Why I Don’t Do CrossFit

Just started doing CrossFit a few months ago and bringing back this thread from the dead since I did a search to see if anyone has any experience. I'm a 38 yo washed up mid-d runner, out of running shape but was still running 2 miles and doing 45 min full body weights/abs about 4X a week. I still have abs which I'm proud of as a middle aged desk jockey.

I started CrossFit because I was bored of working out alone. I have to say, I like the team aspect and not having to worry about what the workout will be for the day. I also like the fact that I don't have to fight for equipment like at a regular gym since the numbers for the class are capped. It also forces me to get out the door and get the workout done, whereas I procrastinate when working out on my own.

The workouts are intense, but I feel like I've actually lost upper body strength since starting. The best way I can describe it is it's like if you tried to train for the mile by going to practice and running a mile as fast as you can every day. You'll feel tired, sure, but if your ultimate goal is to get as fit as possible it's not a great way to train. It's a test of strength rather than a way to build strength.

I've tried to make up for this by only going three times a week, then lifting regularly once a week, on top of a couple of easy runs and stretching, but I'm not sure it's working. Before I throw in the towel, has anyone had any luck mixing in CrossFit with other things and getting stronger?

The only people who actually get stronger just using CF are beginners.

The problem with CF has always been the programming and competitive 'do this as fast as you can' mindset.

Run 3x a week, lift 3x a week using a standard linear progression. Thats all you need for general fitness.

Alan

CrossFit is Scientology for the physically fit.

I want to be the best exerciser.

You would have a better body than a distant runner. More muscle mass=better appearance

The reason I don't do crossfit is because it's expensive. There isn't really any value provided. I could "do crossfit" exactly the same as at "the box" without subscribing and paying the chump charge, but I haven't done that either.

None of the other arguments like "ooh it's unsafe because it's hard" that people write TLDR articles like this because they don't like hard workouts stack up compared to the price argument.

CrossFit is a cult. I did it for a year and saw some strange things. Also, like a cult you know it’s wrong but it keeps drawing you back. Very strange indeed.
Runners do need to pick up a weight a few times a week. However there’s certainly better ways than CrossFit.

I don't do CrossFit but my wife does, and I'm around a lot of the people she works out with.

The things I like about CrossFit:

-it gets people moving and working out. Doing something is always better than nothing.

-They do work out HARD. I used to see so many people at the Y walk out the door looking about as tired as when they walked in. CrossFit people are at least getting the HR up.

-CrossFit helped move "gym culture" (for lack of a better term) away from a bodybuilding focus to one more focused on movements.

- They gyms do try to cultivate a team dynamic. That's not for me, but I think it really helps a lot of people get motivated.

What I Do Not Like:

-Lifting for time just seems dangerous and wrong. A recipe for injury.

- It's damned expensive.

- It can be very "cultish" and everyone in CrossFit seems to always follow whatever the latest fitness fad of the day might be, could be a diet, clothing, recovery method, supplements.. they seem to fall for it ALL.

I don't do CrossFit. It was really popular at my gym. The main dude/instructor who started it at my big gym walked away after 3.5 years and is pretty much ruined for life.

I don't get it. Why would that be?

His body is a wreck. Not even 40 and can't stand straight and limps around. Good guy. Hope he recovers.

I can spot the Crossfit uniform from a mile away.

Then I go to my local weekend 5K ...

... where a few crossfitters are shuffling along talking about how they can easily outlift. the guys up front.

I read a bit and started to think to myself, this sounds like distance running training with high goals in a lot of ways.

I was looking into this for a supplemental core workout in addition to EZ distance but it seems a bit like November Project, just in a box/gym.