Lifestyle -- 2 days ago
Is Cross Fit worth the hype? For me, the answer to this is simple… yes and no! From this point on it gets a little less black and white. Lets start with the ‘No’…
Cross Fit is nothing new and unless you have been following a fitness program for a while and built a solid base of strength in your major muscle groups (mainly back, legs and core muscles), it can be bad or even dangerous.
Not unlike any training routine, a ‘Cross Fit’ fitness program should only be followed with proper instruction on form, technique and a hawk like attention to detail from those instructing. Unfortunately Cross Fit is there for the masses and as a result, trainers are overwhelmed and outnumbered so are simply unable to spend the time to ensure everyone is training safely and in a goal orientated, minimal risk environment.
Furthermore, the ‘Cross Fit’ style of making everything ‘Kipping’, has taken conventional strength exercises and made them an endurance move. This often leads to terrible form and then injury.
If you are hoping to compete in a ‘Cross Fit Games’ then Cross Fit is great, however, if you are hoping to get fit, then conventional circuit training is better for overall strength (both muscular and cardiovascular) and hypertrophy.
On the flip side to this argument …
As a trainer living and working in a country with a massive obesity problem, CHD issues and high instances of diabetes, I am all for anything that gets more people involved in a routine that helps them maintain a level of fitness.
For this reason and this reason alone, I believe that ‘Cross Fit’ is far more good than bad. I don’t agree with having to pick a side, ‘Cross Fit Lover vs Hater’. I believe that living a healthier life should be a staple of everyones daily motivations and movements like Cross Fit, help by offering people an easy, affordable and social way to get into some healthier habits.
By Glen Weinstein @excersisematt
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