Is CrossFit Dangerous?

Every so often, a diet or exercise fad comes around that literally everyone talks about. These days, the term is Crossfit, and it can be just a polarizing as any political debate. So what’s the deal with this workout? Ask some people, and Crossfit is a blessing. Ask others, and it is either a sport only for elite athletes or something that could kill you. Obviously, both sides can’t be right, but that also means that both sides can’t be wrong. So how do you decide if Crossfit is the devil or a saint? Let’s take a closer look at the fitness regimen and see what’s what.
 
What is Crossfit?
 
Simply put, Crossfit is a form of exercise that is designed to work out all areas of your body through a coordinated system of movements. Whereas traditional workouts have you target specific areas, such as the arms or the abs, Crossfit has Workouts of the Day (WODs), which are varied and can target a bunch of different spots on your body. The primary goal of Crossfit is to get a comprehensive, intense workout that will get you into shape much faster than traditional methods.
 
Is it Dangerous?
 
In a word, maybe. The biggest issue with Crossfit is the lack of consistency. If you go to three different Crossfit gyms (called Boxes for some reason), then you will experience three different methodologies and three different coaching systems. Because there is not one standardized method of Crossfit, it can lead to a lot of differing opinions and workouts. Worst of all, to become a certified Crossfit trainer requires less training and discipline than it does to get a driver’s license.
 
So what does this all mean? Is Crossfit a dangerous method of exercise that should be avoided? Not necessarily. If you go to a box that tries to get you to lift more weight than you can handle and push through any pain you experience, then yes, Crossfit can be dangerous, just like any exercise routine. Exercise should never be painful, and if you are hurting, then you should stop. That being said, some of the better-managed boxes know this, and will tailor the WODs to meet your skill level and help you get to a higher level in a safe, comfortable environment. As long as your coach isn’t trying to make you lift heavy weights in reps of thirty or do a workout even if you’ve told him you’re hurting, Crossfit shouldn’t be any more dangerous than anything else.
 
Is it Better Than Other Workouts?
 
Ultimately, the effectiveness of Crossfit depends on the amount of effort you put into it. The WODs are intense, and they are a bit randomized, which can have some adverse effects on your overall fitness. If you go as hard as you can every time, then after a while there is nowhere else to go regarding the intensity of your workout. Similarly, doing randomized exercises can diminish your gains and keep your body in a perpetual state of burn, which can result in adverse health consequences. That all being said, though, if you do Crossfit in a smart way, you can get a lot of benefits.
 
Final Verdict
 
At the end of the day, Crossfit should be no more dangerous than any other form of exercise. The key is to know your limits and seek qualified professionals, not just any Joe with a license. While Crossfit may not be the blessing some of its followers claim it is, it certainly isn’t the devil. Ask a fitness expert at our CrossFit gym in Los Angeles for more info on this intriguing exercise regimen!

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