Olympic Weight Training
Introduction:
CrossFit, a high-intensity fitness program with its unique combination of aerobics, calisthenics, and Olympic-like weightlifting, recently rose to popularity. Since the early 2000s, CrossFit has attracted a large global following (some may call it a cult), taking over gyms everywhere. Boasting that it will prepare participants for every physical contingency, CrossFit helps push individuals past physical and mental barriers. However, its aggressive approach to fitness has also led CrossFit into controversy, with many critics arguing its emphasis on high-intensity, complex movements causes more injuries than other activities. Despite this, CrossFit continues to experience fast and widespread popularity. Let's look closer into CrossFit.
History:
Greg Glassman first developed a training regimen when he was 16, combining gymnastics, weightlifting, and calisthenics. He called it the “Fran”, which combined pull-ups and thrusters (a combination of front squat and push press). With the help of his partner Lauren Jenai, he opened a gym in Santa Cruz, California in 2001 and posted their workouts on the internet for their clients, which quickly grew popular with people in the police, military, and fireforce. Later, Glassman developed a curriculum to train others in running the new CrossFit program. In 2018, Glassman, with complete ownership of his company after divorcing his wife, increased the number of gyms from 13 to 15,500. The pandemic saw one of CrossFit’s biggest challenges – 20% of gyms were closed down and Glassman was forced to sell his company, facing backlash relating to his comments about George Floyd.
Overview:
Crossfit’s strength and conditioning program is "constantly varied functional movements executed at high intensity across broad time and modal domains" and develops the “ten components of physical fitness”: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, coordination, etc. Crossfit gyms utilize various equipment, including barbells, dumbbells, and rope climbs.
Criticism:
Many critics have discussed their potentially dangerous exercises, extreme intensity, and underqualified trainers, but the CrossFit community continues to defend itself, emphasizing the importance of technique and workout modifications to minimize injury risks. Citing studies that compare its injury rates favorably to other sports, research suggests that while CrossFit's injury rates are on par with other athletic activities, there is a higher incidence of shoulder injuries, and proper supervision is crucial for reducing the likelihood of harm.
Sources
“CrossFit.” Wikipedia, 8 Apr. 2024. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=CrossFit&oldid=1217873082.
Meier, Nicole, et al. “CrossFit®: ‘Unknowable’ or Predictable?—A Systematic Review on Predictors of CrossFit® Performance.” Sports, vol. 11, no. 6, May 2023, p. 112. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11060112.
“The Controversy Behind CrossFit.” Livestrong.Com,https://www.livestrong.com/article/545200-the-fall-of-fitness/. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.