Continuing from my last post I have clearly defined the pros and cons of each program:
CrossFit Cons:
1. Specificity
Webmd.com quotes CrossFit founder and former gymnast Greg Glassman “Our specialty is not specializing.” In other words, there is not specific goal, it’s a generalist. The workouts are not meant to target specific goals such as weight loss, muscle gain, toning, or firming up your buttocks, rather it can be seen as a total body workout.
This leads me to why CrossFitters do what they do. It simply comes down to competition--The CrossFit Games. Not many people are willing to climb a rope 50 meters tall just because they want to get in shape... I wouldn’t. But I would only do it if it meant bragging rights. And that’s what it really comes down to--bragging rights and that natural crave for competition.
3. Its a progression
There is no room for modification when it comes down to the workout-- remember its all about who can lift the most in the fastest time. A typical WOD will not have modification, although most gyms will provide bands and other equipment to help modify pull-ups, dips, box jumps, and a few other exercises, but when it comes down to power lifts there is no modification.
2. Cost
CrossFit is EXPENSIVE! Unless you have money to spend, then by all means join CrossFit, otherwise I urge that you work with a personal trainer and get your money’s worth. A typical CrossFit gym can cost you anywhere from $150 to $220 per month.
3. Injury
Crossfit marks their athletes with a particular attitude: “the fear of sporting failure is worse than the fear of death.” It is our observation that men will die for points. Using whiteboards as scoreboards, keeping accurate scores and records, running a clock, and precisely defining the rules and standards for performance, we not only motivate unprecedented output, but derive both relative and absolute metrics at every workout.” What this means to the average fitness goer is that he or she should be prepared to run on a clock. You will be expected to lift the heaviest amount you can for the entire workout without stopping. If you are not use to moving at a fast pace or educated with the movement you will encounter injuries. I am at 8 months recovery from my last injury (bone contusion) that I got from my last CrossFit workout … and trust me it is not fun being injured.
Before beginning CrossFit please please please be able to do these the following exercises successfully, properly, and safely as these movements will be the foundation of every WOD::
Squat, front squat, overhead squat, press, push press, push jerk, deadlift, sumo deadlift high pull, medicine ball clean, bench press, GHD sit-ups, snatch, clean and jerk, handstand push-ups, kettlebell swing, pull-up, box jump, double-under, thruster, rowing on the C2, push ups, and burpees.
I think that’s all the basic movements so far and don’t be afraid to schedule appointments with personal trainers, after all, they are there to work with you and your specific needs.
CrossFit PROS:
HIIT:
CrossFit itself is defined as “constantly varied functional movements performed at relatively high intensity).” crossfit.com. What I have discovered about myself is that my body reacts best to weight loss when I am constantly moving at high intensity levels for a short duration of time. This is where I can use WODS. I believe this philosophy of high interval training is why the workouts are so successful for me.
TRX Pros:
Versatility:
The great thing about TRX bands is that you can adjust the intensity of an exercise by adjusting your body’s position to make the movement harder, easier, stable or unstable. You can do this a number of ways by moving your feet closer/farther to the anchor point, changing your base (feet together, apart, or split). These changes in intensity are all modification that can be done to individualize any workout.
Convenience:
TRX bands can be put up any where are light easy to travel with.
Cost:
Affordable compared to the amount is cost to be a part of a CrossFit gym. The cost of one of these bands is less than a the amount you would pay for a month at a CrossFit gym.
Durability:
Trx bands can be safely hold up to 350 pounds. The bands are pretty thick and have been remade throughout the years to improve durability. So the likeliness of falling on your buttocks due to the manufacturer is pretty slim.
Rehabilitation: A lot of exercises could be done or modified for those who are injured or are going through physical therapy such as myself. It also helps with stretching and achieving range of motion.
Education: Similarly to Insanity workouts, the TRX website has a lot of resources for people to from workout routines to music.
TRX Cons: The main pain is figuring out where to place your anchor point. The anchor point must be at least 6 to 9 feet. Trx does sell anchors that you can place inside at outside of your home but it is a hassle just to put it up. On the other hand, TRX bands can set up on doors or poles, but again I don’t know very many people who are 7 feet tall to help me put up my TRX band.
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