Is CrossFit bad for you?

There has never been a fitness craze that has caused such controversy as CrossFit. People seem to either love or hate it. Those that love it have developed a cult-like following and those that hate it, are equally as vocal in their loathing about why you should hate CrossFit. So is it really good for you or should you avoid it like the plague?

First of all, it must be said that if CrossFit is what you choose to do as exercise and it keeps you active three to four days a week and you enjoy it, then by all means do it. Exercising should be fun. Not everyone loves the same activities. It just doesn't happen. Different people have different interests so if you find that it is your exercise of choice and you enjoy it then by all means brush off the naysayers and go do it. Doing CrossFit is better than not doing it.

The Good

The people who love CrossFit cite challenging workouts that are constantly changing, and the feeling of camaraderie that is fostered as well as the chance to compete as their reasons for joining a box. CrossFit is definitely challenging, and it does incorporate weight training and cardio, which are two components that everyone needs in their workout. And, misery does loves company, so having the support of other people going through the same workout can sometimes be the push you need to get through a tough workout. So yes, CrossFit can be good.

The Bad

Those that hate CrossFit say that there is a high incidence of injury and that the workouts are too hard, with many of the exercises being not practical. The competitive nature of the sport might push you to perform better, but it also can be a recipe for disaster if you force yourself to do higher reps and higher weights than what your body is prepared for.

The Box

The answer is, if done properly and correctly, CrossFit is not bad. However, sometimes the integrity of the brand has become compromised to the point of some boxes actually being dangerous. I treat a lot of CrossFitters, mainly because I do not tell people to stop CrossFitting. And the injuries that I see are from lifting too much weight too fast and not having the correct form down.

CrossFit uses a lot of moves that involve the core, arm and legs. Many of the movements if done correctly without concern for speed will give you an incredible workout. Squats and lunges are fantastic leg exercises and when done slow and controlled and with the correct format can make an excellent workout. The difficulty with CrossFit is that if you are not in a box that is monitored by top notch coaches you will get pushed too fast too soon and injury will happen. Most often it is overuse injury. If you want to do 20 squats, you will find a way to do them, no matter what. Most likely though, even with body weight squats, if you go to the floor you will use some type of compensation. It is this compensation that will cause a breakdown in your body and will cause you to have pain.

If you are interested in starting CrossFit, make sure that you go to a reputable box with good coaches. Visit different boxes and talk to people, go online, find out where the best ones are. These boxes are not going to push you to go beyond your limits. Also, know your limits. Don't be afraid to stick with body weight exercises. Body weight exercises have gotten a bad rap as people try to pretend that they are not difficult enough. But doing a plank, side plank, reverse plank, mountain climbers, and squats to the floor as a circuit gives most people not in excellent shape a really good workout.

As with any workout, form is key when doing CrossFit. Do not do anything you are not comfortable with. Do not push yourself beyond what you think is safe just to make another rep or raise another weight. Know your body and listen to it.

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