The Term "Exercise", defined.
Cross Fit is not an exercise modality. It is a competitive sport.
Body Science by Nick Fiorello
Published by Nick Fiorello
Cross Fit is NOT a general modality of training. It is a competition--a competitive sport. If you are not involved competitively in Cross Fit Competitions and chose to utilize the plethora of Cross Fit moves as a general fitness protocol, more likely than not you will end up with a damaged body, over time. AND in some cases, if not most, severely damaged. Not a good choice if your goals are to stay relatively pain free while garnering improvements in strength, flexibility and cardiovascular efficiency.
Please don’t misunderstand my “pain free” reference. Exercise properly done can and should be fairly intense and painful while performing movements to momentary muscular failure. Upon completion of a proper set or sets, this pain quickly subsides while providing the necessary and proper positive stimulus, with minimal risks of long lasting damage. The type of pain I’m referring to, be it the constant inflamed joints, connective tissue, and/or muscles, is that which leaves you damaged and debilitated for extended periods of time-typically weeks and months on end.
No doubt that Cross Fit can provide a tremendous level of stimulus--But at what cost? The Risk of Injury in Cross Fit is EXTREMELY high. At your next Cross Fit competition, make a mental note of the advertisers. In addition to the plethora of supplement and equipment manufacturers, you'll see a host of Orthopedic and Rehab Ads. Ask any Orthopedist their thoughts on Cross Fit-they typically love it—GREAT for business.
Understand, I’m not opposed to Cross Fit Competitions. If that’s your sport of choice, I get it! I love competitive sports and can’t help but admire the athleticism displayed during National Cross Fit events. However, it’s a competitive sport like any other major sporting event: NHL, NFL, MLS, MLB, UFC, etc. Cross Fit has NO PLACE in a “general” exercise arena. NONE whatsoever!
An effective and efficient Health, Fitness and Wellness program is an amalgamation of multiple sciences and disciplines, individual goals and a proper road map. Proper Exercise is one component of the overall picture. Before deciding on an exercise protocol we first have to define what exercise is. AND probably more importantly, what it’s not. Unfortunately, in today’s world, almost any movement, outside of scratching ones backside, can be considered exercise. Words that mean everything mean nothing!
EXERCISE IS A GENERAL AND NON-SPECIFIC PROTOCOL COMBINING MULTIPLE SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES WHEREBY ONE USES TOOLS TO WORK THE BODY IN A DEMANDING, SAFE AND CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT, OVERLOADING THE MUSCULATURE IN ACCORDANCE WITH MUSCLE AND JOINT FUNCTION RESULTING IN A NECESSARY STIMULUS TOWARDS AN IMPROVED RESPONSE IN STRENGTH, CARDIOVASCULAR EFFICIENCY AND FLEXIBILITY.
I know this is a mouthful. I’ve been refining my definition of exercise for sometime as a consequence of my dissatisfaction offered up by many mainstream Health and Fitness Media Outlets.
In closing, I trust you’ve gained a semblance of what makes Cross Fit a sport and not a general training protocol. In addition, if you chose Cross Fit as your sport of choice, make certain you find a Coach knowledgeable in Anatomy, Biomechanics and Physics-at a minimum.
CHEERS!!