CrossFit?

[qba335i]

Do you guys have any insight on CrossFit? I am looking for some info from people who actually do it.
I am getting a bit bored with lifting weights and am looking for something different. I need something new that will challenge me.

I am pretty athletic (work out 4 times a week), 210lbs @6'2. I trained judo, muah thai, was on a swimming team, play tennis, was lifting weights pretty much since high school.

[scostu]

Originally Posted by qba335i

Do you guys have any insight on CrossFit? I am looking for some info from people who actually do it.
I am getting a bit bored with lifting weights and am looking for something different. I need something new that will challenge me.

I am pretty athletic (work out 4 times a week), 210lbs @6'2. I trained judo, muah thai, was on a swimming team, play tennis, was lifting weights pretty much since high school.

Functional training with Olympic style lifting added in.

Can be fun and challenging.....be careful with what weights you use as there is a lot of deadlifting and overhead squats.

Research several Xfit gyms...”boxes” and try the out.

[Spgm5]

Find a box that has knowledgeable coaches. Me and wife tried out 4-5 boxes before picking one. They are pretty much the same, the coaches and their knowledge sets the good ones apart. Like stated above, choose weight wisely as it'll feel light at first but with the other movements involved, your form can go to shit pretty quick if to heavy.

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by qba335i

Do you guys have any insight on CrossFit? I am looking for some info from people who actually do it.
I am getting a bit bored with lifting weights and am looking for something different. I need something new that will challenge me.

I am pretty athletic (work out 4 times a week), 210lbs @6'2. I trained judo, muah thai, was on a swimming team, play tennis, was lifting weights pretty much since high school.

I have been Crossfitting since 2009. If you are athletic and competitive you will enjoy it. Like the last poster stated look at the Boxes (Crossfit gyms) around you. Some are better then others...ie coaching, programming and ppl. Also check CrossFit’s main site to learn a bit about what you are getting into.

My biggest piece of advice is check your ego at the door and
go slow! Learn the foundational movements and don’t be in a hurry to try and do things beyond your abilities. Progression is key!

Second would be MOBILITY!!!! Learn to love it and live it everyday!!!!

It is very easy to get sucked in and chase numbers and form bad habits. Have goals but obtain them the right way. If you are not careful injuries WILL happen.

I’ve been at it a long time and enjoy it still. Whether at my box or in my garage gym, it’s the best type of training I have ever done. And I am an ex-college athlete! Good luck brother!

[BayMoWe335]

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by BayMoWe335

C’mon man....that shit is getting old

[jninja]

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

C’mon man....that shit is getting old

Looks like a serious prolapse situation right there.

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by MGM135is

Looks like a serious prolapse situation right there.

Not really, not all Crossfitters are like that. Especially OG ones like myself. It just gets annoying that ppl think all are like that.

Usually most ppl who post that stuff have never tried Crossfit or know what it’s all about. To them it’s just easier to make fun of it.

I honestly don’t care much for the “Cool Aide” drinking Crossfitters. Most haven’t been doing it long. I learned it from some Badass Navy SEALs when I was in SWAT school. And believe me those guys didn’t talk about it, it was just a training tool for PT.

[c1pher]

I think the key is starting slow since there is a lot of stress on joints and tendons above and beyond musculature stresses.

[John Tanglewood]

I love crossfit, been working at for a couple years on and off. I say on and off because sometimes the environment can push you to do too much. It's a safe environment for testing your limits, but you have to be the supreme authority on what your body is ready to do vs. what you are asking it to do.

My most valuable lesson learned in crossfit is to go at your own pace (regardless of the progress of others), know and test your limits, and pay attention to your body.

The community, group workouts, events, and parties/get together's embody what crossfit is all about.

Research your boxes and while all should be preaching proper technique and form, you need to see for yourself if they are giving you the attention you think you need.

[The Chaddening]

Crossfit is hands down the best form of training available. It's available for everyone at all fitness levels, it emphasizes safety, and most importantly it's fun, challenging exercise that will build power, strength, hypertrophy, and endurance. Nothing else even comes close. It will get you in the best shape of your life and allow you to train at high intensity well into your older years.

[drivetolive]

Not sure how it is in the US, but all the Crossfit gyms I've seen around Toronto charge a ridiculous amount of money for a monthly membership (4-5x your average gym membership).

If you prefer open gym and learning on your own, find yourself a gym with an athletic area and the necessary equipment (i.e. bumper plates, kettlebells, etc). You'll save a lot of money, and based on your experience, I doubt you will find most beginner Crossfit classes challenging. If you do find yourself struggling with the Olympics lifts, I would suggest finding a certified/dedicated Olympic lifting coach (rather than a generalized Crossfit coach).

Keep in mind that Crossfit is nothing new, people have just been able to mass-market the idea and monetize it. People have been cross-training as athletes for a long time, without calling it Crossfit.

[Germanauto]

You're just asking to be trolled.

Crossfit is a nonsensical cult. I see injuries from stupid Crossfit patients all the time. Good for business though.

[scostu]

Yes....Xfit has gotten away from what it was originally introduced as couple decades ago. It is expensive for what it is.... and lots of people are doing exercises that would will put them in the ER..... but if you do your due diligence and research you can find a quality facility to meet your expectations.

Many Xfit gyms have become bastardized.

[FlaPatsFan]

Crossfit originally started with the Military and Law Enforcement. On bases and in Special Ops schools and academy’s. Then in ppls Garages, sheds etc.

Most new Crossfitters don’t know the history or that Director of Crossfit (Dave Castro) was a Navy SEAL.

Example....a few years back at the Crossfit Games Castro included a Glock handgun in the prize pack for podium finishers. Some ppl were all upset wanting to know why he was gifting such an item? Answer....because he is a Ex-SEAL and CrossFit’s roots are directly connected to his military background and Law Enforcement ties.

For those really interested check out ”Crossfit Firefight” on YouTube. A great video combining Crossfit and Shooting in a competitive setting. Fronning is in it and he does not win!

[radiofrequency]

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

I have been Crossfitting since 2009. If you are athletic and competitive you will enjoy it. Like the last poster stated look at the Boxes (Crossfit gyms) around you. Some are better then others...ie coaching, programming and ppl. Also check CrossFit’s main site to learn a bit about what you are getting into.

My biggest piece of advice is check your ego at the door and
go slow! Learn the foundational movements and don’t be in a hurry to try and do things beyond your abilities. Progression is key!

Second would be MOBILITY!!!! Learn to love it and live it everyday!!!!

It is very easy to get sucked in and chase numbers and form bad habits. Have goals but obtain them the right way. If you are not careful injuries WILL happen.

I’ve been at it a long time and enjoy it still. Whether at my box or in my garage gym, it’s the best type of training I have ever done. And I am an ex-college athlete! Good luck brother!

Good advice, I've seen a lot of debilitating injuries from CrossFit, primarily due to "too much too soon", and not just male participants. A rotater cuff or hamstring tear will sideline you for months. If you are competitive in nature it may convince you that you can lift as much as that 120 lb participant. He/she may have been doing CrossFit for years. Take a look at Christmas Abbott, she is tiny, but has immense strength for her size, and she works diligently on her flexibility, so take care. IMHO, you are better off moving than not, an added benefit is a highly competent instructor.

[Foggins]

I did CrossFit for two years...loved the community, I got really strong (for me). But I couldn’t shake the injuries...some worse than others. I tried to use good firm, no ego etc...but ultimately my body couldn’t handle it. I am now in more of a boot camp program and it has been much better for me. It’s like CrossFit lite. Less intensity, less weights, but I’m getting in very good shape.

[GOLFFRR]

I did crossfit a few years back and really got into it. I did it religiously for 2 years then quit. I can say a few positive things for me about crossfit were:
1. great community atmosphere, you def will get caught up in it and the people.
2. very motivating. class environments for me made it a lot more enjoyable and also more ap to show up each day.
3. you will get in crazy shape (maybe not aesthetic wise though) maybe the best shape you have ever been.

then there was some bad things for me, those were;
1. very hard for me to put on any weight (couldn't eat enough)
2. you will eventually start to throw out form in order to beat others in class or yourself (if your competitive like myself)
3. which in turn you will always have some sort of random injury that your dealing with (for me that was the case)

at the end of the day if you can refrain from always going balls out and really concentrate on your form its very enjoyable and actually really fun. It will push you beyond your limits but watch out for that little devil on your shoulder whispering in your ear, go faster, go faster, suzy is kicking your butt!! lol then you wake up the next morning and can't walk! and she still whooped you!

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by qba335i

Do you guys have any insight on CrossFit? I am looking for some info from people who actually do it.
I am getting a bit bored with lifting weights and am looking for something different. I need something new that will challenge me.

I am pretty athletic (work out 4 times a week), 210lbs @6'2. I trained judo, muah thai, was on a swimming team, play tennis, was lifting weights pretty much since high school.

Over 40 try something else.

The number one issue with CF is that it encourges improper form. Consequently a lot of people develop joint injuries especially if they were not already living an active lifestyle. I say go for it if you always keep "proper form" in the forefront.

[hooligan_G01]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

Over 40 try something else.

The number one issue with CF is that it encourges improper form. Consequently a lot of people develop joint injuries especially if they were not already living an active lifestyle. I say go for it if you always keep "proper form" in the forefront.

43 here - been CrossFitting since 2010, got my Level1 cert 3 years ago.

Number of CrossFit related injuries I've had (beyond torn calluses or scraped shins): 0

Number of CrossFit injuries I've witnessed (beyond torn calluses or scraped shins): 2

One guy dislocated his shoulder bailing on a snatch when he didn't let go of the bar. One guy dislocated a finger trying to "catch" a barbell he'd dropped after it bounced off the floor.

CrossFit injuries are WAY over-hyped. I've hurt myself, and witnessed far more injuries, playing pick-up basketball than I have inside a CrossFit gym. You don't see me running around telling people not to play pick-up basketball.

Yes, you need to concentrate on your form at all times. I'm militant about it for myself and that's likely why I haven't had any injuries. Yes, you need to find a qualified coach - the L1 cert that I got is all I would need to open up a gym and it is NO WHERE near enough training, honestly. Yes, it's expensive. If "open gym" is what you're after, look elsewhere, this isn't for you and you can find that atmosphere/set-up tons of other places for a lot less money.

[hooligan_G01]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

I did crossfit a few years back and really got into it. I did it religiously for 2 years then quit. I can say a few positive things for me about crossfit were:
1. great community atmosphere, you def will get caught up in it and the people.
2. very motivating. class environments for me made it a lot more enjoyable and also more ap to show up each day.
3. you will get in crazy shape (maybe not aesthetic wise though) maybe the best shape you have ever been.

then there was some bad things for me, those were;
1. very hard for me to put on any weight (couldn't eat enough)
2. you will eventually start to throw out form in order to beat others in class or yourself (if your competitive like myself)
3. which in turn you will always have some sort of random injury that your dealing with (for me that was the case)

at the end of the day if you can refrain from always going balls out and really concentrate on your form its very enjoyable and actually really fun. It will push you beyond your limits but watch out for that little devil on your shoulder whispering in your ear, go faster, go faster, suzy is kicking your butt!! lol then you wake up the next morning and can't walk! and she still whooped you!

Bingo.

Many/most of the CrossFit injury stories have a lot more to do with the athlete themselves than they do with the programming or coach.