CrossFit is a stupid and dangerous cult

[Gr8wight]

So what kind of program would be needed to get real "extreme" fitness that is not as "dangerous" and "stupid" as this thing, and why is this "dangerous" and "stupid" thing going instead of that (excluding the military -- as this "CrossFit" program is not military)?

This is part of what's wrong with our society today. In what world should 'extreme'='good'?

 

[Joey McGee]

Again, so what? Why are none of the people who hate CrossFit so much able to even attempt answering this question? Kayaking off waterfalls is more dangerous than not kayaking off waterfalls. Heading footballs is a lot more dangerous than not heading footballs. CrossFit is more dangerous than not doing CrossFit. Why do some of you have such a bug up your arses about some people enjoying something that is more dangerous than the things you enjoy doing?

Cuddles, the problem is you. People like Mike Caviston know what they are talking about. People from the ACSM know what they are talking about. Physical Therapists who have seen their business improve from CF know what hey are talking about. Glassman, the leader, and his father the head research guy (the guy who wrote the 92-page rebuttal to the ACSM/military expert paper) they are not academics in the appropriate field. One group of people says these things are getting people hurt, CF DENIES this. Says it is a conspiracy by the ACSM to prevent them from hurting their business, which is stupid. I'm not sure if you're reading into this at all, that could be the problem.

A business holds beliefs now?

Actually yes the vast majority of head office are libertarians in the same vein and post their beliefs alongside workouts and on twitter.

Cool. Still not seeing how the political beliefs of the founder of a sport are in any way relevant to anything though

They fully promote the idea that they are http://journal.crossfit.com/2008/11/the-politics-of-crossfit.tpl Are you just being a devil's advocate because you don't like to see people mocking something people enjoy doing because it's different or are you actually looking into this?

So the point has gone from them being bad because they refuse to acknowledge or care about the risks, to them being bad because they acknowledge and care about the risks. Got it.

You imagined that. Supporting the idea that if you get rhabdo it's your own damn fault, I don't think this is very bright.

And I'll be sure to pay just as much attention to the ranting of random unqualified bloggers as I do to you.

Crossfit tweeted supported of the article, I'm showing you an aspect of their culture. It's your own damned fault if you get hurt. Despite the fact that you're paying 2K a year to train with them, despite the fact there is no quality control with the trainers, despite the fact that is a high risk of rhabdo and it keeps happening to people when a little bit of quality control could prevent it. You hear it from most supporters, and all of their critics, some gyms are much worse than others, and this is part of the problem.

The reason has been pointed out over and over again, and is exactly the same reason people do any other sport - they enjoy it. Continuing to state that there is no reason just because you don't happen to share that enjoyment is just plain dishonest

The fact that you're ignoring that they deny it is significantly more risky than say, what the ACSM and Mike Caviston for example would recommend, I'm not taking your criticism seriously. If you could address that, you might get somewhere.

So it's bad that they think they're doing exercise right and think other people should do the same as them, but it's good that you think you're doing exercise right and think other people should do the same as you. Got it.

Duhhhhh they are wrong. They are the Scientologists of fitness, if you're going around telling everyone if they want to stay in "The Zone" they have to give up bananas and bread and that your exercise program is the holy grail, trying to recruit everyone, flopping around on the pull-up bar like a fish out of water, you're going to get some negative attention. Oh my God please come up with something substantive.

And this is different from other gyms... how exactly? Are other gyms in the US heavily regulated and all have identical injury rates? Seems unlikely really.

CF isn't a gym, it's a class, it's instruction, all you have to do to qualify to teach it is pass a weekend course. You know, I'm not interested in arguing about this anymore. If people want to accept CrossFit's statements that the ACSM is attacking them because they are jealous of their success, we can call it a day over that disagreement right there. I think it's evidence that they are *********** insane. Thanks

 

[Baylor]

No it isn't. Maybe you need to read your posts a little more carefully before you post them. You claimed that CrossFit is bad because you "cheat" (as if the word even makes sense in this context) in order to score points in a pointless sport. Exactly the same as every other sport in existence.

You are not making any sense. I'd advise you to quit this thread since you don't understand exercise physiology. You are a moderator on a "skeptical" forum defending pseudoscience and charlatans. I'm not sure if you are aware of it though.

'You claimed that CrossFit is bad because you "cheat" (as if the word even makes sense in this context)'​

Yes the word "cheat" makes plenty of sense in the context of exercise physiology. Cheating on an exercise to make it easier for every repetition is bad. This is simple and easy to understand. I'm amazed a moderator on a forum doesn't understand this.

"Exactly the same as every other sport in existence."​

No. I'm baffled how you came to this conclusion.

Ah, so your argument is that CrossFit is bad simply because it's particular meaningless points aren't popular enough. That's quite possibly the stupidest argument against a sport I've ever heard.

You are confused and angry people are more knowledgeable about this topic than you. You are convoluting this discussion to hide your defending a pseudoscience.

"so your argument is that CrossFit is bad simply because it's particular meaningless points aren't popular enough"​

Again you're not making any sense. I already said there are many reasons why crossfit is bad, so your strawman adverb "simply" makes you look even more desperate to cover your tracks.

If you can't see why using improper form for exercises--and competing to see who does the most repetitions--has no value (social, physiological, or otherwise) then there's no point of talking reason with you.

Again, so what? Why are none of the people who hate CrossFit so much able to even attempt answering this question? Kayaking off waterfalls is more dangerous than not kayaking off waterfalls. Heading footballs is a lot more dangerous than not heading footballs. CrossFit is more dangerous than not doing CrossFit. Why do some of you have such a bug up your arses about some people enjoying something that is more dangerous than the things you enjoy doing?

I am shocked this is coming from a moderator on a "skeptical forum." The actitivies you listed, minus CrossFit, have a value. A social value. A physiological value. If "people enjoy doing it" is your only defense, then you forgot to add John Edward and Sylvia Brown readings to your list. In that case, "psychics" are less of a strain on society than Crossfit. I don't remember Sylvia Brown ever snapping anyone's lumbar.

A business holds beliefs now? Cool. Still not seeing how the political beliefs of the founder of a sport are in any way relevant to anything though

Thought you were smart enough to know what corporate culture is. Whatever. But yeah, it's clear you don't have a background in sport, ex phys, or any other discipline that involves physical acitivity. You'd understand that Crossfit's corporate culture doesn't value safety.

So the point has gone from them being bad because they refuse to acknowledge or care about the risks, to them being bad because they acknowledge and care about the risks. Got it.

2/10

The reason has been pointed out over and over again, and is exactly the same reason people do any other sport - they enjoy it. Continuing to state that there is no reason just because you don't happen to share that enjoyment is just plain dishonest.

You are arguing against the beliefs of the organization you volunteer for. Let's change context because you don't even seem to be aware.

"The reason has been pointed out over and over again, and is exactly the same reason people do any other sport psychic readings- they enjoy it. Continuing to state that there is no reason just because you don't happen to share that enjoyment is just plain dishonest."

So it's bad that they think they're doing exercise right and think other people should do the same as them, but it's good that you think you're doing exercise right and think other people should do the same as you. Got it.

This has got to be a stundie. Exercise physiolgoy has plenty of rigorous research to support its claims. Ex-physiologist use their knowledge of the human anatomy to maximize athlete potential while mitigating dangers. Crossfit does not. Crossfit uses pseudoscience and disinformation to drive prospective clients into their business. They prey on people who don't understand exercise physiology and people who have little if any background in sport. Its "workout programs" don't follow any logic, emphasize bad form, and have little benefit for such arduous physical activities--particularly for skilled athletes.


People have pointed this out to you repeatedly. And your only counter-arugment is it's all okay because "people enjoy it." Sorry mod, "people enjoy it" is not a valid defense for pseudoscience. Crossfit rips people off, severely injures them without taking responsbility, misleads them about exercise physiology.

 

[Biscuit]

In defense of crossfit.

Crossfit is only dangerous if you and your trainer(s) don't know what you are doing. But that goes for every activity in life. Yoga can be dangerous if not properly supervised.

As for a cult there are some people who are more "into it" than others but my cross fit gym is a community. We have men and women of all ages and body types and everyone is there for the same reason - to get fit. I have been doing cross fit for 1.5 years and have never once felt like I was in a cult. I have felt supported, encouraged, driven, challenged, and triumphant. We push each other to do better but not once has anyone said anything negative or hurtful or even admonishing at my gym. We have monthly BBQ's and get together outside of the gym as friends.

My results: quit smoking, lost 50lbs, strengthened my core and largely eliminated my back pain. I am more confident, i have more energy, and my sex life is way better. I eat better and feel better. Crossfit is to thank.

If it's a cult that is only from an outside perspective. We can act clickish and we have our own language but if you want to know what its all about come in for a free work out, if you want to join just sign up - there is no mystery about it.

Choose a gym with certified instructors, these should be posted in a visible location. Know your own weaknesses and strengths. If an exercise hurts STOP! There is always a substitute work out that you can sub in. If your trainer wont allow subs then leave and find one that will work with you. I couldn't do a sit up, a hand stand, a pull up, kipping, and a few other exercises when I started. I subbed other exercises in until I had the strength to do the others. No one ever faulted me for that and now that I can it inspires others to try for more as well.

/rant

 

[Joey McGee]

Crossfit is only dangerous if you and your trainer(s) don't know what you are doing.

What do you make of the military and the ACSM teaming up to say the opposite? I quoted the study in post 46 but are people just not reading it or are they dismissing it I don't get it. Again, CrossFit completely rejected all of this and said that the ACSM is only saying this stuff because they are losing business to CrossFit. Doesn't that bother you? Glassman's father who isn't even an expert in fitness wrote a 92-page rebuttal, do you think it vindicates them?

Some gyms are indeed better than others. Quality control is an extreme problem. Why I Resigned my Affiliation with CrossFit

Now, hundreds of people get certified every weekend in a course that lasts two days and has no testing or requirements to pass. This certification then entitles them the right to affiliate with CrossFit after paying a fee, and filling out the necessary paperwork (I know, I did it)
....
Over a year ago I spoke with a very well respected member of the CrossFit community who is near and dear to the HQ staff (no it’s not Rip I’m referring to in this one) he told me at that point that he estimated that one in thirty affiliates was actually decent, and wasn’t actively damaging the reputations of everyone who shared the common name...

You put that lack of quality control with affiliates together with the high-risk of the program as outlined by actual experts and I can't understand how you can argue against the criticism that has been made. I don't think anyone argued that no one improved their lives or had fun in CrossFit.

People call it a cult because its ideas are pseudoscientific and strange while pushy. The paleo diet is ridiculous and is called a fad diet by the vast majority of experts but they push it on you hard in CF, when your friend starts making fun of you for eating bread because its giving you leaky gut, you're going to look at him strange. When someone makes fun of your workout because you do bicep curls and they aren't "functional" you're going to wonder where he got these weird ideas. When your friend proudly posts a picture of their torn up palms on facebook from flopping around on a pull-up bar like a fish calling them "pull-ups" you wonder what the **** is going on.

 

[ThunderChunky]

I didn't say it's not stupid, I asked why anyone should care whether it's stupid or not if the people doing it enjoy themselves.

Why do you care if people believe in god, homeopathy, acupuncture, or big foot? Woo is woo and crossfit is woo. Now there is a ton of woo in the fitness space, but crossfit is the big woo fad right now.

 

[Roboramma]

Why do you care if people believe in god, homeopathy, acupuncture, or big foot? Woo is woo and crossfit is woo. Now there is a ton of woo in the fitness space, but crossfit is the big woo fad right now.

I think Cuddles is right: if you view it as a sport and people are doing it to compete and have fun, then it's really no different from any other sport.

On the other hand, I think the anti-crossfit crowd is also right: if you view it as a fitness regimen, it's less effective for developing strength and fitness than other regimens and more likely to lead to injury.

It may also be more fun, which can lead to sticking with it for a longer period or training more often (which is a plus).

I know people who train crossfit expressly for the purpose of getting fit, and not as a sport (for instance a friend of mine who is an MMA fighter does it as his "strength and conditioning"). There's a good argument that this is "woo".

But there are plenty of people who just get bored going to the gym and are looking for a fun way to work out and get in shape. If crossfit works for them and they are aware of the potential for injury, then go for it.

Plenty of my friends have been injured training brazilian jiu jitsu. I've broken a toe, messed up my shoulder (it took several months to get better), popped my elbow (took six months to get better), got cauliflower ear, ringworm, jammed my fingers (I have funny looking knuckles, but they're better than most guys who have been training as long as me), hurt my neck (pretty frequently, happily usually after a week it gets better), popped my knees (those were minor), and hurt my back (several months before it was 100% again) training BJJ. That's just the nature of the sport. A friend of mine has had 3 major surgeries because of injuries in BJJ, and that's not an uncommon thing.

Some things are worth the risks, the issue is really one of whether or not people are aware of the elevated risk, and whether they are making accurate judgements of the rewards. Are they choosing crossfit over other exercise because they enjoy it more, or because they think it is better at improving their fitness? As I said, the latter may be woo, but the former isn't.

 

[pteridine]

It seems as though the rapid expansion of the crossfit fad is part of the problem. As demand increases, new facilities open and must use unqualified personnel. The unqualified advise clients who may not be ready for the one-size-fits-all routines that are promoted through ignorance. In playing to wannabe military heroes, they play the role of drill sergeant and push the no-pain, no-gain idiocy. In the unprepared, this leads to rhabdomyolysis which can be caused by any continued overexertion.
Overall, I would trust the Navy's opinion on this rather than the individual who is selling the concept. "All things in moderation."

 

[Baylor]

Plenty of my friends have been injured training brazilian jiu jitsu. I've broken a toe, messed up my shoulder (it took several months to get better), popped my elbow (took six months to get better), got cauliflower ear, ringworm, jammed my fingers (I have funny looking knuckles, but they're better than most guys who have been training as long as me), hurt my neck (pretty frequently, happily usually after a week it gets better), popped my knees (those were minor), and hurt my back (several months before it was 100% again) training BJJ. That's just the nature of the sport. A friend of mine has had 3 major surgeries because of injuries in BJJ, and that's not an uncommon thing.

Big difference in BJJ and Crossfit: BJJ you learn an invaluable skill, Crossfit you don't. While learning BJJ, the martial artist trains the central nervous system to peform complex movements, along with training the cardiovascular system and several different muscle groups, not including the pre/post training calisthenics <------(performed correctly of course! this is important Mr. Cuddles). Strength and Conditioning programs like Crossfit allegedly teaches are suppose to mitigate injuries, not create them. Makes sense you might get injured during randori, but if you get injured doing your S&C, it means you did something wrong.

 

[Morrigan]

Looks like Joey has just chosen a new target for his rage...nothing to see here folks.

Hah, I was thinking the same thing.

 

[Joey McGee]

Mark Rippletoe is a highly respected trainer, used to be closely involved with CrossFit HQ. He is not alone in being someone who was highly respected within the organization that has left and is highly critical.

Among the more serious problems that CrossFit has are the injuries. Shoulders, Achilles tendons, rhabdomyolysis, and all the other things that are the potential result of overtraining an athlete who cannot continue to adapt to randomly applied and sometimes very intense physical stress. These are potentially life-altering exposures to needless trauma that can be prevented by not doing stupid **** to people who don't know any better than to do what they're told.

NFL players get injured. So do almost all professional athletes. In fact, every competitive athlete faces the prospect of injury, because that is the price paid for shifting the focus from merely doing to winning. The risk/reward ratio has been calculated and allowed for.

CrossFitters get injured while exercising in the gym. Most are upset when this happens, but some of them regard these injuries as a marker of status – as though the injury itself confers some elite level of athletic accomplishment to a set of pull-ups. It may be a torn callus or a torn cuff tendon – any injury represents a setback in an actual training program, while for a CrossFitter it may be regarded as evidence that something wonderful has been achieved.

It's called a cult for a reason people...

People working very hard at high-intensity high-volume physical tasks are going to get hurt, no matter why they're doing the work. One of the reasons that Training results in long-term improvement is that it properly assesses the current state of the athlete and logically plans for improvement in a way that is sustainable, safe, specific to the goal, and therefore productive. Random exposure to varying levels of volume, intensity, rest, technical complexity, and power output cannot be sustainable, safe, specific, and productive.
...
There are hundreds of very good CrossFit affiliates across the country and around the world, staffed by very good coaches with more-than-adequate experience and excellent judgement about all matters regarding exercise and training, which to use, and who to use it with. I know many of these people, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that they know what they're doing.

The Ugly is that there are many thousands of CrossFit affiliates around the world and hundreds of new "coaches" each weekend. Think about this very carefully.http://www.t-nation.com/training/crossfit-the-good-bad-and-the-ugly

Why the hell is that? From another former coach...

In short CF HQ will play “no” role in the quality control of affiliates. The most public explanation of this position is an open market “cream rises to the top” philosophy, however the legal/business anchor for this position is that any attempts on HQ’s part to police or institute best practices would put the organization into a franchise scenario.http://robbwolf.com/2009/11/24/the-...ed-from-the-crossfit-nutrition-certification/

 

[Joey McGee]

Hah, I was thinking the same thing.

So "nothing to see here"? Maybe the ACSM should be ignored is that what you're saying? Why's that?

 

[Biscuit]

What do you make of the military and the ACSM teaming up to say the opposite? I quoted the study in post 46 but are people just not reading it or are they dismissing it I don't get it. Again, CrossFit completely rejected all of this and said that the ACSM is only saying this stuff because they are losing business to CrossFit. Doesn't that bother you? Glassman's father who isn't even an expert in fitness wrote a 92-page rebuttal, do you think it vindicates them?

You speak of cross fit as if its a single hive mind entity. My experience does not reflect this view.

Some gyms are indeed better than others. Quality control is an extreme problem. Why I Resigned my Affiliation with CrossFitYou put that lack of quality control with affiliates together with the high-risk of the program as outlined by actual experts and I can't understand how you can argue against the criticism that has been made. I don't think anyone argued that no one improved their lives or had fun in CrossFit.

People call it a cult because its ideas are pseudoscientific and strange while pushy. The paleo diet is ridiculous and is called a fad diet by the vast majority of experts but they push it on you hard in CF, when your friend starts making fun of you for eating bread because its giving you leaky gut, you're going to look at him strange. When someone makes fun of your workout because you do bicep curls and they aren't "functional" you're going to wonder where he got these weird ideas. When your friend proudly posts a picture of their torn up palms on facebook from flopping around on a pull-up bar like a fish calling them "pull-ups" you wonder what the **** is going on.

I have not experienced any of this. Its sounds like you have a personal problem with individuals in your own life.

I don't do paleo and no one has ever made fun of me for it or pushed me to do it. I have never heard another crossfitter make fun of ANYONE for any thing. No one is told or encouraged to hurt themselves. The atmosphere in the gym is a positive one. People are vocal about their goals and others encourage them to reach them. My results speak volumes and what you describe is like nothing I have seen, heard, or experienced in the last year and a half.

Just because there maybe some weird beliefs with regards to diets doesn't make it a cult. Is Jenny Craig a cult? Are Vegans a cult? I am free to leave crossfit whenever I want, I am required only to pay my membership as you would at any gym. Everything else I do, wear, say, and eat is entirely my choice.

Any exercise can be dangerous. Cross fit has inherent risks. So does life. Be careful, move with purpose, and know you limits.

 

[Biscuit]

Why do you care if people believe in god, homeopathy, acupuncture, or big foot? Woo is woo and crossfit is woo. Now there is a ton of woo in the fitness space, but crossfit is the big woo fad right now.

How on earth is cross fit woo? Olympic lifting is a method of moving around weights it's not a belief system. I am not aware of any beliefs that are espoused via cross fit.

Is it a popular fad? Hell ya it is. It's fun, exciting, and done right has great results. I have been going to gyms since I was 18 (33 now) and I have never enjoyed an exercise more or had better results.

 

[Dr. Keith]

But there are plenty of people who just get bored going to the gym and are looking for a fun way to work out and get in shape. If crossfit works for them and they are aware of the potential for injury, then go for it.

Yep, I just got off the phone with a friend who goes to the local crossfit and thanks to this thread I had some questions about it that he was happy to expand on. Turns out a lot of our common acquaintances go there so I might join up just because it will be more fun than my current gym since my workout "partner" had a change in schedule.

For me, it will just be about breaking a sweat 3-4 times a week with people that want to do the same thing. The price is a bit higher than my current gym, though. So we'll see.

 

[Joey McGee]

You speak of cross fit as if its a single hive mind entity. My experience does not reflect this view.

I have absolutely no idea how this is a response to the criticisms leveled by the ACSM. Something I have heard from a number of former affilates is that they didn't actually really do "Crossfit" at their gyms. Perhaps this is a source of confusion. So there is nothing to critique because it is not a "single" program? Weird. The ACSM somehow was able to critique what they do.

I have not experienced any of this. Its sounds like you have a personal problem with individuals in your own life.

There is a reality outside your "box". I have talked to a lot of people, read a lot of articles, and several threads on the matter, I've heard it from a lot of different sources. Popular movements that involve weird beliefs interest me, what can I say.

I don't do paleo and no one has ever made fun of me for it or pushed me to do it.

OK well the fact of the matter is that "Most serious CrossFitters adhere to either the Paleo Diet, the Zone Diet, or some blend of the two." source. If you're not aware, these are fad diets, and definitely will cause your skeptical friends to wonder about you if you follow them to the letter after you join a gym. This is one of the reasons people wonder about the group.

I have never heard another crossfitter make fun of ANYONE for any thing.

OK I don't mean it as making fun I mean as light-hearted comments (hey all that bred and pasta is giving you a leaky gut) and things like that, don't take it to extremes here...

No one is told or encouraged to hurt themselves.

I don't think anyone claimed they were encouraging people to hurt themselves, I think they are encouraged to do the methodology and that it is safe when the ACSM says different. Again, what do you think the ACSM is writing about? Are they all on glue? Are they "haters"? Perhaps CF is right and it's a conspiracy to discredit them because they are losing money? Do you think that CF is sane for suggesting that about the ACSM?

The atmosphere in the gym is a positive one. People are vocal about their goals and others encourage them to reach them.

I don't think anyone claimed otherwise.

My results speak volumes and what you describe is like nothing I have seen, heard, or experienced in the last year and a half.

I believe you, I won't discount your experiences if you don't discount mine, and that of the thousands of others who have spoken about their experiences elsewhere, ok?

Just because there maybe some weird beliefs with regards to diets doesn't make it a cult.

The group think mentality and the wide-variety of pseudoscience combined with their superiority complex compared to other forms of exercise...

Is Jenny Craig a cult? Are Vegans a cult? I am free to leave crossfit whenever I want, I am required only to pay my membership as you would at any gym. Everything else I do, wear, say, and eat is entirely my choice.

Every day around the world, people say to themselves, "man, this is some kind of cult!" It's not exactly a scientific word. "A cult is a religious or other social group with deviant and novel beliefs and practices" They are a weird group.

Any exercise can be dangerous. Cross fit has inherent risks. So does life.

I keep hearing this. I don't think you're reading the ACSM study for some reason. What do you think about what Rippletoe said about Crossfit and injuries?

 

[Joey McGee]

How on earth is cross fit woo? Olympic lifting is a method of moving around weights it's not a belief system. I am not aware of any beliefs that are espoused via cross fit.

Do some research on high-rep olympic lifting. It's referred to as multijoint exercise in the ACSM study. Basically, it's stupid and dangerous. Or you could not listen to the "haters"

A Review of Crossfit

No one in their right mind does 30 reps on the snatch for time, especially with limit weight when they need to 'scale it down' to complete. The muscles in the kinetic chain do not all fatigue at the same rate, and this increases the risk of injury, particularly the rotators (both internal and external). As well as the fact that fatigue decreases the ability to perform the exercise correctly and efficiently, which further increases the risk of injury. This is, essentially, exponentially increasing the risk of injury secondary to totally poor exercise prescription and programming. Combine with the previous point, and you have taken what was once the safest form of training (multiple studies showing a lower injury rate of OL'ing than even badmintion) and now people are getting injured left and right (read crossfit forum injury section)

The O-lifts are referred to as multijoint exercises in the ACSM paper, could be interesting reading to anyone, would be interesting to see anyone comment on it

http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/CFJ_111200_Bergeron_Champ.pdf

 

[Baylor]

How on earth is cross fit woo?

There is no such thing as "a ready-state of physical fitness" as Crossfit claims. They also claim their athletes "dominate the competition" when in fact the only competition CF athletes are good at is CF games. Their trainers don't apply the research of exercise physiology into Crossfit programs. Sure, beginners will claim they "get in shape" but there's hardly a workout program that doesn't work for beginners. It takes many years of study and internship to be able to train professional athletes.

There also seems to be great parity between Crossfit athletes and non-crossfit athletes. That's solid evidence of its lack of efficacy. Crossfit games organizer Dave Castro mentioned how novice Crossfitters were able to compete with 10 year veterans of Crossfit. That certainly won't happen in highly skilled competitions like gymnastics, Strongman competitions, where the level of novice athletes makes elite athletes seem supernatural.


As for people enjoying crossfit. That's good. I'm glad. To me, it seems much more logical to join a boxing or muay thai gym. You'd get in better shape while learning complex motor skills. Comradery is even more present in a martial art gym than a Crossfit gym if that's your thing. But to each his own I guess.

 

[Biscuit]

Do some research on high-rep olympic lifting. It's referred to as multijoint exercise in the ACSM study. Basically, it's stupid and dangerous. Or you could not listen to the "haters"

Still doesn't make it woo. from rationalwiki

The term comes from woo-woo, an epithet used in the 1990s by science and skeptical writers to ridicule people who believe or promote such things. This is in turn believed to have come from the onomatopoeia "woooooo!" as a reaction to dimmed lights or magic tricks. The term implies a lack of either intelligence or sincerity on the part of the person or concepts so described.

Obviously crossfit isn't for you but you are 100% wrong in calling it woo and I think you are trying to be deliberately offensive.

There are no paranormal claims made by anyone with regards to how crossfit works. Its just a style of weightlifting and exercise that carries with it all the inherent dangers and risk of weightlifting and exercise. Whatever claims are made regarding diets are not claims about crossfit

I'll go read your study and look at it's claims. But your claim that it's a "stupid and dangerous cult" or "woo" are silly. Words like "cult" and "woo" carry derisive connotations that imply crossfit is not what it claims and crossfitters as disingenuous in their efforts.

 

[Baylor]

I'll go read your study and look at it's claims. But your claim that it's a "stupid and dangerous cult" or "woo" are silly. Words like "cult" and "woo" carry derisive connotations that imply crossfit is not what it claims and crossfitters as disingenuous in their efforts.

I don't think anyone claimed that. It's the founder and other high-ranking people in the CF community who are disingenuous.