The dangers of CrossFit

I know I'm not going to make any new fans with the CrossFit community, but I am really having a hard time understanding this concept.  For those unaware, this is one of the latest fads to emerge in the fitness world, every few years, there is always something “new and improved” to entice the uneducated public and media.  There have been numerous fitness fads through the years.  In the 70's and 80's its was Jazzercise, Jogging, and the ThighMaster, in the 90's it was Super Slow Training and Tae-Bo and, and now it's P90x, the Shake Weight, Vibration Training, and of course, CrossFit.

The Urban Dictionary defines CrossFit, as " A new and expensive way of re-branding boot camp and circuit training, a cult/organization of failed athletes who are coached by trainers that have purchased online certifications claiming to be world class Olympic lifters, facilities offering 'functional' training by incorporating epileptic pull up techniques, high intensity Olympic lifts and other circus acts posing as strength development methodologies, method of training does not make you puke while performing it will make you puke by observing".

Now having said that, that is not to say CrossFit is all bad. Probably the most important part of the CrossFit program is motivation that comes from the teamwork of working in groups. The underlying principle of high-intensity, cross training is also reasonably sound, though hardly new or innovative.

However, there is also a high risk of traumatic injury from many of the exercises, some of which are completely useless. Due to the frequent high intensity of the workouts, there is a potential for chronic fatigue, rhabdomyolysis, shoulder impingements, and neck and low-back problems for people without a good athletic base. And no generic program will ever produce the results of a well-structured training program tailored to the needs and goals of the individual.

CrossFit is ok if endurance training or conditioning is your main goal. My issue is when people say CrossFit it is great for strength and muscle growth . If you are looking for strength and size, you are looking in the wrong place.  CrossFit ignores the basic concepts of strength training, which is periodization and proper muscle recovery.  Using high repetition Olympic lifts are a great way to get injured, possibly sidelined, and can teach bad form and technique.  The emphasis is on speed and weight hoisted, not technique.  In other words, CrossFit will make you better at doing CrossFit.  Fitness programs need to be geared with the athlete or individual in mind.

Let me explain my major concerns with CrossFit.   CrossFit is highly injury prone, with exercise related injuries seen in the emergency room increasing 65% since CrossFit's inception.  CrossFit focuses on momentum, not strength.  Swinging and Flipping barbells take the focus off the targeted muscle, and holding weights in the lock out position puts incredible stress on the joints.  Lifting weights really fast may provide a sense of accomplishment to many but it's not building muscle.  CrossFit has a growing number of followers, reaching a cult-like status with the mindset of beating your muscles and body into submission.  This is dead wrong!  You should focus on working with your body and not against it.  Exercising to the point of exhaustion, performing extreme movements or even vomiting is not a good exercise program.  Exercise is equivalent to an elevator button.  Once you push the button, you wait, pushing it over and over again is not going to help.  Lastly, my biggest problem with CrossFit, not unlike P90X, is the commercialization of extreme fitness.  We are all looking for the right program that will turn our lumpy weak bodies into Olympic athletes.  However, all these extreme programs have a high failure rate, with the ones that do succeed contributing it to the program rather than superior genetics, age, or diet.

To sum it up, I'm not trying to be the best at exercising.  I, like many people, want to feel good in my skin, be fit, and do what I need to do to live a long and healthy life.  There is no doubt about it, any form of exercise is better than nothing.  And whatever keeps you showing up to workout is better than sitting your butt on the couch.  You just need to be realistic with your goals, and find a training regimen that works with your lifestyle and fitness level.  The body that you beat to hell in your 20's is the same body that's crawling out of bed in your 70's, so take care of it.