Considering CrossFit – But Is It Dangerous?
Rumor has it that my gym is getting set up for CrossFit. There’s a big empty space on the floor that we’re hearing will be dedicated to the craze – and craze it is. Yet there are people with reservations about the routine, and some that even suggest it can be dangerous. Is it a concern?
The Merits Of CrossFit Training
I’ve read quite a bit about CrossFit training. At it’s core, the philosophy behind the phenomenon seems to be in developing overall fitness while making workouts as efficient as possible. Their website goes on to describe the program as delivering “… a fitness that is by design broad, general, and inclusive … our specialty is not specializing.” In principle, this falls directly in line with my belief about attempting to develop overall fitness. Yet, there is a distinct difference as well, in that the system utilizes a “Workout Of the Day,” otherwise known as a WOD.
I believe the appeal of CrossFit workouts are the varied, atypical routines that seem to be its hallmark. Participants can log onto the site daily to get the new WOD, which seems to be drastically different from one day to the next. This provides a great deal of variety, which keeps workouts interesting. Another positive aspect to the system. It also appears that they make liberal use of kettlebells and body weight exercises, which means adherents are performing exercises that involve small muscle development. Another positive, as compared to workouts on machines or even bars, since including balance in the equation forces the development of what I refer to as “practical strength,” i.e. strength that translates into everyday life.
The Negatives of CrossFit Training
Photo Credit: Digitalshay
Much of what I’ve read also indicates that it may have a dark side as well. Some would even call it dangerous. Why? For one thing, many adherents seem to develop an almost cultish following. There are a number of stories about people who have over-exerted themselves on the regimen, ending up with a condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle fibers break down and myoglobin is released into the bloodstream. Denizens often strive to “meet Pukey,” (which is probably self-explanatory) and don’t seem to feel they’ve had a good workout unless they’ve gone there. But to be fair, I know many runners that would say that if you run a race without “meeting Pukey” you haven’t given your best effort, and rhabdomyolysis can be caused by over-exertion of any sort. For what its worth, I don’t subscribe to that philosophy – at all.
There’s no doubt that it can be a very intense regimen, as demonstrated by the video above. But any exercise routine can be intense and grueling, if taken to an extreme. As many of the followers of crossfit seem to be current and former military, firemen, and police officers, it may be the types of people attracted to the activity are as responsible as the activity itself.
For myself, I’m considering giving some aspects of the routine a try. The basic philosophy runs parallel to my own, if a bit distorted. I have no interest in participating in events like the CrossFit Games. One thing I don’t like about the program is the apparent wide swings in activities. I’ve developed a “slow and steady” approach that I’m convinced helps avoid injuries. I’ll have to watch the routines very closely before I decide to dive in and give them a shot.
I would love to get feedback from people who have tried the regimen. For now I’m not ready to step away from my routine, but I’m open to the possibility. I’d love to hear more about the positives and negatives of crossfit!
12 Responses to “Considering CrossFit – But Is It Dangerous?”
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I don’t think that any workout in and of itself is dangerous, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be good for everyone. My only concerns about CrossFit are that it’s too rigorous for deconditioned people and therefore may cause injury and that the degree of intensity over the long haul will only appeal to a small segment of hardcore people who want to DIE every time they workout. John and Jane Doe may find the regimen to taxing on their bodies and quit.
Other than that, try it out. If you hate it you’ll know right away. If you love it, go for it.
I agree with Jonathan – except with one minor point.
I think that if people enjoy it, the should do it because of that – being challenged and push and even going OVER “the line”, if that’s what you’re into.
If you’re trying to just “get into shape” or build muscle – there are def a lot less punishing ways to do it, in my (humble) opinion.
To each their own – maybe people enjoy “meeting Mr Pukey”!
Cheers guys.
I do CrossFit and enjoy it. I’m one of the oldest, slowest, and out of shape people at our local CrossFit gym, so have to do a lot of scaling back, but find it challenging, fun, and motivating.
I think the variety is key. The way some WODs and lifts are tracked by time completed or weight lifted is a wonderful way to see progress. I do think that CrossFit is not for everybody, but I think people of all ages and conditioning can enjoy it, as long as they are the types who like that sweaty feeling of achievement.
Do you go to a gym that is solely dedicated to CrossFit?
I have been crossfitting for a week and have scaled every workout back to avoid both pukey and rhabdo. One thing that has been helpful to me is http://www.crossfitbrandx.com/index.php/forums/ which posts scaling for each WOD, and also has forums for help. I love the variety and results i am seeing already and will continue to crossfit for a while. Handstand pushups here i come.
Thanks for the tip. I’ll check out the scaled back versions. Don’t know about hand stand pushups though…
I have been eyeing Crossfit for a while. I have been practicing Brazilian Jiu-jitsu since 2004 and for about a year now I have been reading BJJ blogs where the writers are raving about Crossfit.
BJJ can be hard on the body as it is. I don’t know if I’m ready for Crossfit. Although it looks like the exercise routines we used to do in my Athletics class to get ready to play football, basketball, etc., in Texas in the late 80s.
I have a friend who does Brazilian Jui Jitsu (spelling?). He’s a hard core ex-Marine. I’ve sparred with him several times. What I know is that I don’t want him to get a good grip on me!
I have been to one once for an informational session otherwise i do the workouts at home.
One thing about crossfit is because there is such a cult following you can find in the forums lots of ways to do the workouts at home.
If i could afford it i would go to a crossfit gym just for the extra motivation.
I have heard some great things about crossfit, but I don’t know if its for people that are completely out of shape as it is pretty intense! But for people ready to take workouts up a notch and try something new, I think its awesome.
I’m glad to read more about this topic. I am a private trainer on Maui, and recently this topic comes my way often. I agree that for some that may be reentering fitness may want to get a nice pre base of strength before they jump into a crossfit session. I love how it does motivate people as that’s one of the reasons people love it. The team holds each other accountable.
I am a bit concerned about the levels of intensity sustained over a long periods of time, for the body does need to recover and repair. But, I think it’s a great way to mix up a routine to help avoid dreaded training plateaus.
I have a few friends who are pretty hard core and just love it, and they are also very competitive.
If you like it, you like the results great. It does build a person’s confidence too. That’s nice to see.
I throw in a few crossfit moves into my training sessions and people love it. At the same time however, I know my clients well and want them to succeed every time and have break throughs in their fitness that often surprises them. So if a certain set starts out to be more than they can handle, I’ll quickly modify it so we avoid injury.
Everything in moderation right? Thanks again for this nice place to write.
Aloha
Great post! I’ve always been considering CrossFit.