is that bad coaching is dangerous. My gym has amazing coaches that are constantly watching our form and teaching us the correct way to do things.

The programming may seem a bit sporadic. At least in my gym, things seem to go through cycles. But it still works. If you have very specific strength goals, you can always add in accessory work. The way our gym does things is we have a warm up as a class, a strength portion (we have a few different strength programs to choose from based on your goals and where you're currently at), and a WOD (workout of the day)/metcon. The metcon is what's normally going to leave you gasping for air feeling like you got one heck of a workout.

If your gym does something similar, it will absolutely help you get stronger. I got my mom to start CrossFit who comments on feeling better and stronger, and my brother signed up last night. I have been doing CrossFit for seven months. Every single one of my lifts has gotten significantly stronger with the strength program I'm on. My max squat went from 190 to an estimated 260ish. And my other lifts have increased by a lot as well. Since starting CrossFit, I feel like other daily physical activities are easier, my arms are more defined, and a non-physical result is that I am more confident in general.

Expect and intense workout, but a phenomenally supportive community! My CrossFit friends have become some of my best friends! I love the people, the challenge, and the ability to challenge my body in new and fun ways. I am the kind of person who gets bored in a normal gym. CrossFit gives me new challenges to measure progress and see myself getting stronger. Like my first strict handstand push-up and getting my first muscle up. In my opinion, it is just a lot of fun. Feel free to message me if you have any more questions! Hope this helps!

GOT_Obsessed · July 2018

I just joined less than 2 weeks ago. I could not be happier! I have learned so much about proper lifting form. I was surprised how the coach/trainer (I am not sure what you call him yet) so easily adapts the exercise to my beginner ability. Definitely give it a try with an open mind. Keep us posted!

GiddyupTim · July 2018

Crossfit began because the founder got this notion that, when it came to working out, you either had people who could run for miles but were too weak to do 10 push-ups, or you had strong people who only lifted weights and so were so inflexible and muscle bound they couldn't actually run or climb or play a sport.
So he fashioned workouts that combined the two: Run around the block, come back, do some bench press (or squats or deadlifts, for example) and run around the block again.

The good thing about Crossfit is the way the workouts are structured.
You either do a certain number of reps of some exercises (usually 2-4 different exercises) and are timed for how long it takes you to finish.
Or you do a certain set of a few exercises to see how many you can do within a definite, established period of time.
Plus, you are doing it in a group.
No one wants to be last in a group.
Moreover, since you record your time or reps, you can go back the next time and compare to how you did previously.
I think this is the main difference between the Crossfit approach and the boot camp or exercise class approach. That's it's advantage.
Because of those features, Crossfit pushes you harder. Because you get pushed harder, you get more results. It's like having a personal trainer -- ie, someone who pushes you a bit harder than you might want to go if you were working on your own.

The other good thing about Crossfit, in my opinion, is that it tends to be quite social, because it is done in a group, and people support each other, since just about everyone is at a different level. Going to a gym, by yourself, with the headphones on, going through the same old routine you've done every Tuesday, isn't as interesting or fun.

The possible downsides to Crossfit, for some people: Crossfit tends to use pretty heavy weights relative to a general fitness class. And, a lot of the exercises used require some skill that you must develop. Skills like: double-under jump rope, muscle-ups on a chin-up bar or gymnastics rings, Olympic lifts like the snatch, etc. Until you are able to do some of those things, you can substitute in other exercises, or lighter weight, but it makes for some disappointment when you have to do that.

Fflpnari · July 2018

Ive been doing crossfit for about 4.5 years, I love it. I have an awesome coach. Ive had injuries from car wrecks so I have to modify almost everything. I still manage to get an awesome sweat drenched workout. Workouts are alway changing.

GOT_Obsessed · July 2018

GiddyupTim wrote: »

No one wants to be last in a group.
.

Meh I don't care if I am. I am only competing against myself. The one day I lost track counting and when he asked for my data at the end I just said, "I dunno' but I got a great workout in, sweated lots and I had fun. So it is all good!"

amusedmonkey · July 2018

GiddyupTim wrote: »

Crossfit began because the founder got this notion that, when it came to working out, you either had people who could run for miles but were too weak to do 10 push-ups, or you had strong people who only lifted weights and so were so inflexible and muscle bound they couldn't actually run or climb or play a sport.
So he fashioned workouts that combined the two: Run around the block, come back, do some bench press (or squats or deadlifts, for example) and run around the block again.

The good thing about Crossfit is the way the workouts are structured.
You either do a certain number of reps of some exercises (usually 2-4 different exercises) and are timed for how long it takes you to finish.
Or you do a certain set of a few exercises to see how many you can do within a definite, established period of time.
Plus, you are doing it in a group.
No one wants to be last in a group.
Moreover, since you record your time or reps, you can go back the next time and compare to how you did previously.
I think this is the main difference between the Crossfit approach and the boot camp or exercise class approach. That's it's advantage.
Because of those features, Crossfit pushes you harder. Because you get pushed harder, you get more results. It's like having a personal trainer -- ie, someone who pushes you a bit harder than you might want to go if you were working on your own.

The other good thing about Crossfit, in my opinion, is that it tends to be quite social, because it is done in a group, and people support each other, since just about everyone is at a different level. Going to a gym, by yourself, with the headphones on, going through the same old routine you've done every Tuesday, isn't as interesting or fun.

The possible downsides to Crossfit, for some people: Crossfit tends to use pretty heavy weights relative to a general fitness class. And, a lot of the exercises used require some skill that you must develop. Skills like: double-under jump rope, muscle-ups on a chin-up bar or gymnastics rings, Olympic lifts like the snatch, etc. Until you are able to do some of those things, you can substitute in other exercises, or lighter weight, but it makes for some disappointment when you have to do that.

Other than not liking the culture, this was a con not a pro for me when I tried a class. Timed reps shifted the focus to speed instead of form. I'm prone to injury, so all the rushed movements and movements that focused on power generation, plus attempting to continue pushing when very fatigued felt too risky for me. I don't like to push through fatigue because that's when my chances of injury exponentially increase. That's just my own experience based on my own unique condition, but it's worth sharing in case someone else is like me.

samiejones1 · July 2018

Thank you SO much for all taking the time out of your day to give such detailed replies. They have been very helpful.
It looks like it’s going to be something really different to what I’m used to and something I’m either going to love or hate, but I’m ready for a change and I really am a beginner when it comes to strength so I need that more personal service to support me with doing it to both push me and ensure I’m doing it right as to not cause myself an injury.
I still have a month on my other gym and the CrossFit box does a 2 week trial so I’m going to go along and check it out and make my mind up from there. I’m very excited but also a little nervous! I’ll keep you posted!
Thanks again xx

Scubdup · July 2018

For me it all comes down to the coaches and the fellow athletes. If they're a decent bunch then it's great, if not, then it's no better than a normal gym.

I did Crossfit for a few years about 10 years ago (in London) and loved it. It really pushed me. At the time I remember feeling a bit of resentment at being constantly reminded how little I knew about proper fitness (having been exercising and gyming for a decade prior to that) but I feel like it taught me masses and instilled really good habits and ways of thinking about exercise that I still benefit from today.

I loved the camaraderie (and it surprises me to learn some people don't - each to their own) and that is something I miss at the more typical gym I now attend.

If a Crossfit gym is doing it right, none of its members will feel out of place, nobody will be above criticism, and everyone will be trying equally to learn and improve themselves. I hope you enjoy it.

yirara · July 2018

Why not? look if it's worth it. Btw, does you current gym have a squatrack, bench and barbells? That might be a place to start as well if you get a trainer to show you how to.

annaskiski · July 2018

Just started Crossfit this week!

I joined one where you can just pay $30 for the open gym, then punch cards for classes.
I wanted a gym where I can do Stronglifts. (I have a squat rack at home, but had a baby in January, so really no time to lift except on my lunch break at work)

I am thinking I will be doing 1 class plus two open gym sessions per week. I may fall in love with the classes, and change this up, but I've never been a 'joiner', so I'm not counting on this.

annaskiski · July 2018

BTW, in the two intro one-on-ones I've been to so far (they require 4), they've been great about explaining how to modify exercises/lifts to your ability, and emphasizing safety.

I feel very comfortable about joining a class soon..

heybales · July 2018

To the points made about a good Crossfit gym, and good coaches - make sure you know what that means and how to tell the difference.

You can have totally supportive members that have no clue on good form supporting a poor coach.
Starting Strength author & training guru Mark Rippetoe was used to do many training classes for coaches.
But up to the coaches to bring it back and train right, despite the goals many comments above make that would seem to go opposite (speed, timed, heavy, peer pressure).

Best to watch a class or two really as you have time, while not in the moment - gives a chance to observe.

Look to see if people are being encourage to do a lift with obvious bad form. See if the coach is keeping an eye on those attempts.
That kind of thing.

jseams1234 · July 2018

Give it a go - you won't know if it's a fit for you until you try.

You will certainly build some muscle with CrossFit. Will it be as much as a proper hypertrophy bodybuilding program? Nope, not even close.

You will certainly build some strength with CrossFit. Will it be as much as a proper stength based or Powerlifting program? Nope, not even close.

CrossFit is kinda like the jack-of-all-trades master of none type of activity. It's interesting, since I know several people who are very into CrossFit and have been regularly training for years. None of them is what I'd call heavily muscled - with clothes on you couldn't even tell they lifted... well, there *is* one dude who is pretty big... but he was a bodybuilder for years and went into CrossFit with a pretty impressive build to begin with.

They are all in great shape though and love their "boxes" and the social aspect of it. One of the guys though - was pretty skinny when he started and told me he was gong to get "jacked". Well, it's been two years and he's still nowhere close to that goal. CrossFit might not have been the best choice for him considering the outcome he wanted.

XXL2Med · July 2018

@samiejones1 , Within CrossFit there is a joke: For my workout I lift weights... for cardio I lift weights FASTER! LoL

I think this does summarize CrossFit. It is more of a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) activity. There are short BURSTS of strenuous activity, then some "active rest" which means you are really jacking up you heart rate! This DEFINITELY translates into fat burning... for me sometimes translates into vomiting.

...but it DOES work, if you enjoy it and stay consistent as with any program. The critical thing to remember is to always be SAFE and maintain good form in your movements.

Here is my "guy crush," the Premiere CrossFitter, Rich Froenig:

natruallycurious · July 2018

jseams1234 wrote: »

Give it a go - you won't know if it's a fit for you until you try.

You will certainly build some muscle with CrossFit. Will it be as much as a proper hypertrophy bodybuilding program? Nope, not even close.

You will certainly build some strength with CrossFit. Will it be as much as a proper stength based or Powerlifting program? Nope, not even close.

CrossFit is kinda like the jack-of-all-trades master of none type of activity. It's interesting, since I know several people who are very into CrossFit and have been regularly training for years. None of them is what I'd call heavily muscled - with clothes on you couldn't even tell they lifted... well, there *is* one dude who is pretty big... but he was a bodybuilder for years and went into CrossFit with a pretty impressive build to begin with.

They are all in great shape though and love their "boxes" and the social aspect of it. One of the guys though - was pretty skinny when he started and told me he was gong to get "jacked". Well, it's been two years and he's still nowhere close to that goal. CrossFit might not have been the best choice for him considering the outcome he wanted.

I agree with some of this, but not all. CrossFit definitely aims to not specialize. It's in the level one trainer's handbook that their specialty is not specializing. The goal is to build a solid foundation in all 10 fitness domains, not just a couple.

I also agree that you will not become as strong as a powerlifter, or as defined as a bodybuilder. However, a lot of that is genetics and steroids. Look at top level CrossFit atheletes. They definitely look like they lift, but they are putting in way more than one training session a day. For the average person attending a few classes a week, you aren't going to build a ton of muscle or get super strong. But you likely wouldn't on a dedicated strength or hypertrophy program either. Genetics plays a big part. I started CrossFit in January. I look like I've been lifting for years. It's my body type. My coach was a bodybuilder for nearly a decade before starting CrossFit. Looking at him, he looks like he's in shape, but he's not big at all, even though he spent years trying to get as big as possible (the clean way, no steroids).

heybales · July 2018

Those top tier Crossfit competitive athletes were going to excel at whatever they happened to do - genetics and drive.

Indeed the daily training helps them greatly. Though as mentioned, if they didn't already have their abilities, like lifting, it would have taken longer merely using the program to reach some of the weights they are at.

But I'd bet someone doing a specific hype lifting 3 x weekly program would see faster results than cross-fit 3 x weekly - if muscle gain was their desired goal.
Starting from the same point in time.

AnvilHead · July 2018

heybales wrote: »

Those top tier Crossfit competitive athletes were going to excel at whatever they happened to do - genetics and drive.

Indeed the daily training helps them greatly. Though as mentioned, if they didn't already have their abilities, like lifting, it would have taken longer merely using the program to reach some of the weights they are at.

But I'd bet someone doing a specific hype lifting 3 x weekly program would see faster results than cross-fit 3 x weekly - if muscle gain was their desired goal.
Starting from the same point in time.

Genetics and drive and.....well, I'll just leave this here for discussion: https://www.t-nation.com/powerful-words/crossfit-and-steroids

And I'll add that top tier Crossfit athletes =/= Crossfit population in general. Just as IFBB pro bodybuilders =/= gym population in general.

cwolfman13 · July 2018

I did it years ago. One thing you want to be sure of and that is whether or not it's a good box. I tried a few different boxes...one of them was absolutely horrible in regards to the ratio of trainers to attendees. I also found it a bit disconcerting that in general time and getting every last rep was more sought after than proper form...I've never seen so many *kitten* cleans in my life.

In general it just wasn't my bag and didn't really suit my goals. About the only thing I liked about it was the social aspect. My goals were really to get stronger and put on some lean mass and I ultimately determined that a traditional weight training program was more suited to my objectives.

The box I went to didn't really do a whole lot with weights unless you went to the Oly class on the weekend. It was mostly just WODs which I felt were just haphazard exercise movements with no real intent or purpose. It almost felt like my military boot camp where we just did all kinds of random exercise to be doing all kinds of random exercise.

I just prefer training in a more structured manner...this is perhaps due to being a competitive athlete for much of my life, so most of the training I've ever done was very structured to help me be the best at that particular thing and not just ok at a bunch of different things.

Crossfit

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