Crossfit

[MeridaAndAngus]

Looking for some opinions on Crossfit as a cross training activity in between runs. Part of the reason I started running was to lose weight. I believe I'm at a point where I need to add more strength training to my workout to both improve as a runner and help with my weight loss goals.

I like the ideal of a high-intensity workout like Crossfit. My only concern is that when I see a lot of photos of Crossfit activities, it seems like there are a number of exercises that require some variation of lunges/squats/deep knee bends. My knees won't be able to tolerate that, but otherwise I think I should be able to do the lifting and other types of moves (at least from what I've seen in pictures).

Does anyone have any insights on doing Crossfit when you have some physical limitations on what you can safely do? Any tips of other types of high intensity workouts to try?

I've been doing some Jillian Michaels cardio yoga, and there's also a bootcamp class that I've been considering.

 

[bumbershoot]

You have to find a gym ("box") with truly trained people who really really know what they are doing and really really REALLY know how to teach it. You can get trained in something like a weekend and call your place a crossfit place. You don't want to go to those people. You want to really research and find a good place.

The people I know who do Crossfit and do it well get very fit, very strong, and they might buy smaller clothing than they did before, but they tend to be heavier than they intended. Even the women. Crossfit causes serious muscle, and that can increase the numbers on the scale. If that's going to bother you, it's good to be aware.

Just be prepared; they aren't really into long runs. My crossfit-doing friend (also my chiropractor) thinks I'm nuts for doing these runs. I joke back saying that when the zombie apocalypse comes, he might be stronger than me, but I'll be able to run for longer, and the zombies will then get him.


I started simply doing a weights program, not crossfit. My YMCA has the ActivTrax program, and it has been fabulous for introducing new things, keeping track of where I am, and gently challenging me. I don't need to do box jumps in order to get stronger (though I'll admit my Spin classes help with that explosive leg strength); my regular weights program is doing the job nicely.


Just don't get so addicted to the cross training that you lose time for running! That's what has happened to me this last year. I'm getting slower and slower in Halfs. Thankfully January is my last scheduled Half, and after that I'm focusing on 10K distance. I really dislike 13.1 miles and can't find the time I need to really prepare or improve at it.

 

[jerivera]

Found this online: http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/how-to-add-crossfit-to-marathon-training

If you're goal is mostly losing weight/improving health, then tracking food intake (ex. myfitnesspal) and running will work wonders for you. It really is a golden combination for weight loss.

But definitely add other exercises you like and interest you, and will help ward off injury, if you're at that point! It really does helps with everything else.

My two cents: I'd start with basic stuff (not necessarily Crossfit) to ensure your musculoskeletal fitness is up to the task of Crossfit (that stuff is INTENSE! check out videos online!), then if you really are interested in it, go for it.

P.S. Just make sure you don't go too fast. I don't know if they're true or not, but there are a lot of stories of folks getting injured doing Crossfit are out there.

 

[Chiomaca]

I'm not a huge Crossfit fan, mainly for the reasons Bumbershoot lists. It's too easy to get caught up in the competitive aspect of the WODs, and if you don't have someone watching you and making sure you stop when your form is bad, then you're going to get hurt. Not *might* get hurt, WILL get hurt. Good boxes will make sure you start out slow and learn to do things right, and they're a great way to learn weightlifting in particular. Bad boxes are injury factories that have members who give themselves rhabdomyolysis. I've had two Crossfit friends and an Ironman competitor get this and it's nasty. If this is the direction you want to go, do lots of research and look for a place that requires beginner orientation and classes.

I really think the key is to find what is going to keep your interest. There's a lot of obsure fitness stuff out there, so look outside the box - I get my core and upper body workouts doing circus training. I'll never be good, but it's fun and challenging. Some people love spinning, but it drives me up a wall. I have friends that are Pure Barre obsessed, but I hated it. Try lots of stuff, including the boot camp and then decide what you like best.

 

[Ariel484]

I'm not a huge Crossfit fan, mainly for the reasons Bumbershoot lists. It's too easy to get caught up in the competitive aspect of the WODs, and if you don't have someone watching you and making sure you stop when your form is bad, then you're going to get hurt. Not *might* get hurt, WILL get hurt. Good boxes will make sure you start out slow and learn to do things right, and they're a great way to learn weightlifting in particular. Bad boxes are injury factories that have members who give themselves rhabdomyolysis. I've had two Crossfit friends and an Ironman competitor get this and it's nasty. If this is the direction you want to go, do lots of research and look for a place that requires beginner orientation and classes.

I really think the key is to find what is going to keep your interest. There's a lot of obsure fitness stuff out there, so look outside the box - I get my core and upper body workouts doing circus training. I'll never be good, but it's fun and challenging. Some people love spinning, but it drives me up a wall. I have friends that are Pure Barre obsessed, but I hated it. Try lots of stuff, including the boot camp and then decide what you like best.

Agree with this. I just started a Core class (which really is full-body strength training) and I LOVE it. I think it's helped my running a lot too. I also think yoga is a really good compliment to running.

I'm not sure what to think of Crossfit. My cousin is an instructor and is OBSESSED - she's been doing it for a few years and has not gotten hurt. And yet I've heard lots of stories of how it's just a a recipe for injury. I do think a good coach should be able to give you modifications if there are moves you can't do, though - I'd expect this of a coach in any sort of exercise class setting.

I thought about trying Crossfit a few times but was always turned off by the cost. Hearing about all of the injuries and, as bumbershoot says, how they aren't really into distance runners, sealed the deal that it's probably not for me.

I think you are definitely smart to check out strength training though - very helpful in preventing injuries. Check out this program...I used to use it and liked it (got a bit repetivive after awhile): www.runnersworld.com/ironstrength

 

[MeridaAndAngus]

Thank you for all of these thoughtful responses. I think for now I will be checking out some other fitness classes in my neighborhood - Barre and high energy yoga classes. I also just heard about a new studio that is doing "surfing" fitness classes, where you basically workout on a stand up paddleboard (inside a studio) that is balanced on some sort of a frame. It should be a good core workout, which is what I need most at this point. I'm really dedicated to making running a long term fitness routine and lifestyle change for me, so I don't want to get too involved in an workout plan that discourages it.

 

[RnbwSktles]

I like the ideal of a high-intensity workout like Crossfit. My only concern is that when I see a lot of photos of Crossfit activities, it seems like there are a number of exercises that require some variation of lunges/squats/deep knee bends. My knees won't be able to tolerate that, but otherwise I think I should be able to do the lifting and other types of moves (at least from what I've seen in pictures).

I only know what my boss tells me every.single.day. Crossfit is very much a group activity with group workouts and competitions where everyone does the same stuff. If there are moves you are uncomfortable with, and A LOT of them involve squats/lunges, then you are going to be wasting your time. His box announces the WOD (workout of the day) beforehand so at least there would be an opportunity to skip days that are mostly leg workouts, but I don't think you would get much out of it otherwise.

 

[MeridaAndAngus]

I only know what my boss tells me every.single.day. Crossfit is very much a group activity with group workouts and competitions where everyone does the same stuff. If there are moves you are uncomfortable with, and A LOT of them involve squats/lunges, then you are going to be wasting your time. His box announces the WOD (workout of the day) beforehand so at least there would be an opportunity to skip days that are mostly leg workouts, but I don't think you would get much out of it otherwise.

Good to know. I got that sense from some of the info I've seen online.

 

[plutolovr]

I have been doing CrossFit for 3 years now...I'm 52 years old, female, and absolutely love it. I also run 1/2 marathons. Those that are saying that CrossFitters aren't into long distance runs are wrong. CrossFit even has a CrossFit Endurance program that focuses on endurance sports, running, biking, swimming, etc. There are quite a few members where I belong that run marathons, do triathlons, etc.

If you have bad knees, then you may want to do exercises that strengthen your knees, and squats will do that. I have horrible shoulders, surgery in 1 a few years ago, prior to CrossFit. I started CrossFit to make my injured should better and it worked. I still have some pain, but it's arthritis related and I find when I don't work it out for a few days it hurts more.

 

[MeridaAndAngus]

I have been doing CrossFit for 3 years now...I'm 52 years old, female, and absolutely love it. I also run 1/2 marathons. Those that are saying that CrossFitters aren't into long distance runs are wrong. CrossFit even has a CrossFit Endurance program that focuses on endurance sports, running, biking, swimming, etc. There are quite a few members where I belong that run marathons, do triathlons, etc.

If you have bad knees, then you may want to do exercises that strengthen your knees, and squats will do that. I have horrible shoulders, surgery in 1 a few years ago, prior to CrossFit. I started CrossFit to make my injured should better and it worked. I still have some pain, but it's arthritis related and I find when I don't work it out for a few days it hurts more.

Thanks for that perspective!