SHOULD YOU TRY CROSSFIT?
Crossfit has a rocky history. There are many, many fans and
just as many detractors. There seems to be no middle ground. People either love
it or hate it.
Crossfit is a considered a hardcore fitness protocol.
Encompassing body weight, Olympic lifts, strength, speed cardio, stamina and
obstacle courses. Think boot camp. If those appeal to you and you are
already in good physical condition with no major health issues it will probably
get you in the best shape of your life.
The problems with Crossfit arose when it first caught on and
gained national attention. The problem was not so much with the protocol
itself. Rather, problems arose with too few qualified coaches, trainers and
facility owners. Clients were put into hard core drills from day one with no
preconditioning, no physical evaluations or assessments and unqualified
coaches. People got hurt.
Crossfit is now some fifteen years old and the proponents of
Crossfit are catching up with proper methods of training their clients. Serious
Crossfitters have learned to seek qualified instruction in the more technical
aspects of the protocol. (Olympic lifts for example). Clients are being
screened more carefully by most reputable crossfit coaches and trainers. There
are still several parts of the protocol that many trainers would recommend
against. But as in all forms of training
there are some risks especially at the elite level.
That’s not to say that all Crossfit studios are safe and conscientious. Nor do I mean
to infer that Crossfit is the only protocol that has had and still have these
same issues.
The takeaway should be DO
YOUR HOMEWORK. And be sure Crossfit is for you and that you feel
comfortable with the facility and its coaches, trainers and the risks involved.
Personally, I think Crossfit is a definite option for those
wanting to get super fit as long as they are healthy enough and capable. I also
think Crossfit has reignited a lot of interest in fitness in general. And I applaud them for that. I have
family members involved in Crossfit and they love it!
If you are at all interested in competing in Crossfit, check the article by Christian Thibaudeau who trains
championship level Crossfiters.
Send your comments and questions to alphaedgefitness@gmail.com
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