Is a CrossFit workout worth it?

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CrossFit thrives as an alternative to traditional gyms. The explosive movements, group workouts and sense of competition drew people in, while the results encourage them to stay. And with something for athletes at every level, it’s not a mystery why the organization has become a global phenomenon. 

Today, more than 5 million people are registered in CrossFit programs around the world. 

Where did it start

CrossFit as a company was founded in 2000 by Greg Glassman, a former gymnast who wanted to find new exercises to become stronger. He combined his regular gymnastics routines with weightlifting and cycling, with an aim to develop well-rounded physical abilities.

In 1995, he opened his own gym in Santa Cruz, California where he trained the Santa Cruz Police Department as well as private clients, eventually offering group classes. 

Since then, CrossFit has established itself as a major player in both amateur and professional fitness. The CrossFit Games, held annually since 2007 (except for 2020), bring in thousands of viewers and hundreds of athletes to participate in the sport’s ultimate competition. 

Today, there are more than 13,000 registered CrossFit gyms around the world. In Canada alone, there are 588 CrossFit gyms, according to Livestrong.

CrossFit includes a diverse range of high-intensity workouts 

As a full body workout, CrossFit burns calories and fat fast. Often doubling as high intensity interval training, or HIIT workout, the rest times are often kept to a minimum which keeps the heart rate high during the full workout. 

Exercises in CrossFit workouts include everything from Olympic presses to wall balls. The variation in movements and exercises keeps things fresh for participants and ensures they get a full body workout quickly. 

CrossFit is also often done in a group setting, sometimes with dozens of people. The social aspect of working out can’t be understated as there is incentive to push yourself harder in order to beat your neighbour. On the flip side, the person next to you in class can encourage you to work harder than last week, and push you to a new PR. 

CrossFit has an association with Rhabdomyolysis

CrossFit is famous, or infamous, for injuries sustained in the gym that go viral, although research from the University of Bath indicates the overall rate of injury is approximately 2.10 per 1000 training hours — roughly comparable to other workouts. 

Among the most common injuries are shoulder injuries sustained from kipping pull-ups, where the athlete uses a full-body movement and momentum to get their chin over the bar. The injuries can be caused by a lack of scapular stabilization, or shoulder blade stabilization, during the exercise. This can the input extra stress on the shoulder joint itself and the surrounding tissues. 

There is also the risk of renal, or kidney, failure. Rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes muscles to break down or leak, can cause significant kidney issues and even death. There are multiple causes of Rhabdomyolysis, one being intense, drawn-out exercise.

CrossFit has a significantly higher association with rhabdomyolysis than other workout regiments, although this is at least in part due to social media posts where CrossFitters share their Rhabdomyolysis journeys on social media as a sign of their dedication to the sport, according to The Conversation.

Is CrossFit right for me?

CrossFit offers beginner friendly classes likeUp the Ladder or Feel the Burn, making this workout plan a good option for both newcomers and veterans. 

Provided you take care of your shoulders and make sure that you don’t push yourself to the point of kidney failure, CrossFit can be a great way to get fit and stay social at the same time. 

Chris Arnold is a Toronto-based writer.

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