By now most people have heard of CrossFit, probably from people with highly contrary opinions of the trend that has swept North America and really, the rest of the world as well. In one corner, we have the CrossFit enthusiasts who get hooked 
on the intense workouts and quick results, and begin scheduling themselves around their daily workout. In the other corner, we have the concerned coaches, weary physicians, internet critics of overenthusiastic CrossFitters sustaining a variety of injuries. For some, the vocal critics and proliferation of embarrassing videos is enough to make them steer clear. But for others, the controversy surrounding this high risk, high reward work out plan is often what attracts them in the first place.
CrossFit is proud of its no-frills, boot-camp-inspired workout regime that boasts (often) about its ability to get devoted individuals seriously strong, fast. The fitness regime was developed by Coach Greg Glassman over several decades. He pulled the best and most universally adaptable skills and strength building exercises from every sport and physical activity he could find to create what he considers a universal exercise plan whose benefits can be applied to any activity. As they state on their site, “our specialty is not specializing.”
Here’s a video describing CrossFit further:
But CrossFit isn’t just about the workouts. In large part, it’s about the community. CrossFit, the company, provides accredited training seminars all over the world. They publish content on several websites providing an extensive resource for workouts, training and support, and extended instruction. They have a global network of more than 11,000 affiliated gyms and more than 100,000 accredited CrossFit Level 1 trainers. And, they created the CrossFit Games, where they crown a resident “Fittest Man” and “Fittest Woman” on Earth.
Every day, millions of CrossFitters wake up and head to their local “box,” as their studios are known, and get ready for their WOD, which stands for “Workout of the Day,” a term you’ll hear regularly from enthusiasts. Sweat drips onto dusty rubber floors as exercisers of every shape and size squat, lunge, lift, roll, toss, pull, and push their way to peak physical fitness. Instead of pristine facilities with state-of-the-art machines, steam rooms, and on-site massage therapists that many luxury gym goers are used to, CrossFit gyms are mainly equipped with large, heavy objects and bare bones equipment, such as PVC piping, gymnastics rings dangling from a large steel pipe attached to the ceiling, tires, kettlebells, and ropes. The change rooms are usually no more than phone booth-sized cubbies outfitted with faux suede curtains for privacy. The people who come here are clearly not coming for glitz and glam. This place is all about raw fitness.
So who are the naysayers to this seemingly straightforward fitness community? First of all, a lot of personal trainers and physicians alike are concerned about the instructor training. Without proper education in exercise science, students could be vulnerable to unforeseen injuries. A commonly cited example is the fact that obtaining a Level 1 CrossFit certification only requires attendance to a two-day workshop and passing a multiple-choice test. Not exactly a huge vote of confidence for fitness newcomers.
A second criticism comes from the swift intensity it throws new members into, members who are often new to exercise entirely. Without the proper modifications to exercises and near perfect form when performing these advanced fitness tactics, injury becomes all too easy. For some this might be a pulled muscle or painful soreness. For others, these injuries could be more long term, taking years to heal, and in a worst-case scenario, it could lead to a condition called rhabdomyolysis, in which muscle tissue breaks down and fills the bloodstream with a protein that impairs kidney function. Though this condition is extremely rare, it can lead to death in severe cases, and sufferers may require dialysis. This condition is by no means unique to CrossFit, and it can be caused by any physical activity that is far too strenuous for the individual performing it, but for some reason this condition seems to be brought up a lot when talking about CrossFit, with many individuals coming forward to claim they have suffered from it due to their participation in CrossFit.
However, much of that criticism itself is not entirely fair for CrossFit as a whole as injuries can be caused by any form of physical activity if the individual is not aware of their own physical limits. Many boxes are mindful of this and make the entire experience better and safer for new and veteran CrossFitters. For example, there are many establishments that have standards for new members and a great example is the local box that I belong to in Winnipeg, CrossFit 204 in St. James. It is a policy, a strict policy at that, to have all new members complete an 8 hour “on ramp” program. This will ensure that the new members learn and are able to perform the basic CrossFit techniques without throwing them into the lion’s den, expecting them to just get it over time.
Risks and injuries aside, a lot of elite athletes are self described CrossFit lovers, including Mike Booth, Christie Rampone, Robert Oberst, Danica Patrick, Brady Aiken, Robert Guerrero, Erin Cafaro, and many others. It has also become a favorite for many celebrities including Channing Tatum, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon, according to Men’s Fitness magazine.
If you are going to try CrossFit, there is certainly a lot to get out of it, but at least in the beginning, for your own safety: take it slow. Once you get to know your own strengths, weaknesses, and limitations with these exercises, you’ll be able to push yourself safely towards greater levels of physical fitness. But love it or hate it, it looks like CrossFit is here to stay and you can take the growing number of boxes around the globe as proof.