Does CrossFit Work? | Muscle For Life
Posted by jrdunnaway from www.muscleforlife.com
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Filadog 10 years, 9 months ago
Every time I get ready to try CF, I stumble across an article like this.
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mopower 10 years, 9 months ago
I don't want to become the CF defender as the article raises some issues that we've seen posted in other articles as well and have some validity. However, first scroll to the bottom and note that this is by a guy trying to get you to buy his book on his training approach so of course he's going to find issues with other approaches.
I've been doing CF since March - albeit with some big gaps during the Summer. Have I seen results in overall strength, endurance, and built muscle - absolutely. I'm also still the guy usually with the lowest weights and slowest times in the gym (aka "box"). However, as someone who has historically hated working out what I really like about CF is the variety and the camaraderie. In a good box everyone is supportive and since you're doing the same work at the same time there is a real supportive team often cheering or working along side you as you finish off that last set after everyone else has finished. When people talk about CF being "cultish" frankly a lot of it I chalk up to the camaraderie that gets naturally built when you're around the same people day after day accomplishing something that is really challenging. In many ways it's not that different from being part of any other team or being in the military.
As far as the dangers and injuries I would say that is where having good qualified coaches is super important. I know in my box they insist on certifications and a period of supervised coaches before letting a new coach in. I'll also add that it is up to you to know when you need to dial back the weight a notch to keep your form right. At least in my box they'd much rather you complete with the right form than max weight.
I have no doubt that people have had bad experiences with CF but it seems to come down to choosing the right box and checking your ego more than anything.
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Chet_Manly 10 years, 9 months ago
You are to be commended for getting out of your comfort zone and improving yourself. As one who has dabbled in CF, I also believe the quality of trainers/coaches in the individual "box" is paramount to injury reduction and longevity.
May I suggest that when you feel it time to move to something else that might be more specialized, please do so. CF is a wonderful "tool" in ones GPP tool box. I wish you well.
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jrdunnaway 10 years, 9 months ago
I'm not saying that I don't like crossfit. I like it and have done it. I find the article interesting. I actually think Crossfit is a fantastic training program. Just like a different perspective on it.
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mopower 10 years, 9 months ago
It's all just good Gentlemanly discourse. I felt compelled to write a dissenting view after seeing Filadog's comment. I'd hate to see someone not give crossfit a try because all we see posted are largely negative articles (although the one that was posted last month was pretty fair).
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