I really enjoy CrossFit. \u00a0This week I took a little time off to learn more about Olympic lifting, and I didn’t devote as much time to the typical workouts. \u00a0And I can feel it. \u00a0I did not get my hormonal\u00a0adrenaline hypothalamic fear factor flight\/or\/fight stimulus (I just made all that up.) \u00a0So I’m not quite as settled as I normally am at this point in the week (that’s the true part.)<\/p>\n
Anyway I had a chance to browse some other blogs and review some comments about CrossFit. \u00a0Mostly negative comments, the gist of which is that CrossFit is ill-conceived\u00a0as exercise regime\u00a0because it’s dangerous — the movements are too fast, are done with poor form, and too often. \u00a0Various people (e.g.,\u00a0Drew Baye<\/a>) insist there are safer alternatives that offer superior benefits.<\/p>\n With respect to the dangers of CrossFit, I’ve covered that in various\u00a0other\u00a0posts. \u00a0With respect to\u00a0whether\u00a0there are better alternatives, here is what I insist: that CrossFit is open to anything, and if there are better methods you’ll see them adopted by CrossFit coaches.<\/p>\n Frankly I’m not in a position to argue about the mechanics of one exercise vs. another. \u00a0But there is something I can comment on, and that’s my experience working out at a CrossFit gym, and that’s what this blog series is about.<\/p>\n From now on, if anybody asks me “what is CrossFit” or “do you\u00a0recommend CrossFit” here is my answer. \u00a0CrossFit is a recreational activity with a strong\u00a0emphasis\u00a0on physical culture, e.g. “fitness.” \u00a0CrossFit compares to water\u00a0skiing, snow skiing, skateboarding, rock climbing, snow boarding, body surfing, surfing,\u00a0rollerblading, and sky-diving. \u00a0I’m guessing most people know what those activities are, \u00a0and will immediately understand the level of\u00a0athletic\u00a0ability required, as well as the potential dangers.<\/p>\n CrossFit claims to be “the sport of fitness,” not an exercise program. \u00a0Like any sport, it requires\u00a0diligence\u00a0and commitment. \u00a0It has a set of core ideas, and a particular approach. \u00a0CrossFit, as a recreational activity and sport, requires risk management. \u00a0My experience is that CF is exactly what it claims to be.<\/p>\n Do I recommend CrossFit? Absolutely. \u00a0The benefits are huge. \u00a0But if the definition of “exercise” precludes injury, CrossFit is not exercise. \u00a0So I will concede that point to Drew Baye, Anthony Dream Johnson<\/a>, and\u00a0Micheal Allen Smith<\/a>. \u00a0For me CrossFit is fun, enjoyable, and has lots of benefits. \u00a0If someone wants to enjoy CrossFit as an activity, or sport, then I recommend it. And CrossFit can be modified to allow anyone to participate.<\/p>\n Next week: back to WOD.<\/p>\n Cheers.<\/p>\n