
The CrossFit workout promises great results, but at what cost? Learn more about the CrossFit workout controversy and the pros and cons of this exercise routine.
Created by former gymnast Greg Glassman in 2001, the CrossFit
workout has had its fair share of controversy. Promoting an
exercise routine so active that can threaten the health of its
practitioners, the CrossFit routine is definitely not for
everybody.
CrossFit Workout Basics
High intensity exercise for short periods of time is the concept
behind the CrossFit workout. For a lot of active people, pushing
yourself to the limits is a common theme and the CrossFit workout
extends those limits even further. Using group workout with
equipment not regularly used in the gym, the CrossFit system
includes plyometric exercises and Olympic style lifting, along with
exercises with kettle bells, tires, sand bags and more.
See also:
How to Increase Exercise Endurance
CrossFit Workout Controversy
This "survival" style workout has a dark side beyond sore muscles.
Excessive exercise can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a very serious
condition which can cause kidney failure. Nicknamed "Uncle Rhabdo"
by practitioners of the CrossFit workt out, the condition occurs
when muscle begins to break down, releasing myoglobin that poisons
the kidneys and leads to very dark urine.
Since the exercise regimen often involved pain and muscle sores,
the practitioners of the CrossFit workout can have a hard time
recognizing when they're simply overexercising their body too much.
Vomiting is not uncommon for this type of very active exercise and
continuing even if you feel you can't do it anymore can also lead
to serious bone fractures, not just muscle and kidney damage.
See also:
Over Exercising – How Much Is Too Much
CrossFit Workout Pros
Most workouts in this system are short but very active. Developed
for a class setting and supervised by trainers that are called
coaches, the CrossFit workout encourages competition between
practitioners, but also comes with a strong support system.
A lot of exercises include partners, so staying motivated isn't an
issue, unlike regular gym workouts. The CrossFit workout also
includes a beginner program designed to transition you to the
hardcore exercise.
CrossFit Workout Cons
The biggest problem of this workout is the high risk of injury,
even higher than for contact sports. Attending too many workouts in
a week can lead to overexercise and serious health issues. The
CrossFit workout dangers shouldn't be ignored, especially by people
who aren't used to active training.
Another downside of the exercise regimen is its "one size fits all"
philosophy. The only differentiations between practitioners are in
the form or choosing the right weights, but otherwise everybody is
expected to push themselves to the limit and more.
See also:
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