Why CrossFit is so bad(a**)

The CrossFit Games are set to take place Aug 8th-11th in their new location of Fort Worth, Texas. With the social media and TV coverage of the games, I hear a lot of rumors about CrossFit around this time of year. Let’s debunk some top myths I hear and explain more about the “CrossFit” training philosophy.

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is defined as constantly varied, functional movements performed at high intensity. The goal of CrossFit is to keep all bodies moving and be able to physically perform whatever life throws at you outside of the gym. Getting up and down off of the floor with your kids? Burpees. Getting into/out of the edge of a pool? Versions of a pull-up. New homeowner and moving boxes? Deadlifts. All of these movements are part of the focus in functional training.

Getting into the nitty gritty, there are 10 physical skills that CrossFit looks to build overtime; Cardiovascular endurance, Stamina, Strength, Flexibility, Power, Speed, Coordination, Agility, Balance, and Accuracy. Other popular gyms that follow this varied type of training are F45, BurnBoot Camp, Orange Theory and more. In other words all of these gyms are a form of varied cross training; which we know from research is ideal for the overall health of our bodies.

MYTH 1: Only really fit people do CrossFit.

There are over 4 million members to CrossFit gyms in the US and only .0002% of those people make it to the big screen in August. That means that over 99% of crossfitters are closer to the “average joe” than the elitists. This number also doesn’t include members at the other training gyms I listed above.

MYTH 2: Crossfitters are always getting injured.

CrossFit, like any other gym, has people who get injured. One study found that the average injury rate of Crossfitters to be 3.24 injuries per 1000 training hours. Other studies have found similar results for weight lifters at 2.6 injuries per 1000 hours of training and a 50% injury rate of regular runners each year. This should not scare anyone away from fitness, but instead show that there are risks to performing any sort of physical activity. With proper form, progressively increasing your intensity/load, proper warm up/cool down, and listening to your body these risks can be minimized.

MYTH #3: I am too old, I can’t do CrossFit!

The oldest crossfitter to ever compete at the games was 83. Trainers and coaches at the gyms are trained in modifications for all body types and abilities. I would argue, the older you are, the more you need CrossFit to remain functional and independent. Movements at the gym transfer to things like carrying your own groceries, getting heavy items at the top of your closet, mowing your own lawn, getting up off of the floor, and going up/down stairs.

Moral of the story, don’t let myths drive you away from group fitness classes like CrossFit. The community that you find at these gyms are second to none. You’ll find yourself making new friends that motivate you to get to class and getting together outside of the gym to make memories. The philosophy behind cross training is tried and true when it comes to optimal fitness routines. You can’t go wrong with getting active with any of the classes listed above. Do a free trial at all of them and see what works best for you. Happy cross training!