Here's a follow-up article to the "Why I don't do Crossfit" article that had so many Crossfitters panties in a wod (like what I did there?). Ms. Simmons presents the relevant science fairly and explains it pretty well. I wouldn't be surprised if Crossfit Inc will try to sue her as well since Glassman, et al cannot stand to have scientific refutation of their practices.

http://erinsimmonsfitness.me/2014/09/01/the-science-of-why-i-dont-do-crossfit-a-follow-up/

Best commentary on here in a nutshell, in what is mostly a repeat of prior commentary. It goes a long way to push back on the people that respond to any criticism with "Well my CF gym is not like ____ gym that is being used as an example"

Two predominant types of overtraining in resistance exercise are too high intensity and too high volume (15), which are both integral parts of CrossFit. Thus, there is no smart or safe way to do a CrossFit workout except to drastically alter it, in which case its technically not CrossFit. Classic CrossFit training is fundamentally wrong according to current scientific standards and methodology in the field of strength and conditioning. I have a really big problem with the above statements and the way that the CrossFit culture seeks to push all responsibility onto the individual members. They charge the average person with trying to find a good coach, asking the right questions about certifications, evaluating the workouts, evaluating themselves and their level of fitness, and evaluating the level of safety of workouts and boxes. Due to the multitude of information and misinformation in the fitness world, these are unreasonable expectations to have of the general public when their health is on the line.

This is the same chick who says crossfit is a bunch of morons for doing medium to high volume of Olympic lifts for time? and then has a blog post of her workout involving *gasp* Olympic lifts for time? And then deleted that blog post when people called her a hypocrite?

She oozes credibility.

I agree that the first workout she listed (deadlift workout from 2014 crossfit open) is silly. But it's a type of workout (increase weights and reps) I've never seen before or after. And her second workout she listed was from the crossfit games.....then bases her argument around these "typical everyday" workouts.

lol

love it.

The crossfit threads always remind me of the Halloween episode of the Simpsons where Kang and Kodos take over Clinton/Dole's bodies and run for president...modified, of course.

Crossfit for all!
(Boooo!)
Very well. No crossfit for anyone!
(Boooo!)
Hmmm. Crossfit for some, stronglits 5x5 for others!
(Hooray!)

Touting yourself as a PhD student with "a second author" citation doesn't impress me. Those who tout their qualifications the loudest are usually the ones best ignored.

He says after thirty-odd publications, book chapters, and a major scientific award...

I still say that people are personally responsible for the decisions they make. If you go to a crossfit gym that is doing things that are idiotic (i.e. doing pull ups while your partner does pull ups from your legs, etc.) and you continue to stay there, that is your own fault. I don't care if you are a 'noob'. The same can be said about people who go to gyms and use personal trainers.

If you don't like what is happening, then stop. If you are OK with the risks and rewards, then keep going. This reminds me of people who argue about which beer tastes the best or people who argue about which genre of music is the best. If you like it, go for it. If you participate in it, I have the option not to. If you get hurt while doing said activity, then you deal with the consequences.

That's the same PhD student who showed the world her knowledge of statistical research methods by saying she went to one Crossfit workout and then knows that all Crossfit gyms, workouts, and users are exactly the same. Followed by the statement that Crossfit users are dumb because they always try to impress each other then saying how she impressed everyone by doing "multiple muscle-ups easily while the others couldn't manage one".

She's an idiot and an attention hoar.

w8liftr, why do you people get so hung up on trying make CrossFit look bad? If you don't like it, don't do it and get a freaking life.

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why do you people get so hung up on trying make CrossFit look bad? If you don't like it, don't do it and get a freaking life.

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Probably a direct response to the cult like actions of many of the crossfit disciples.

I like crossfit. It got me off the couch, and the sense of community was of great encouragement to me after I began to unravel a 20 year couch potato habit.

Through crossfit and proper nutrition, I've lost 60 lbs in 4 months, and have a new lease on life at 38 years old.

I could have done this on my own, maybe. I could have done this on my own with a personal trainer, probably. I could have done this at planet fitness, or running marathons, or playing ultimate frisbee. But crossfit worked for me. I recognize that there is the potential for injury in crossfit, and I have put on my big boy underpants and made an adult decision that I was going to do crossfit anyway, because A) I wanted to and B) it was better than staying on my couch and being a fatass and dying early. Sometimes I slow way down when there are Olympic lifts in a WOD. Sometimes my crossfit coach asks to see my form before we start and decreases reps or weight. And a couple of times I have quit an Olympic lift during a WOD because something just didn't feel right anymore. Those decisions were always supported by my crossfit coach.

I believe some people push themselves too far and too hard for whatever reason. The culture of competitiveness in crossfit may be (likely is) a contributing factor in that. I am thankful that I'm just there for me and not to impress anyone. Other people prefer to get fit in other ways. Good for them.

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I like crossfit. It got me off the couch, and the sense of community was of great encouragement to me after I began to unravel a 20 year couch potato habit.

Through crossfit and proper nutrition, I've lost 60 lbs in 4 months, and have a new lease on life at 38 years old.

I could have done this on my own, maybe. I could have done this on my own with a personal trainer, probably. I could have done this at planet fitness, or running marathons, or playing ultimate frisbee. But crossfit worked for me. I recognize that there is the potential for injury in crossfit, and I have put on my big boy underpants and made an adult decision that I was going to do crossfit anyway, because A) I wanted to and B) it was better than staying on my couch and being a fatass and dying early. Sometimes I slow way down when there are Olympic lifts in a WOD. Sometimes my crossfit coach asks to see my form before we start and decreases reps or weight. And a couple of times I have quit an Olympic lift during a WOD because something just didn't feel right anymore. Those decisions were always supported by my crossfit coach.

I believe some people push themselves too far and too hard for whatever reason. The culture of competitiveness in crossfit may be (likely is) a contributing factor in that. I am thankful that I'm just there for me and not to impress anyone. Other people prefer to get fit in other ways. Good for them.

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POTMFD

I tend to agree with the article. I think it's a good shock and awe workout routine for people who have been doing nothing for a while, but I would think it would eventually lead to overtaxing the body. I have a ton of friends who do CrossFit, and it's really been good to them. They've gotten into shape and made a bunch of friends in the process. However, there have been multiple injuries among them. I've hurt myself in the gym before, but never like these folks. And they usually try to work through them. So I think it's a double edged sword. It will show results very fast because of the "learning curve," but I think it will eventually lead to serious injuries.

IDK, I don't have anything against it, I've just always thought it put too much strain on your body. I just started working out 2 months ago (the traditional way), and while I haven't shown as much improvement as my CF did, I am seeing some results. But I also have a bad knee so I really couldn't CF if i tried.

Interesting that rather than address her points, people on this thread have resorted to ad hominems, instead. I'd like to see someone with a significant amount of education on the subject weigh in on her analysis.

People addressed her "scientific" analysis on the previous thread, and it resulted in the typical heroic "cult" bashing by the same 4-5 posters who think everyone should only do what exercises they enjoy.

Well do you mind linking to said thread, so I can see that for myself?

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I like crossfit. It got me off the couch, and the sense of community was of great encouragement to me after I began to unravel a 20 year couch potato habit.

Through crossfit and proper nutrition, I've lost 60 lbs in 4 months, and have a new lease on life at 38 years old.

I could have done this on my own, maybe. I could have done this on my own with a personal trainer, probably. I could have done this at planet fitness, or running marathons, or playing ultimate frisbee. But crossfit worked for me. I recognize that there is the potential for injury in crossfit, and I have put on my big boy underpants and made an adult decision that I was going to do crossfit anyway, because A) I wanted to and B) it was better than staying on my couch and being a fatass and dying early. Sometimes I slow way down when there are Olympic lifts in a WOD. Sometimes my crossfit coach asks to see my form before we start and decreases reps or weight. And a couple of times I have quit an Olympic lift during a WOD because something just didn't feel right anymore. Those decisions were always supported by my crossfit coach.

I believe some people push themselves too far and too hard for whatever reason. The culture of competitiveness in crossfit may be (likely is) a contributing factor in that. I am thankful that I'm just there for me and not to impress anyone. Other people prefer to get fit in other ways. Good for them.

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congrats on the weightloss. looks like you are still in the "weight loss jesus" phase where you know (and share) everything. T&P for the friends who have to hear you prosthelytize. the real test is 18 or 24 months from now. did you truly make life changing habits? or was it just a really good 6 months?

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I like crossfit. It got me off the couch, and the sense of community was of great encouragement to me after I began to unravel a 20 year couch potato habit.

Through crossfit and proper nutrition, I've lost 60 lbs in 4 months, and have a new lease on life at 38 years old.

I could have done this on my own, maybe. I could have done this on my own with a personal trainer, probably. I could have done this at planet fitness, or running marathons, or playing ultimate frisbee. But crossfit worked for me. I recognize that there is the potential for injury in crossfit, and I have put on my big boy underpants and made an adult decision that I was going to do crossfit anyway, because A) I wanted to and B) it was better than staying on my couch and being a fatass and dying early. Sometimes I slow way down when there are Olympic lifts in a WOD. Sometimes my crossfit coach asks to see my form before we start and decreases reps or weight. And a couple of times I have quit an Olympic lift during a WOD because something just didn't feel right anymore. Those decisions were always supported by my crossfit coach.

I believe some people push themselves too far and too hard for whatever reason. The culture of competitiveness in crossfit may be (likely is) a contributing factor in that. I am thankful that I'm just there for me and not to impress anyone. Other people prefer to get fit in other ways. Good for them.

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congrats on the weightloss. looks like you are still in the "weight loss jesus" phase where you know (and share) everything. T&P for the friends who have to hear you prosthelytize. the real test is 18 or 24 months from now. did you truly make life changing habits? or was it just a really good 6 months?

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Wow. Overreact much?

I have a similar story to Chemist except I'm 29 and lost around 45 pounds, been doing it about 20 months. I was starting to look like John Daly when a buddy convinced me to give crossfit a chance. Before that I started and stopped running about 20 times, wasted money on gym memberships that I never used etc. Crossfit worked for me for many of the same reasons as Chemist. If you don't like it don't do it but for many of us it works.

Different strokes for different folks. I just want to throw out there that the comradery and friendship found in crossfit can be found doing any other workout. They seem to think they have the monopoly on this, but there are tons of clubs and groups out there for all types of activities that one can join for much cheaper. I go to a gym and have more people ask me about how my day has been, my shoulder, help with exercises, etc. than anywhere else I go. I truly have friends there. So the group motivation and friendship is everywhere, not just crossfit.

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I like crossfit. It got me off the couch, and the sense of community was of great encouragement to me after I began to unravel a 20 year couch potato habit.

Through crossfit and proper nutrition, I've lost 60 lbs in 4 months, and have a new lease on life at 38 years old.

I could have done this on my own, maybe. I could have done this on my own with a personal trainer, probably. I could have done this at planet fitness, or running marathons, or playing ultimate frisbee. But crossfit worked for me. I recognize that there is the potential for injury in crossfit, and I have put on my big boy underpants and made an adult decision that I was going to do crossfit anyway, because A) I wanted to and B) it was better than staying on my couch and being a fatass and dying early. Sometimes I slow way down when there are Olympic lifts in a WOD. Sometimes my crossfit coach asks to see my form before we start and decreases reps or weight. And a couple of times I have quit an Olympic lift during a WOD because something just didn't feel right anymore. Those decisions were always supported by my crossfit coach.

I believe some people push themselves too far and too hard for whatever reason. The culture of competitiveness in crossfit may be (likely is) a contributing factor in that. I am thankful that I'm just there for me and not to impress anyone. Other people prefer to get fit in other ways. Good for them.

---

congrats on the weightloss. looks like you are still in the "weight loss jesus" phase where you know (and share) everything. T&P for the friends who have to hear you prosthelytize. the real test is 18 or 24 months from now. did you truly make life changing habits? or was it just a really good 6 months?

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OK... I'll just go sit in the fat corner while all you experts hammer it all out.

Crossfit is mostly recreation, like basketball or frisbee or kayaking, surfing, running, etc.

Few recreational activities or sports themselves are scientifically optimal training methods.

Who uses crossfit for real sports or performance training? It's only used to lose weight, socialize, and the fun of competing against others in feats of physical strength and endurance.

Crossfit isn't for me, but I get why some people do it. I don't they're one size fits all or their 100% max effort 100% of the time philosophy. It's why people get injured.

It's like running a car at redline 100% of the time and dumping the clutch at every light... Things will be more likely to break, and so it is with the human body also.

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Who uses crossfit for real sports or performance training? It's only used to lose weight, socialize, and the fun of competing against others in feats of physical strength and endurance.

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I'm fairly certain I saw a news clip about the New Orleans Saints that mentioned they had incorporated some crossfit workouts into their strength/fitness program.

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Who uses crossfit for real sports or performance training? It's only used to lose weight, socialize, and the fun of competing against others in feats of physical strength and endurance.

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I'm fairly certain I saw a news clip about the New Orleans Saints that mentioned they had incorporated some crossfit workouts into their strength/fitness program.

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SOME workouts. Yes I can say I do think SOME of their workouts are good for endurance and conditioning, but it is not sport soecific, and they are not adopting what is otherwise random programming.

A lot of sports teams may have to do suicides or bleachers or burpees but that is not sport specific. It is general endurance. And that is all a team would use a crossfit workout for. Crossfit's own creators categorize it as general fitness.

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I like crossfit. It got me off the couch, and the sense of community was of great encouragement to me after I began to unravel a 20 year couch potato habit.

Through crossfit and proper nutrition, I've lost 60 lbs in 4 months, and have a new lease on life at 38 years old.

I could have done this on my own, maybe. I could have done this on my own with a personal trainer, probably. I could have done this at planet fitness, or running marathons, or playing ultimate frisbee. But crossfit worked for me. I recognize that there is the potential for injury in crossfit, and I have put on my big boy underpants and made an adult decision that I was going to do crossfit anyway, because A) I wanted to and B) it was better than staying on my couch and being a fatass and dying early. Sometimes I slow way down when there are Olympic lifts in a WOD. Sometimes my crossfit coach asks to see my form before we start and decreases reps or weight. And a couple of times I have quit an Olympic lift during a WOD because something just didn't feel right anymore. Those decisions were always supported by my crossfit coach.

I believe some people push themselves too far and too hard for whatever reason. The culture of competitiveness in crossfit may be (likely is) a contributing factor in that. I am thankful that I'm just there for me and not to impress anyone. Other people prefer to get fit in other ways. Good for them.

---

congrats on the weightloss. looks like you are still in the "weight loss jesus" phase where you know (and share) everything. T&P for the friends who have to hear you prosthelytize. the real test is 18 or 24 months from now. did you truly make life changing habits? or was it just a really good 6 months?

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AC wasn't trying to be weight loss Jesus in any way, shape or form. He gave a testimony which is encouraged around here.

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congrats on the weightloss. looks like you are still in the "weight loss jesus" phase where you know (and share) everything. T&P for the friends who have to hear you prosthelytize. the real test is 18 or 24 months from now. did you truly make life changing habits? or was it just a really good 6 months?

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What a dick

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Who uses crossfit for real sports or performance training? It's only used to lose weight, socialize, and the fun of competing against others in feats of physical strength and endurance.

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I'm fairly certain I saw a news clip about the New Orleans Saints that mentioned they had incorporated some crossfit workouts into their strength/fitness program.

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Circuits, complexes, intervals and barbells have all been around for decades prior to Greg Glassman's birth, much less his invention of crossfit.

Its sad how many CF cultists think that if anything is done in a circuit or complex, it must be Crossfit. Steve Javorek, R.E. Morgan and G.T. Anderson are irrelevant, right?

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Its sad how many CF cultists think that if anything is done in a circuit or complex, it must be Crossfit. Steve Javorek, R.E. Morgan and G.T. Anderson are irrelevant, right?

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Who uses crossfit for real sports or performance training? It's only used to lose weight, socialize, and the fun of competing against others in feats of physical strength and endurance.

---

I'm fairly certain I saw a news clip about the New Orleans Saints that mentioned they had incorporated some crossfit workouts into their strength/fitness program.

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Circuits, complexes, intervals and barbells have all been around for decades prior to Greg Glassman's birth, much less his invention of crossfit.

Its sad how many CF cultists think that if anything is done in a circuit or complex, it must be Crossfit. Steve Javorek, R.E. Morgan and G.T. Anderson are irrelevant, right?

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classic venomous w8liftr post

I realize circuit training is nothing new. All I was saying is that I heard someone on the Saints' staff specifically mention the term CrossFit.

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Circuits, complexes, intervals and barbells have all been around for decades prior to Greg Glassman's birth, much less his invention of crossfit.

Its sad how many CF cultists think that if anything is done in a circuit or complex, it must be Crossfit. Steve Javorek, R.E. Morgan and G.T. Anderson are irrelevant, right?

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No one here is saying any of that w8liftr. In fact I have never heard anyone make any of those claims and I go to CrossFit 4-6 times per week. Maybe you have this image that we stand around before and after sessions and make put down every other type of fitness methodology and tout how CrossFit is the be all and end all but if you do that is a very inaccurate image, at least in the circles I am in. If you are constantly bombarded by CrossFitters trying to convince you that their way is the best and trying to convince you to change how you train despite your years of doing it successfully your way then I am truly sorry that you are constantly surrounded by such ******y people... but I have a hard time believing that is the case.

We do CrossFit because we like it and it works for us, what you do obviously works for you so keep doing it.

exactly waterturkey!

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classic venomous w8liftr post

I realize circuit training is nothing new. All I was saying is that I heard someone on the Saints' staff specifically mention the term CrossFit.

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Venomous? When have I been venomous? All I have stated is independently verifiable. Javorek is the father of complexes, Morgan and Anderson developed circuit training. If you look at the comments section of either of Ms. Simmons' articles, you'll see evidence of the idiocy I referenced.

As far as the Saints & crossfit go, apparently Sean Payton got bored while suspended and started doing Crossfit. He wanted Dan Dalrymple, Saints S&C, to incorporate some more competitions in the weight room, they already were using barbells, complexes and circuits, although in a planned, deliberate program. NOLA sports journalists just did a knee jerk "Saints are doing Crossfit" without talking to Dalrymple about the actual programming.