Is CrossFit Right for Me?
There is a lot of information we could cover on this topic, but I’m choosing to keep this one brief. As with everything, it depends on certain factors. For the overwhelming majority, CrossFit is appropriate and safe. Actually, CrossFit can be scaled to meet people at any level.
Check out this 72 year old woman crush it at the gym!
CrossFit methodology is sound. Constantly varied functional movements that are performed at high intensities. High intensity is relative to the individual, and the training can be scaled to meet you at your current fitness level. While there is running, jumping, Olympic lifting, and gymnastics commonly programmed, it does not mean that you have to do those movements.
I am a huge fan of CrossFit methodology. I actively participate in CrossFit workouts. I scale the weights or movement if necessary.
There are many fallacies out there regarding CrossFit. People tend to be uneasy about the things they don’t know much about. While many people think that CrossFit is dangerous, there is evidence showing injury rates that are similar to that of any other lifting sport. Check out this article and this article for more information. If you place movement quality over everything and challenge yourself appropriately, you should be fine.
You have to figure out your fitness goals and determine the right path for you. If you are willing to pay the premium rate to join a community of supportive people that help hold you accountable, have all of your exercises planned and coached, and make a positive change in your health, then CrossFit is for you.
CrossFit training has helped several people I know reverse their medical conditions of diabetes and osteoporosis. There are tons of people that have improved their blood pressure and pulse rates through CrossFit.
It’s pretty safe to say that I am pro-CrossFit and I think the methodology can benefit anyone looking to improve their health through exercise. While it is for everyone, certain people may be better off with a specific style of training. For example, if your goal is to be a bodybuilder, then you will want to do that style of training.
Due to the recent events in the CrossFit world regarding the change of ownership and all (not going to go into the details), I want to let you know that this blog is purely related to the methodology and programming involved with CrossFit.
If you are interested in CrossFit but you are not sure if it is the right step for you, then reach out to me at corey@outlasthealth.com and I will be glad to help you figure out your best pathway to fitness.
Corey Hall, PT, DPT