Support NeoGAF

[Greddleok]

Crossfit isn't inherently special, but it's good for a certain type of person.

I went from being a rather amateur powerlifter (competed twice at a low level) and finding my training beginning to be tedious to Crossfit and it was probably the best change of my life.

Constantly excited to train. For me it's the intensity. I could always force myself to do volume, but intensity always was a struggle. The fact I have a trainer and people there means I can easily push myself to do intense training sessions and I love the endorphin rush I get at the end. It's also helped me make friends in a new city, as everyone is welcoming whereas at a normal gym you basically do everything alone.

People saying it's "dumb" or "useless" are as wrong as those who say it's "better" or "the only way." There are a ton of ways to train, but choosing the one that fits you is the most important, because it allows you to focus on it and enjoy it, rather than letting it become a grind.

Also having trainers there is great, a lot of posters here saying "just learn the lifts, you'll be fine." I've seen people lifting in commercial and powerlifting gyms, 80% of them have terrible form that could easily lead to injury. Or they stack plates and plates then barely go through 1/4 of the range of motion thinking they got an amazing 1RM. At least paying for a trainer means they can correct these mistakes (YMMV depending on the trainer).

 

[DasPenguin]

Crossfit can be great for getting in shape, if you have a solid background and great coaching. But I'm not a huge fan of high rep lifts, especially Olympic lifts or deadlifts, for example. For obvious reasons.

But there are a lot of different ways to get fit. Crossfit is just the new in thing at the moment.

 

[Heysoos]

It's not but do whatever works for you. Just make sure you're learning proper form and don't get extremely caught up in speed over form when doing complex compound lifts.

Anecdotally, I have two coworkers that are all about the crossfit live and they constantly hype it up and their WoDs like there's no tomorrow and how I'm missing out by not following the best training methods. Yet they're constantly complaining about all these injuries they seem to consistently get. Injuring their necks, backs and shoulders. Meanwhile I've been doing just regular lifting programs and have squat and deadlift maxes of over 400 and bench max of 320, and the only thing I have to complain about is occasional muscle tightness and soreness every once in a blue moon. 🤔

 

[Jellycrackers]

This thread's title is asking if CrossFit is the "fastest" way to get fit. So yes, there is an implication that CrossFit is inherently superior.

It's not, and will never be.

And yes, I found the group part of CrossFit to be somewhat similar to bullshit MLM like AdvoCare. The whole accountability aspect of being there for your team.

The OP asked, and nobody said "Yes, Crossfit is the best way." I'm just replying to people who come in and bash it without giving any legitimate reason why.

You just had a bad experience with a weird/annoying group of Crossfitters. They sound like they probably would have annoyed me too.

That's just not true. People who are careful and know their limits injure themselves in all sorts of sports and activities. That's what accidents are.

There's no denying that Olympic lifts have a higher chance for injury than a Powerlifting routine. This is why we see so many videos on the internet of people getting injured during the Oly lifts.

Not all sports and all strength training has the same danger of injury involved, and that's okay.

Yes. Even if you are careful you can get injured. That's just the world in general. I agree that a lot of olympic lifts are scary. However if you aren't comfortable doing them and your Crossfit coaches "force" you to do them, then they aren't good coaches.

It just bothers me that people seem to think Crossfit is just "BRO, I KNOW YOU CAN POWER CLEAN 325lbs! DO IT! *injury occurs*"

As with most decisions in the world, it's different strokes for different folks. Just gotta know what you can and can't do.

 

[Gaz_RB]

Can you describe how her body was disproportionate?

She has... Gasp... Muscles!

This thread's title is asking if CrossFit is the "fastest" way to get fit. So yes, there is an implication that CrossFit is inherently superior.

It's not, and will never be.

And yes, I found the group part of CrossFit to be somewhat similar to bullshit MLM like AdvoCare. The whole accountability aspect of being there for your team.

Being a part of a team and being accountable to them isn't inherent to MLM.

 

[HariKari]

Crossfit is a class.

 

[Bowdz]

As a CrossFit instructor of 4 years, I'll definitely echo the sentiments in this thread that form and attention to your recovery need to be at the forefront of any successful CrossFit program. There are way too many people who get eager because of beginner gains and ramp up the volume/intensity too quickly without addressing mobility limitations (that may already exist or may crop up due to lack of mobility work) or properly ironing out form which ultimately leads to poor movement patterns and injuries. When a premium is placed on recovery and mobility and you take your time perfecting form (especially on the Oly lifts), you can absolutely see some impressive gains.

That being said, I think there are a lot of different ways to get in amazing shape, both athletically and aesthetically. Depending in your goals, strict bodybuilding programs, dedicated Oly programs, or endurance programs will all net you faster gains in their respective fields. CrossFit really is a broad based strength and conditioning program that incorporates so many different modalities, that it is incredibly hard to truly master any in a short period of time without prior experience in a given area, and it is important that new comers approach the experience with that in mind.

Ultimately, CrossFit is not "the best" way to get in shape quickly because there are so many different ways to do it. When executed properly, it is a fantastic workout regime that excels at keeping people focused and entertained largely because of the strong comraderie that comes from a group environment.

 

[Cooter]

Blah... If you like spending 3 or 4 times normal gym memberships and need someone to hold you accountable then go for it. I'll pass. Plus I prefer to get strong.

 

[Cindi Mayweather]

No.

Crossfit is the fastest way to get injured because you go too hard for no reason.

Crossfit is good, but it's not fitness Jesus and there are just as many ways to achieve similar results, like martial arts.

 

[blackflag]

SS and 5x5 will get you strong. Theyll do very little for getting you fit, especially on short notice if you chasing dem gainz.

Well I'd disagree since I went from 315 to 230 just doing SS and 5x5. Dropped that weight with no cardio, without starving myself, Got ripped on it.

 

[Fury451]

Regular exercise with increasing resistance and intervals is the best way to get fit. I do body weight stuff like P90X and have been highly successful increasing my workout gradually over time.

So if crossfit does that for you, sure, but please go to a place where people know what they are doing because crossfitters who don't know what they're doing can push you into the self-injury territory.

 

[SaganIsGOAT]

Fastest way? Maybe. But here is how I got cut the fastest I ever have in my entire life

Insanity plus STRICT eating

It kicks your ass hard but I haven't been as cut as when I finished Insanity

 

[Timedog]

If starting strength types REALLY cared about beginners getting injured, theyd recommend a flexibility and mobility program before anyone starts lifting weights. But since no one does that and instead recommends lifting programs where you lift very heavy weights in low rep ranges, I can only assume that a large amount of CrossFit hate is jealousy and superiority posturing. CrossFit people probably get hurt more, but they also probably get hurt less severely than people using really heavy weights that they can only do 5 reps with.

PSA if you sit in a computer chair all day you should figure out where your flexibility and mobility issues are and fix them before doing complex full-body weight-lifting exercises. Crossfit, Starting Strength, or otherwise.

 

[McLovin]

Glad it's working for you but be careful, you can seriously get hurt doing that stuff. There is a reason gym rats hate on crossfit, some of it is founded.
Fastest way I know to lose weight would be keto, with intermittent fasting, and working out durning the fasting faze. After a while you get sick of meat, I actually went vegan because of that lol.

 

[ColdPizza]

If starting strength types REALLY cared about beginners getting injured, theyd recommend a flexibility and mobility program before anyone starts lifting weights. But since no one does that and instead recommends lifting programs where you lift very heavy weights in low rep ranges, I can only assume that a large amount of CrossFit hate is jealousy and superiority posturing. CrossFit people probably get hurt more, but they also probably get hurt less severely than people using really heavy weights that they can only do 5 reps with.

PSA if you sit in a computer chair all day you should figure out where your flexibility and mobility issues are and fix them before doing complex full-body weight-lifting exercises. Crossfit, Starting Strength, or otherwise.

I think most of their hate probably extends from Crossfit coaches (some, not all) not stressing the importance of proper form, hence all the memes we see. Crossfit + Paleo has seemed to attract a certain level of super douche that just ruined the whole idea for them.

Images like this tend to really piss people off.

 

[blackflag]

If starting strength types REALLY cared about beginners getting injured, theyd recommend a flexibility and mobility program before anyone starts lifting weights. But since no one does that and instead recommends lifting programs where you lift very heavy weights in low rep ranges, I can only assume that a large amount of CrossFit hate is jealousy and superiority posturing. CrossFit people probably get hurt more, but they also probably get hurt less severely than people using really heavy weights that they can only do 5 reps with.

PSA if you sit in a computer chair all day you should figure out where your flexibility and mobility issues are and fix them before doing complex full-body weight-lifting exercises. Crossfit, Starting Strength, or otherwise.

Well I agree that everyone should do flexibility but the diference is that Crossfit does stupid stuff like deadlifts for time. Which is ridiculous and just asking to get injured. There's no reason to do deadlifts for time...ever.

Plus there are a few good crossfit coaches but crossfit is a company and as long as you pay you get to be a coach....so yeah that's why there are so many bad ones.

 

[theytookourjobz]

Every CrossFit gym is different because they are affiliates and not franchises. I've gotten pretty amazing results doing CrossFit for the past 6 years. From 285lbs to 200lbs. From never lifting a day in my life to snatching 225lbs, cleaning 285lbs, squatting 405, deadlifting 500, benching 275, doing 21 strict pull-ups in a row, running a 5:49 mile, rowing a 1:24 500m and a 6:49 2k. I've never been "injured" enough to have to skip a workout or go to the doctor. All my blood tests and health markers are great. I feel better at 31 than I did at 21.

Worked for me but as is with everything YMMV.

 

[JB1981]

It's basically HIIT, so it's great for fat loss.

My problem is the doing power and olympic lifts for time.

Not a fan of that. However, not all boxes are stupid about that.

True that. There are some weighted exercises that are fine for time but once you start integrating the Olympic lifts, that's when things start to get dangerous.

 

[SaganIsGOAT]

My issue with crossfit is that from what I have seen first hand is they can throw you right into the shit to start. It isn't that they do many lifts in ways and speeds that I personally find dangerous, but that if you are looking into getting into good shape through good diet and lifting YOU MUST evaluate your entire kinetic chain before you begin. I really hate that trainers will take inexperienced people who haven't been evaluated and throw them into squatting and other technical lifts while their hips, legs, backs, shoulders, ankles, etc are tight, asymmetrical, and not ready for it. I think it is bullshit and unhealthy. Good trainers who truly cared about the well being of their clients and didn't want to just make a quick buck would make it clear that creating a functional, flexible, and healthy kinetic chain should be the first priority.

 

[JB1981]

If starting strength types REALLY cared about beginners getting injured, theyd recommend a flexibility and mobility program before anyone starts lifting weights. But since no one does that and instead recommends lifting programs where you lift very heavy weights in low rep ranges, I can only assume that a large amount of CrossFit hate is jealousy and superiority posturing. CrossFit people probably get hurt more, but they also probably get hurt less severely than people using really heavy weights that they can only do 5 reps with.

PSA if you sit in a computer chair all day you should figure out where your flexibility and mobility issues are and fix them before doing complex full-body weight-lifting exercises. Crossfit, Starting Strength, or otherwise.

SS is a linear progression tailored to ability. Adaptations in flexibility and mobility comes with performing the lifts. You don't need need a mobility program for that.

 

[mike6467]

It's an old cliche, but the "best and fastest" way to get fit is the routine that you'll do every day and not burnout on.

I get the appeal of Crossfit, I really do, but I fell in love with the gym when it was basically an hour long meditation. I'll talk to people, and I've got some friends there, but in the end it's me putting on my headphones, clearing my head and pushing myself. Would I be further along if I'd Crossfitted? Well, the environment there isn't something I could wake up and get psyched up for, so probably not.

If that scene appeals to you, then go for it. I will add the caveat that you should do research and find a good location. Crossfit is notorious for injuries due to pushing speed over form, so you want a place with quality trainers with good reputations.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

I have an easy solution for all of this: GAF FIT CLUB.

Of course, no clothes allowed, so we would all be naked. Hot, sweaty, muscley, naked bodies everywhere.

 

[Sky Chief]

It's a great way to get fit and / or injure yourself

 

[Freeza Under The Shower]

So it's just a patented high level exercise on steroids (without the steroids)? Sounds like a scam.

Seems it would kill my little body frame.

Technically that's what every fitness program is though, but some are more extreme than others, yes.

I say technically because in reality the answer is much simpler: don't overeat, cut snacks and carbs to meet your lower intake target, and do some mild exercise (NOT running) like walking or cycling while you enjoy life and lose weight.
But nobody likes that version, because it's not cool and takes time.

CrossFit is borderline dangerous though, and should be banned from serious gyms, imo.
*scroll threads, sees picture of man doing power clean with actual baby in front*
I stand confirmed in my conviction.

 

[TheFlow]

What you are seeing op is average results for working out for 4 weeks.

It takes 4 weeks for a person to see change with their body and 8 weeks for others to notice a difference.

 

[LegalEagleMike]

For the people saying I might pay too much for Crossfit membership, I have actually made thousands back in my short time there from people using my legal services or referring their friends to do so. Great networking opportunity. Probably unlikely to do the same at a typical gym setting where everyone is focused on their own thing.

I realize this is very specific to my experience but something to consider for any business owners who are looking to get in shape and expand their customer base. The tribalism of Crossfit communities really does promote fast forming friendships.

 

[Vidal]

People talk about crossfit injuries, which can be true, but like any other sport, it depends on your skill. Accidents can happen, but like someone already mentioned before, your coach should be the one stressing how important form is.

Yes, we all want to reach that PB for powersnatch, but if you don't have good form, you should go back to an empty bar and start again.

Also, VERY IMPORTANT, coaches needs to introduce gymnastics moves as well, to help with flexibility. I probably can say that good warm-up, flexibility and form can really help in reducing injuries.

I've been practising since the beginning of the year and I love it.


Ps. I hate wallballs/metcon balls and they should be nucked from the orbit

 

[Dusk Soldier]

I have an easy solution for all of this: GAF FIT CLUB.

Of course, no clothes allowed, so we would all be naked. Hot, sweaty, muscley, naked bodies everywhere.

You DO NOT talk about GAF FIT CLUB!!