Cross fit...WHO CARES!

I continue to be mystified by the hoopla and internet hate surrounding Crossfit. Accept it for what it is and if you believe that it is a bucket of shit then don't watch or participate.

Personally it annoys the crap out of me. The lack of programming shits me to tears as does some of the really crappy form. But hey I can go to most 'normal' gyms and observe the same phenomena so stupidity isn't limited to our cross fit friends.

Paul Carter on his blog suggested that given the obesity epidemic anything that gets more people off their ass can't be a bad thing and I agree to a point. However it is the way in which Crossfit 'commoditises lifting that gets under my skin. It dumbs down training to appeal to the those that equate health and strength with sweating and screaming and slapping asses. It's the same 'warrior' mentality that permeates those god awful 'boot camp' sessions.

Now don't even start with those..'oh but cross fit provides a better basis for life with allround fitness' comments I see constantly. HORSESHIT...train for function. I don't know about you but my ancestors stopped running around the Serengeti plain thousands of years ago. Therefore I do not need the capacity to run 5km non stop. My life is primarily anaerobic, short bursts of effort punctuated by rest (changing tyre, carrying groceries hauling sand in the yard). Hey if you are shipping out to Afghanistan (and I salute you) perhaps a routine based on multiple training modalities may suit better but regardless it still needs to be programmed to be progressive and measurable. Not a fucking WOD of the day!

For me training has to be based on a logical basis. For all round body composition, lift heavy such as Wendler 5/3/1 and on your off days perform programmed conditioning work. Very very simple, maximum effort minimal time and then get on with life!

But I return to my first point, if you like Crossfit then do it, if you think that it is a self indulgent aggregation of dunderclumpens then don't do it just get over it and get on with training. But in twenty years time..come see me. I will still be running Wendler and improving and I will sure as hell ask if you are still doing your kipping pulls, rope work, pistol squats and burpees and you know we will be comparing body composition and relative health! Be warned accountability is a bitch!

Stay Strong
Thomo