|
Ok, I know straight off the bat that crossfit is a polarizing topic. A lot of people hate crossfit (probably largely due to some overzealous members not being able to shut up about it and claiming it's superiority) and a lot of people love it.
I want to get more variety into my workout sessions in a well structured program. I am currently weight training 3 times a week and doing cardio of some sort 4 days a week (After Lifting and on Sunday).
While I'm in the best shape I've been in in awhile, I know I could do with different movements, and I know cross training has been proven effective. Hence me wanting to give crossfit a shot.
On the other hand, I know crossfit isn't without it's problems either. Crossfit is expanding almost as fast as starbucks and that means that some of the trainers will not be up to snuff and will let you do exercises with poor form because they don't know any better and will risk injury. Also I've recently heard of a kidney disease that occurs in individuals who chronically overtrain that is sometimes seen though crossfit training taken too far (in fact, I've heard that some gyms will incentivize working to the point of vomiting).
Overall, I'm interested in the gym because I know that the bad stuff CAN happen, but doesn't necissarily happen in the majority or even in a lot of cases, but don't want to risk my physical health. I was hoping to hear from some people who are either qualified to answer these questions (sports medicine, experience) or has experience going though crossfit.
A) When going to the gym to talk about membership, what should I be asking to know if this is the gym for me? I want to know that the trainers know what they're doing and will make sure I'm doing things correctly and know the difference between a good workout and physically harming your body.
B) For members (or former members) was the membership worth it to you? It seems quite pricey, and a month's membership is about as much as a quarter of my rent. While I can afford this, is it worth it in your eyes?
C) Assuming I decided to go ahead and join the gym, how often should I be going? I have a wierd schedule, and I could make it every day (I would probably have to cut out 15 mins early 3 times a week for BJJ class), but it would be way early in the morning according to the hours they do classes.
Thanks for any insights. Peace!
|
I was doing some kind of "beginners crossfit" without any heavy weights (more focus on exercises with your own bodyweight) for a few months and I can say that I really liked it.
It's not as boring as the gym and I learned a lot of new exercises I can do by myself now. Also: If you train alone, most of the people (me included) don't push themselves to the limit, while in crossfit you'll get pushed. =D
|
Hmm from the kidney disease point of view all I knew about it was that any bout of very intense exercise carries a risk of rhabdomyolysis or "excessive muscle breakdown beyond what kidneys can handle, thus causing accumulation in blood (measuered by CK + Creatinine)". Crossfit is probably associated with it just because of the nature of their exercises, in that they are whole body workouts. i.e. More muscle mass used. It's more of an acute thing rather than chronic. You reduce the risks by staying very well hydrated, and not training to the point of retardation (which is where trying to find a balanced trainer can be difficult, and it probably harder since Crossfit is a group thing VS 1:1 PT sessions).
|
Cardio is pretty much useless. Do tabata intervals and see a lot of improvement over cardio with less time investment.
|
1001 YEARS KESPAJAIL22272 Posts
Know your limits and don't push yourself too far, just far enough that you get something out of it. Don't get caught up in the macho bullshit. Read up on rhabdomyolysis and Crossfit. Be careful not to get injured, as it will ruin your training.
|
I think most crossfit gyms will give you a free session or even a free week to check it out to see if it's right for you. I'd suggest asking about it and trying out as many gyms as possible, and while you're there ask other members about the gym. You could probably tell a lot about the gym just from the clientele that show up.
|
Crossfit? You mean a rebranded circuit training? In all seriousness though, if you're doing BJJ 3 times a week, I'd just supplement 2 days with strength training, otherwise you're going to burn yourself out. I recommend Wendlers 5/3/1 workout. Or you can try out crossfit, and see of its for you.
|
imo, its way better to spend your time how you want and need it, and not jumping up and down on command trying to keep up with 10 other people. i dont think crossfit is like having a personal trainer whilst you spend an hour trying to work on your squat form.
you can spend that extra money on a fish meal every day, or a tub of protein powder & hand electric mixer
|
On September 26 2013 18:56 MoonfireSpam wrote:
Hmm from the kidney disease point of view all I knew about it was that any bout of very intense exercise carries a risk of rhabdomyolysis or "excessive muscle breakdown beyond what kidneys can handle, thus causing accumulation in blood (measuered by CK + Creatinine)". Crossfit is probably associated with it just because of the nature of their exercises, in that they are whole body workouts. i.e. More muscle mass used. It's more of an acute thing rather than chronic. You reduce the risks by staying very well hydrated, and not training to the point of retardation (which is where trying to find a balanced trainer can be difficult, and it probably harder since Crossfit is a group thing VS 1:1 PT sessions).
A stupid joke made by CrossFit to make it seem more intense, supported by junk science articles, propagated by fat ass physical therapists, believed by a pudgy public that can't understand discipline and a statistical unlikelihood.
|
|
|
|
|
|
EPT
