I received the following question today:
“My son (age 22) is looking to register in a cross-fit or similar program (he has been working out consistently over the past year, but wants to get a better balance of cardio + strength, and in a group setting). Are there any of the cross-fit programs that you would particularly recommend — and ideally something not too far out in the suburbs?”
I get asked about Crossfit fairly often, and usually my response is: “It’ll either get you injured or fit.” If you think it seems reasonable to gamble on fitness, then Crossfit is probably a good option for you.
That’s my answer. But I actually prefer Dewey Nielsen’s answer, “Crossfit is not a thought-out progressive exercise system, it is an extreme sport done with strength training tools.” Never heard of Dewey Nielsen? Pity. He’s an amazing strength coach in Oregon. And a generally kick-ass dude. Seriously.
Wondering about Crossfit? Read Dewey’s great blog post: What Crossfit is and Isn’t. That’s pretty much exactly how I feel.
To the original question: “Are there any of the cross-fit programs that I would particularly recommend?”
There are not.
If you must do Crossfit, please check out the “box” first to make sure their practice doesn’t look like this video.
Elsbeth Vaino, B.Sc., CSCS, is a personal trainer in Ottawa who prefers intelligent training over Crossfit.