I’ve always been really curious about CrossFit and think I’d really like it if I ever got the chance to try it out (gymnastics, strength training, and being a badass?! what’s not to like?!), but as of yet, I still haven’t managed to.
I do have to admit that I’m a little wary by how it almost seems like a cult though, but I feel like it might be akin to when I first moved to West Virginia and was convinced that everyone was just being uncommonly nice to me because they wanted something from me (in reality, they really just were that nice). Maybe Crossfit is like the fitfam of fitfams?
That was basically why I decided to pick up this book–I wanted to learn more about Crossfit!
Learning To Breathe Fire
Genre: Fitness
Pages: 368
Usually, I’m a pretty awesome speedreader…
I kinda have to be. This is the ultra-condensed version of my med school notes from first year. I thinned out a shelf’s worth of notes/papers + switched to taking notes on my computer when I was 3 courses in.
…But for some reason, I just couldn’t completely get into this book. It was interesting, but just not quite engaging enough? The book went into the history of how CrossFit came to be, and I really enjoyed reading the spotlights on a number of people who played important roles in shaping CrossFit into what it is today.
I also liked the philosophy behind “The CrossFit Code” (pg. 60!):
- Pursue virtuosity in functional movement.
- Believe unconditionally in yourself and the ability of others.
- Learn new skills–teach them to a friend.
- Forge an indomitable body and spirit.
- Apply character traits learned in the gym to life: Perseverance-Honesty-Integrity-Resilience-Courage-Loyalty-Respect + Service
- Be humble.
- Encourage others.
They’re great rules to live by, and I do think that adopting this sort of mentality both in and outside of the gym would make you a better person.
They reference a video in one of their chapters that I’m including in here (I hope to be this much of a badass someday!):
Much as I still do want to try it out (and perhaps this wasn’t entirely its intent), a lot of the content in this book made it sound like CrossFit was the end-all and be-all to fitness, which I don’t necessarily agree with. I definitely agree that if you train with great form* and you do this regularly, you will be one badass athlete.
*One of the main criticisms is in the number of injuries–which is not completely unfounded, but it’s understandable–if you’re training hard with horrible form, you are going to hurt yourself, so I’d definitely advise going to a place where they make sure you know what to do, and have good form before they push you to go all-out.
But I don’t agree that this is the only way to get fit. (I’m probably heavily influenced at this point by the fact that I’ve been counseling patients on how to lose weight/maintain healthy living habits by choosing a physical activity that they’ll enjoy and will stick to.)
One of the chapters stuck out in my mind because it ripped on cardio equipment and machines. While I definitely prefer strength training and using free weights, I do think that those still have a place in different circumstances. Not everyone is the same–people have different goals, and everyone has to start somewhere. If you force an activity that they don’t enjoy and won’t do regularly on them, it will accomplish nothing.
I feel like I probably would’ve enjoyed the book more if I’d had a chance to try out CrossFit first, but alas! That being said, however, if you’ve ever been interested in learning more about how CrossFit came to be (or if you’re already a CrossFit enthusiast), you’d probably enjoy this book!
- Have you ever tried CrossFit? What are your thoughts on it? What WOD(s) have you done?
- What’s your favorite way to get yo’ fitness on?
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oooh perfect timing for me.
I MUST READ.
CARLA recently posted…What book should be on my shelf?
hahaha, yes indeed! So very fitting for your most recent post! :P
Farrah recently posted…Review: Learning To Breathe Fire
My thoughts on crossfit are probably a bit contentious. I understand why people are drawn to it–challenge, variety, leadership, comradery and teamwork, and personal achievement. And the sense of a holistic lifestyle.
My problem with it is actually the same as with any other “movement” out there today (the fixes and such): too often it is taken too far, too often you are not knowledgable enough to take it so far, and too often you do NOTHING else. I know way too many people who have seriously injured themselves with crossfit (not to say I don’t know runners who have gotten seriously injured), and also, there is a reason that the SEALS who developed it only do it so often and as part of a comprehensive system.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…In Defense of Summer
Ah, you articulated it so much better! That’s my main concern with it! I’m all for working out and going hard, but…everything should be in moderation. I think that’s where the danger and all the injuries come in (well, that and the fact that I think there are gyms out there that encourage more reps vs. proper form, which is a recipe for disaster).
Farrah recently posted…Review: Learning To Breathe Fire
I’ve never tried Crossfit. I’m not sure it’s the right thing for me.. but I’d like to try a couple of times to really know :-)
Author
Same here! I feel like I’m in no place to make an educated evaluation of it if I’ve never actually tried it! :P
I haven’t tried Crossfit either. I do, however, like the philosophy of sharing skills with others and encouraging others. I do like the positive attitude of that part of the code.
Author
Same here! I really like the “rules they live by,” and the workouts seem fun, so I feel like I’d really like it, although I still have some reservations.
Great review! I think there is a culture to Crossfit that emphasizes superiority above all other sports. While I think functional fitness is necessary, I don’t believe that it needs to be done high intensity all the time. Proper form should always trump quantity of reps- which is unfortunately encouraged in Crossfit.
Annmarie recently posted…Vino & the Beasts Obstacle 5k Race Recap
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Superiority!! That’s the word I was looking for! I definitely get that feeling a lot with Crossfit. I think functional fitness is wonderful as well, but Crossfit is not a one-size-fits-all form of exercise. The part where quantity trumps quality is where I really raise an issue with it.
I like the “encourage others” in the code!
Cynthia @craftoflaughter recently posted…World Humanitarian Day: Make a Difference
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Me too! :D
I’m a fan of CrossFit, but I also enjoy other forms of fitness (like running, HIIT workouts, and lifting weights outside of my box). I think a lot of people hate on CrossFit because they think it’s dangerous and doesn’t focus on form, but the coaches at my box are great about making sure your form is right before you try to go super heavy or crazy fast. On the flip side, I think a lot of CrossFitters hate on other forms of fitness. I don’t think anyone should hate on anyone else’s healthy living style. If it works for them, if it’s safe and if it’s something they enjoy that gets them to move, then it’s a great form of exercise!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Fit, Focused & Fun Finds (from around the web!) #39
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I think if you have a gym that focuses on form before moving on to a crazy amount of reps, the risk of injury is just as it is with most other forms of exercise–I’m glad the coaches at your box are awesome! It does sadden me that CrossFitters seem to hate on other forms of fitness. Just as it is with food, there are different forms of exercise/fitness that work for different people! (I’d still love to try it, but I need to find a good gym! :P And be in a place for more than 2 weeks at a time, haha.)
I agree with EVERYTHING Suzie said.. I’m not a fan because of the ‘too much’ thing.. I know SO many people who have been injured.. from doing things they weren’t trained correctly in. Plus it is a bit cult-ish in my town.. IDK about anywhere else..
LIz recently posted…Outdoor Workout + the Best Kept Secret in Gym Wear!
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Agreed! I’m very much an “everything in moderation” type of person, so I’m with you + Susie there–I think there would be less injuries if there was more of an emphasis on proper form vs. “going hard!” I’ve heard it’s rather cult-ish, but have yet to try it out!
I’ve tried Crossfit once. I can understand how people are drawn to the sense of community, but I have a personal opinion about it, based on my personal training and physical therapy background. While I think that one can truly gain strength, confidence, fitness, and better health from doing Crossfit….even the BEST athlete with the GREATEST form will sacrifice form for doing an exercise for time. Okay, a majority of the time. It’s just to hard to try and maintain good form and safety while competing with the clock!
Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Try This Thursday 8/20 – sweet Blue Diamond almonds
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Agreed! That’s what I take issue with as well–I think proper form should always take precedence over time, and I definitely get the feeling that that gets thrown out sometimes in favor of quantity. :[
Thanks for checking out the book ahead of time – saved me some reading :) I have never been a cross-fitter myself. I do incorporate gym group classes and cross training into my running routine but I they’re not as intense as cross-fit.
diane@runninrocker recently posted…Bulu Box Review plus Discount Code
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hahaha, you’re very welcome! :P I had a really hard time getting through it because it only seemed to focus on all the amazing things about CrossFit (I guess I shouldn’t have been so surprised, but I was hoping for a littttle bit more objectivity!) I like mixing it up with group classes today! :D The kickboxing class I took today kicked my butt, but it was a good kind of hurt!
I used to do CrossFit and I will say the box itself, trainers, and class size have a lot to do with injury rates. You can get hurt with any physical activity if you over do it. But some of the “AMRAP” workouts or things where you raced the clock, people’s form would suffer and with only one instructor, they could not watch and correct everyone. Plus people didn’t want to stop, they wanted to max out or “RX” the workout. I do think CrossFit is a great way to work out, but it’s like anything else, you can’t fall into the comparison trap or push yourself all the time.
Amy Lauren recently posted…How I Run: A Survey
I don’t see how the attitude that crossfit is the be all and end all fits with be humble” and “encourage others”. I might be stronger if I could flip tires, but I really enjoy running outside.
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