Crossfit?

[thedyllau]

I have been doing circuits for about 6 weeks now and seen some good overall results in my performance, but after reading some different forums i was wondering if crossfit will show me better overall results. I’m not looking to bench 400lbs or run a sub 5 mile, but just trying to push myself.

[98Tacoma]

I did Crossfit at a gym for a while, it showed me good results and I would reccommend it if you've never visited a gym (first workout and visit is always free). Pros - instructors push you and show you correct technique, team environment/timed/competitive, fast results. Cons - expensive, does not (IMO) provide enough aerobic endurance. I found the best results when I went to the gym 2-3 times a week and did more extensive cardio/aerobic exercise like running stairs with the weight vest 2-3 times a week.

[powerhourcoug]

CrossFit is a great program. In my humble opinion...if you want the most bang for your buck in terms of job task readiness preparation CrossFit would be a very wise choice.

That being said, CrossFit does have a few weaknesses.

For one, there is not a lot of true strength work involved. I know there are CrossFitters who would argue otherwise...but in my personal experience I was not nearly as strong when I was doing CF 100% of the time. This is coming from a Level 1 trainer.

Now I do a hybrid program that has a strength foundation with CrossFit style conditioning mixed in. It has made a difference in my ability to slam ladders, move hose, etc. Before I had the conditioning...now I have the strength to boot.

Furthermore...there are issues with CrossFit that concern me. High rep kipping pullups, box jumps, and technical movements such as the barbell snatch seem to cause injuries. I have no peer reviewed, scientific evidence to back this up...but have seen quite few issues related to these on the CrossFit message boards. Suffering a SLAP tear from pullups or a blown achilles from too many box jumps would not help your fire service aspirations.

Overall it is an outstanding program. There are many hybrids out there that are as good, if not better. I used to be a blind CrossFit enthusiast on these boards. I still am a big cheerleader...but the more I've learned...the less I know!

Good hybrid programs:

CrossFit Football
Greyskull LP
Wendler's 5/3/1

[edpmedic]

CrossFit is a great program. In my humble opinion...if you want the most bang for your buck in terms of job task readiness preparation CrossFit would be a very wise choice.

That being said, CrossFit does have a few weaknesses.

For one, there is not a lot of true strength work involved. I know there are CrossFitters who would argue otherwise...but in my personal experience I was not nearly as strong when I was doing CF 100% of the time. This is coming from a Level 1 trainer.

Now I do a hybrid program that has a strength foundation with CrossFit style conditioning mixed in. It has made a difference in my ability to slam ladders, move hose, etc. Before I had the conditioning...now I have the strength to boot.

Furthermore...there are issues with CrossFit that concern me. High rep kipping pullups, box jumps, and technical movements such as the barbell snatch seem to cause injuries. I have no peer reviewed, scientific evidence to back this up...but have seen quite few issues related to these on the CrossFit message boards. Suffering a SLAP tear from pullups or a blown achilles from too many box jumps would not help your fire service aspirations.

Overall it is an outstanding program. There are many hybrids out there that are as good, if not better. I used to be a blind CrossFit enthusiast on these boards. I still am a big cheerleader...but the more I've learned...the less I know!

Good hybrid programs:

CrossFit Football
Greyskull LP
Wendler's 5/3/1

This. All of it. I would caution against high rep Oly movements, or any Oly movements without expert instruction. A much better option would be to use kettlebells for your high rep metcon stuff.

I remember watching a video on Spealler, where he said that his strength was weak, so every week he does one heavy squat workout, one heavy Oly workout, and one heavy metcon along with all the other high rep stuff. Most people that say they do "Crossfit" are really only doing the high rep stuff, like you might see on CF Endurance.

www.firegroundfitness.com has a good blend, I think. It's run by Rayne Gray, who is on the job in Phoenix.

[powerhourcoug]

If I were to do it all over again I would focus on strength first, and begin with a basic barbell linear progression program such as Starting Strength.

A guy who can do 100 burpees in 5:00 or fun a sub 6 minute mile is pretty impressive...but if he is built like a flea he isn't much use on the fireground.

You could literally focus on barbell work for a year and get all the requisite core, lower and upper buddy strength work you need, as well as more cardio work than you would think. Heavy squats and deadlifts will put the lungs to work.

Bottom line...the barbell is king. Anyone who isn't incorporating regular barbell work in squats, bench press, strict press, and deadlifts is f#cking up.

Getting stronger is much more difficult and time consuming than getting fit, and it's much easier to get fit once you're strong.

[JT_Fire_2000]

GymJones.com

Crossfit is ok, but I only recommend it to novices. If you want to get serious gymjones is it.

[BennyT373]

I have been doing circuits for about 6 weeks now and seen some good overall results in my performance, but after reading some different forums i was wondering if crossfit will show me better overall results. I’m not looking to bench 400lbs or run a sub 5 mile, but just trying to push myself.

That is a great mindset to be in... people want to bench a refrigerator to tell all their buddies how much they bench. I know some guys who can bench 400+, but they wear out in about 3 minutes.

Crossfit workouts are great. Any high-intensity interval training is legit. Don't focus on doing muscle groups, do full-functional exercises (i.e. CrossFit)

[BrooklynBorn]

If I were to do it all over again I would focus on strength first, and begin with a basic barbell linear progression program such as Starting Strength.

A guy who can do 100 burpees in 5:00 or fun a sub 6 minute mile is pretty impressive...but if he is built like a flea he isn't much use on the fireground.

You could literally focus on barbell work for a year and get all the requisite core, lower and upper buddy strength work you need, as well as more cardio work than you would think. Heavy squats and deadlifts will put the lungs to work.

Bottom line...the barbell is king. Anyone who isn't incorporating regular barbell work in squats, bench press, strict press, and deadlifts is f#cking up.

Getting stronger is much more difficult and time consuming than getting fit, and it's much easier to get fit once you're strong.

I am doing SS but getting too heavy. I really need to focus on conditioning, any suggestions on how I can still do both? with slightly more focus on conditioning and weight loss.

[tajm611]

GymJones.com

Crossfit is ok, but I only recommend it to novices. If you want to get serious gymjones is it.

Truth. Some of their WOD's are straight up brutal. Only really worth it if you have a suitable home gym.

Gym jones puts crossfit to shame on some of their wods. Hopefully the head honchos won't sell their soul like crossfit did...

[powerhourcoug]

I am doing SS but getting too heavy. I really need to focus on conditioning, any suggestions on how I can still do both? with slightly more focus on conditioning and weight loss.

Have you hit a reset on SS yet? Are you following the program as prescribed, and have you progressed to advanced novice and pared down your squat days to 1-2/week? If you're still getting stronger...maybe try and hang on for a few more weeks?

In terms of strength+conditioning programs...here are a few good options (google them):

Greyskull LP
Texas Method
CrossFit Football
70's Big
5/3/1
OPT Big Dawgs

I just realized I already posted these above...

[powerhourcoug]

Truth. Some of their WOD's are straight up brutal. Only really worth it if you have a suitable home gym.

Gym jones puts crossfit to shame on some of their wods. Hopefully the head honchos won't sell their soul like crossfit did...

Yes...I heard "300 FY" is a m#ther****er...

[tajm611]

Yeah, twight can come up with some ****. This was last weeks:

Workout:
3x5 Wall Squat
3x10 Squat
3x20m Walking Lunge
3x20m OH Walking Lunge
Then:
Work up to Heavy Front Squat
Then:
5x2 Front Squat @ 80% 1RM
Rest 3 minutes between sets
Then:
10x Goblet Squat @ 70# +
30sec Frog Hop +
30sec Rest
Ten Rounds
Then:
20x Speed Squat @ BB & 40# of Chain +
40sec Rest
Six Rounds

I went to the 3 day camp, the first day was basically like doing 10 angies throughout the course of the day. Then we did nothing but every kind of squat the following day. Goblets, front, zercher, hack, wall....oh god I get sick thinking of it.

[BrooklynBorn]

I have to admit I am not following the program as prescribed. I am one of those people who bench almost as much as I squat. I have been working on squat form for a while. I will check out those links thanks. I am contemplating trying higher rep squats for a while.

[khanvalescent]

I agree with the posters who recommend Starting Strength, particularly if you aren't strong to begin with. I was doing a ton of cardio for a couple months, and then switched almost purely to just SS. For two months I did not run or swim, just lifted 3x a week. My mile time stayed nearly exactly the same (~6:55) and my 100m swim time actually improved by 10 seconds (1:45 to 1:35). Now neither of these times are going to turn any heads or win you any triathlons, but it does show (at least in one example) that SS by itself does contribute to at least adequate cardiovascular fitness.

[powerhourcoug]

Very good article, very relevant to this discussion:

http://www.startingstrength.com/arti...ve_gillian.pdf

[kerekesk]

I'd recommend anyone thinking of trying crossfit to review THIS before starting.

[BrooklynBorn]

Very good article, very relevant to this discussion:

http://www.startingstrength.com/arti...ve_gillian.pdf

She has a huge upper body.

[powerhourcoug]

She has a huge upper body.

Would you?

[GaiusPaul]

One thing I will point out, you need to already be fit to follow Crossfit as prescribed. If you jump into the high rep stuff it has you doing, it'll be a recipe for injury. Have a good strong base and proper form before starting full-on.

Starting strength above is good, but also training someone who knows Crossfit who can adust the workouts for you is a good thing. Doing a couple months at a local Crossfit gym (with a good trainer) would be very helpful if you want to really follow the main page workouts.

[BrooklynBorn]

Would you?

Depends, Would any one find out? lol na I would, I googled her and shes not bad looking at all. She is pretty feminine for a ex bodybuilder.


on another note I am thinking switching my squats to higher reps, gonna keep trying 3x10.