How CrossFit has ruined the fitness industry

THERE ARE CERTAINLY A FEW DOWNSIDES TO JOINING A CROSSFIT BOX... 

For one, it is expensive. Most boxes charge upwards of $20 for a single class and more than $100 a month for a membership. The price is justified based on the fact that you are joining coached classes and not just using the equipment to workout on your own. Most boxes will offer discounts to students and emergency services personnel however for the rest of us, an expensive gym membership may not be feasible.

Another downside to joining CrossFit is that although the workouts are scalable, they are not individualized. For those training for a specific event such as a marathon or recovering from an injury, the group-based dynamic may not be the best approach. Some, not all boxes offer personal training with their CrossFit coaches. Depending on your needs, you may have to seek out a fitness professional with additional expertise and training outside of your CrossFit box.

CrossFit is by definition non-specific. The point of CrossFit is to generally prepare athletes for a range of sporting events and athletic pursuits. If you are training for something specific, a competition or race for example, you should seriously consider how your training will contribute to that goal. Specific goals require specific training. To learn more about training specificity check out my blog article on the subject by clicking here.

Unfortunately not all CrossFit boxes are as meticulous at coaching proper form as they should be. Some coaches have only a weekend of training under their belt before they are fully certified to coach challenging and risky movements like the ring muscle up or olympic weightlifting snatch. When in doubt, try out more than one box before you decide on which is right for you. Watching a class or two before participating can be very eye opening. If the coach appears distracted or disengaged while his athletes complete the workout, walk away. You want a coach that is always watching, cueing, correcting, and motivating his athletes. At the end of the day, you deserve a safe and fun experience while you are doing CrossFit and you need to find a box that feels right for you.

Lastly, CrossFit is competitive. Very competitive. Each workout is scored and results are written on a public display. For some this is incredibly motivating, for others it is a complete distraction and encourages rushed exercise and poor form. There is a certain level of personal responsibility when it comes to joining a CrossFit box. Though the coaches are looking out for you, they are not mind readers. If the weight is too heavy or the movement doesn't feel right, speak up! Also, don't get caught up in the "race" to finish the workout, at the end of the day you are your biggest competitor.

IN SUMMARY

CrossFit has only ruined the worst parts of the fitness industry. It has smashed female and aging stereotypes while changing the way we view fitness. CrossFit boxes provide a competitive yet encouraging environment that welcomes all ability levels. It is the overhaul the fitness industry needed. Whether you dabble in CrossFit or not, your gym experience has likely been influenced by CrossFit in one way or another. Your gym may include a large free weight section, bumper plates, kettelbells, or offer bootcamps that let you push sleds, slam medicine balls, and climb ropes. Thanks to CrossFit, functional fitness has received more attention than ever and people are being exposed to the wonderful sports of gymnastics and olympic weightlifting. As always, I would encourage you to explore what gym or fitness program works for you, what you like, and most importantly whatever gets (and keeps) you moving.

Sincerely,

Coach P.

Ps. Believe it or not, I don't even do CrossFit! I have in the past and it was great but now I am pursuing a new love, triathlon, and can't get enough of that swim-bike-run.