Why do people think CrossFit is bad?

Why is CrossFit bad? There’s no doubt that CrossFit has become one of the most popular fitness regimes in the world. But there’s also no doubt that it has its share of detractors. Some people think CrossFit is dangerous; others think it’s a fad. But what’s the truth? Is CrossFit as bad as people say?

Let’s closely look at what CrossFit is and what it entails to answer this question.

What Is CrossFit?

CrossFit is a High-Intensity Interval Training program that combines cardio, weightlifting, and gymnastics. It has become popular in recent years, with over 15,000 CrossFit affiliates worldwide.

The CrossFit training program is designed for universal scalability, meaning that it can be adapted to any fitness level. Depending on your ability, the coaches can change the exercises to make them more or less challenging.

“CrossFit is not just a workout program; it’s a lifestyle.”

Why Do People Think CrossFit Is Bad?

You may wonder, “why is CrossFit bad?” With all the popularity surrounding it. Here are the eight common reasons people think CrossFit is bad.

8 Reasons People Think CrossFit Is Bad

• People Believe that it’s Dangerous
• CrossFit is very intense and tough.
• CrossFit is a cult
• They have crazy techniques.
• CrossFit trains explosive movements
• Coaches are not qualified to coach CrossFit
• CrossFit lacks purpose
• Crossfit trains large groups

The Truth Behind Crossfit Program

Below is everything you need to know about the Crossfit Program

1. It’s Dangerous but Effective

CrossFit is a high-intensity workout that has been involved in several lawsuits due to people getting injured while participating in the exercises.

While CrossFit may be dangerous, that doesn’t mean it’s not an effective workout. In fact, when done correctly, CrossFit can be an extremely beneficial workout routine. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved and take the necessary precautions to avoid injury.

Research shows that CrossFit training has a lower rate of reported injuries than more traditional forms of exercise.

2. The Intense Level Comes After Fundamentals and Mechanics

CrossFit intensity is not a joke, and there’s no doubt about that. The intensity of CrossFit comes from the fact that it’s constantly varied. Sometimes you never complete the workout before jumping into the next, making it hard to transition.

Also, you never know what you’re going to do when you walk into a CrossFit box. This doesn’t prepare your mind for the workout. Some people also believe it’s not appropriate for all fitness levels because of its high-intensity level.

CrossFit can be an excellent workout for people of all fitness levels. In an interview conducted by Huff post, Hollis Molloy, the owner and coach of a CrossFit Gym says, “If you ever hear of Crossfit-related injuries, it’s because a beginner did too much, too soon. It’s true, the training is too intense, but you should first learn the basics and mechanics before trying more intense activities.”

3. CrossFit Is a Community 

Some people believe CrossFit is a cult and promotes an unhealthy lifestyle. CrossFit can be seen as a cult because many followers are devoted to their workouts and the brand.

This belief makes sense because some of CrossFit’s workouts are notoriously difficult, promoting an unhealthy lifestyle. But even with the unhealthy lifestyle, Crossfit programs thrive every day.

Even CrossFitters have to cope with the situation. They even have quotes like this one, “CrossFit is like a cult- but without a creepy leader.”

The fact is, CrossFit is not a cult. Instead, it’s a community made of loyal members who work together, care for each other and encourage each other because they know the race is not to the swift.

4. CrossFit Techniques Are Their Culture

Crossfit has a reputation for having odd techniques.

You could doubt if the workouts are really practical because of the momentum involved. Crossfit workouts involve a variety of exercises, including weightlifting, sprinting, rowing, gymnastics, and more. They do their activities in quick succession and at high speed, with little or no rest in between.

Also, trainers can change most of the exercises to fit fitness levels. Some coaches can even push their trainees so much that they get injured.

What people see as crazy is how some exercises are exaggerated. For example, CrossFit gives special attention to Olympic lifts. But Olympic lifts are highly complex and should never be done for over three reps at any weight, moderate or heavy.

But this is the culture of CrossFit. Their techniques make CrossFit unique, and it’s what their members love about it.

5. It’s All About Varied Functional Movements

CrossFit combines a variety of high-intensity functional movements during training. These movements require maximum power output within a short time.

People term some of these movements as “silly” or “stupid” since they pose a risk to your health. 

For example, think of CrossFit GHD sit-ups. They are highly exaggerated comparing it to GHD sit-ups we know from the traditional gym. This movement can lead to spine injuries.

Truth: Some of these movements are crazy. If not done correctly, they can cause severe damage. But many people are making these moves and are still fit and happy with them. You only need to have a good trainer and do the movements correctly.

Ensure that you don’t jump too quickly on the high-intensity movements until you have prepared your body and mind about them.

6. It Takes Time to Be CrossFit Coach

It’s common to hear that a box has an unqualified coach. People often complain that the trainer doesn’t know what they are doing. Being a CrossFit coach needs fitness-related certification. Although most of these coaches have the certs, some are not qualified to be CrossFit coaches.

Some are careless and maybe too quick to introduce you to high-intensity exercises too quickly, and you end up in a disaster. Also, some unqualified coaches are careless enough and want to prove that they are experts. And they end up having injuries.

However, some qualified coaches take everything slow and train you correctly. A CrossFit coach is different from a traditional gym coach. Being a CrossFit coach will also need experience, which comes after coaching for some time. So if you’re thinking of joining a box, ask around and choose one that you feel the trainer qualifies, depending on your findings.

7. CrossFit Specializes in Not Specializing

When doing regular training, you have a goal you want to reach. For example, if you’re going to lose weight, you will watch your diet go for runs, walks, or cycling with one goal: lose weight. 

Unfortunately, CrossFit is not cut out this way. CrossFit is a general and inclusive fitness program designed to prepare people for any physical challenge. It specializes in “not specializing,” unlike other fitness programs. The best part about CrossFit is that eventually, you’re going to reap many fitness benefits, unlike someone who concentrates on a single exercise.

Crossfit involves many dangerous movements due to the lack of any programming. This way, injuries may be expected since you’re doing vast exercises within a short period. However, if you’re the type who loves challenges and won’t mind how long you achieve your personal fitness goals, CrossFit is for you.

8. Crossfit Is Teamwork

A group does the Work of the Day (WOD) and other exercises in the CrossFit box together. This can cause one to lag, and since it’s a group thing, you might use a technique that is too advanced for you.

When you join a CrossFit box, it’s not like joining a gym, but you become family. This is a common saying in the CrossFit world. Crossfit is group training. So there’s no personal trainer in the box.

But this is how CrossFit is structured. Crossfit bases its effectiveness on teamwork. The encouragement from the community keeps one going. The competition from other group members will also help push yourself harder for longer.

Final Thoughts on Why People Think CrossFit Is Bad

Why is CrossFit bad? People think Crossfit is a cult, dangerous, very intense, has crazy techniques, and lacks purpose. While some of these could be true, it’s not until you try it you see why it’s set up the way it is. Most of these high-intensity exercises by CrossfFitters take time to master; they don’t just jump in and start lifting the weight. Instead, their bodies have been trained this way.

Crossfitters love CrossFit for how it’s structured; the intensity levels, the techniques, and the other things in-between leave them craving for more. So if you’re thinking of joining CrossFit, it’s good to understand its benefits and risks. We hope this article sheds some truth on why people think Crossfit is bad.