The Dark Side of CrossFit

I've come to grips with my preference for CrossFit. It's quick, it's tough, it'll turn you into a steely eyed killer who can body slam the Undertaker 2000 times. However, this sect of training is not for the weak or faint of heart. Why not?

Reason 1) Newbies will hurt themselves. And I don't mean in that good "ooh feel the burn" way. It will be more of a, "Sorry kids, grandpa can't shoot hoops anymore with these knees, hips, ankles, spine and shoulders." If you haven't built up the tendons and ligaments needed to support the muscle, you're setting yourself up for chronic joint and back problems.

Reason 2) Newbies will hurt themselves. And yes, in that, "ooh feel the burn" way. And yes, in that, "I can barely get out of bed with these sore hammies" way too. You have to embrace your inner masochist who appreciates the pain that reminds you, "Hey bud, nice job at the gym yesterday. Proud of you." If the pain doesn't make you feel good, you're only going to feel bad.

Reason 3) You'll be a jack of all trades and a master of none. As a way to improve your current sporting passion it's a great way to supplement your other workouts. However, only doing CrossFit only makes you better at doing CrossFit. Yippeee.

Rant: CrossFit games. I kind of can't stand them. It's like people want to figure out who is the best at working out. Why not have a national bicep curl competition or see who can do the most lunges? Because nobody cares. I get it though, there is a large enough following so that people will watch. Also, competitions give athletes something to shoot for. Attainable goals = athletic motivation. Still though, not my bag.

Reason 4) It's too short. It's a 15 minute rampage where you put every muscle in sprint mode and then collapse in a heap on the floor. A few minutes after the collapse I was ready to do more.

Keep training,
LSF