Cross-fit Experience(s) Anyone?

[Guest boiworship08]

I'm interested in many fitness modalities, but as I've aged I've found that CF is too brutal on my body. I started a whole new program about a year ago incorporating kettle bells, gada sticks, intense core, body weight exercises and lots of cardio. When combined with a paleo diet, it has produced a notably more defined physique for me. It also incorporates a fair amount of boxing and self defense skills. This is called active strength training. It works for me.

[Rudynate]

I'm interested in many fitness modalities, but as I've aged I've found that CF is too brutal on my body. I started a whole new program about a year ago incorporating kettle bells, gada sticks, intense core, body weight exercises and lots of cardio. When combined with a paleo diet, it has produced a notably more defined physique for me. It also incorporates a fair amount of boxing and self defense skills. This is called active strength training. It works for me.

 

Agreed. I don't think I could tolerate Crossfit for more than a few weeks before I started to accumulate injuries. Lifting 4-5x week allows me to maintain a very respectable level of fitness. I used to be pretty injury-prone, but have learned to respect my limitations, so that doesn't seem to be a problem any more. I have started seeing a chiropractor every two weeks and she really keeps me tuned up.

[JulianLondon]

Rudynate really interested to know the amount of time per visit and the type of treatment you receive from your chiropractor? I've been seeing one after a recent CrossFit back injury, four sessions so far, and am trying to decide about the benefits over a very professional massage or Pilates. I'm trying a little of everything and may possibly try acupuncture soon to work what's best for me but would love to hear some other experiences on this.

[Rudynate]

I can highly recommend it but with a couple of caveats. I've been doing it for 2 years now but it helps if you start from a reasonable level of fitness. It's best in my opinion done in small groups and is highly motivating. I'm in my early forties and fitter than i've ever been. Great for core strength and flexibility and a high lever of general fitness but it hasn't come without a few injuries as jimboivyo states.

 

My advice is when and if weight lifting is included go at your pace and don't be encouraged to push yourself too far. Adding a semi Paleo diet is definitely beneficial. My slight worry is it's a bit all or nothing as I go 3 or 4 times a week and am looking at cutting back to try other forms of exercise, probably Pilates as I think the stretching will compliment the intensity of Cross Fit.

 

Good luck. Give it a go and report back!

 

Pilates doesn't involve much stretching, although it will improve your flexibility. The emphasis in Pilates is on core strength. I worked one-on-one with a Pilates instructor for several months to rehab from a spine surgery. Very quickly, if you do it a few times/week, you begin to develop the signature Pilates look - long and lean. An unexpected benefit of the Pilates work was that I had had plantar fasciitis for years that completely went away.

[Rudynate]

Each session takes no more than 15 minutes. I have never believed much in chiropractic but decided to give this one a try just because I like her so much personally. She did a really thorough evaluation at the start and had me get spine x-rays. I don't know if she uses a particular approach - she just seems to do what chiropractors do - adjusts my spine at several levels, hips, knees, feet, shoulders, ribs, sometimes elbows and wrists. What I find particularly helpful is what she does for my hips. I sit all day for work, and I've had two spine surgeries, so my hips get pretty stiff. I go see her, she pops them, and suddenly, they are mobilized again. I leave her office feeling just great and I continue to feel good between appointments.

[JulianLondon]

Rudynate thanks for sharing both of these experiences on Pilates and your chiropractor. Much appreciated. I too had x-rays done and it's fascinating to see the strengths and weaknesses within. Actually I'm sticking with my chiropractor too as I like her a lot but not sure I'm keen for it to be too long term, probably when I feel a little more flexibility is required or I'm sensing not all is quite right with my body I'll book a couple of sessions. You learn a lot just chatting with them about good and bad practices regarding posture etc, an interesting subject.

[BaronArtz]

I was a rugby player and semi-professional fencer my entire life. I am a huge believer in cross-training to enhance your athletic abilities. There are some merits to Cross Fit. My main issues: incompetent trainers/coaches, class size too big, huge probability of failure/injuries. If you will, do you YouTube search on 'Crossfit fails' or 'Crossfit disasters':

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpFn3bHsWbs

[Lookin]

If anybody's looking for experience with the cross and unfit, lemme know. http://www.boytoy.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif

 

http://tinkinhdoanh.com.vn/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/khach-hang-phan-nan.jpg

[Steven_Draker]

Keeping the positive spirit of the thread.

 

If GRIT classes by Les Mills are available at your local gym, you might try that one first. Here is what GRIT is all about:

 

[video=youtube;wxFFCUXBu40]

[nynakedtop]

Again, guys, thanks for the feedback, warnings, warmings, enocuragement and support!

 

So back for my first "real" day as a cross-fitter and it was awesome. First a "warm up" of squats, deadlifts and kettlebell stuff, and the today we did the HELEN routine.... repeating circuits of 400 meter rows, with kettlebell thrusts, and pull-ups - totally moved me into a new space, pushed me deep, left me feeling like a sweaty pig, happy, energized, and exhausted. When I cautioned my trainer/mentor that "I'm too old for this..." he said "no way" and actually paid me a physique-related compliment, so I am definitely living on Cloud 9.

 

Can't wait for the next one!

[Juan Vancouver]

The bad (or so-so): All during the workout I kept an eye on where the nearest bathroom (or bucket) was... this is a killer puke inducing experience! Not for the weak of mind or spirit! There is also definitely a "cultish" aspect to the experience - but if that works to get people there and pushing their limits so be it.

 

So, guys, in a word... I have already booked my next session at "the box". At the risk of becoming the board bore, I will report back!

 

That is awesome news!

 

Personally I don't think the puking is specific of Crossfit; if my workouts (especially legs and back) don't take me to puke's door, I know I am not doing enough.

 

Also enjoy the cult. Surrender and use the lingo, which is hilarious, learn the fist bumps and the overall Bro experience... nothing quite as inspiring to stay fit than a group of fit, friendly men egging you on.

 

Can't wait to hear more about your experience! This board can use a fitness board bore... or two. =)

[Juan Vancouver]

The bad (or so-so): All during the workout I kept an eye on where the nearest bathroom (or bucket) was... this is a killer puke inducing experience! Not for the weak of mind or spirit! There is also definitely a "cultish" aspect to the experience - but if that works to get people there and pushing their limits so be it.

 

So, guys, in a word... I have already booked my next session at "the box". At the risk of becoming the board bore, I will report back!

 

That is awesome news!

 

Personally I don't think the puking is specific of Crossfit; if my workouts (especially legs and back) don't take me to puke's door, I know I am not doing enough.

 

Also enjoy the cult. Surrender and use the lingo, which is hilarious, learn the fist bumps and the overall Bro experience... nothing quite as inspiring to stay fit than a group of fit, friendly men egging you on.

 

Can't wait to hear more about your experience! This board can use a fitness board bore... or two. =)

[Guest boiworship08]

Each session takes no more than 15 minutes. I have never believed much in chiropractic but decided to give this one a try just because I like her so much personally. She did a really thorough evaluation at the start and had me get spine x-rays. I don't know if she uses a particular approach - she just seems to do what chiropractors do - adjusts my spine at several levels, hips, knees, feet, shoulders, ribs, sometimes elbows and wrists. What I find particularly helpful is what she does for my hips. I sit all day for work, and I've had two spine surgeries, so my hips get pretty stiff. I go see her, she pops them, and suddenly, they are mobilized again. I leave her office feeling just great and I continue to feel good between appointments.

I'm a big fan of chiro, particularity the modality known as ART (active release therapy). Two sessions resolved my tennis elbow. I, too, suffer from foot injuries and I'm just about able to resume running again.

[+ quoththeraven]

Totally not the right audience for CrossFit -- I have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain, so aerobic exercise is tough for me -- and I'm more into stretching and very mild strengthening exercises -- but my experience has been that yoga, Pilates, stretching/PT exercises and massage help more and chiropractic and tai chi don't do much for me.

 

But it all depends on you, your body, and the person working with you. I've had physical therapists make my shoulder problems worse whereas occupational therapy has been more helpful for upper body issues.

[Rudynate]

For your viewing pleasure:[/color]

 

[video=youtube;3Vk9PP-UP8k]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vk9PP-UP8k

 

Love those crossfit builds.

[+ FreshFluff]

Keeping the positive spirit of the thread.

 

If GRIT classes by Les Mills are available at your local gym, you might try that one first. Here is what GRIT is all about:

 

[video=youtube;wxFFCUXBu40]

 

Looks like interval training with some improvements, like heavier weights and better music.

[Steven_Draker]

I'm glad you had such a positive start and will look forward to more reports back!

 

Ditto.

 

We would love to hear a report back and whether you're making a progress with Cross Fit, NYnakedtop.

 

[gallahadesquire]

I am not a fit man but an escort I see does not like cross fit. he says it's become the number one cause of fitness related injury

 

the youtube videos of it look tough

 

That's what my personal trainer said. It's uncoordinated, unnatural use of muscles. He's big into motion strength, not bicep vs. tricep vs. pecs vs. ... you get the idea. He's got a Masters in exercise physiology, and knows more functional anatomy than most orthopods I've met, so I respect his opinion. Just be careful; be very, very careful.

[gallahadesquire]

I can highly recommend it but with a couple of caveats. I've been doing it for 2 years now but it helps if you start from a reasonable level of fitness. It's best in my opinion done in small groups and is highly motivating. I'm in my early forties and fitter than i've ever been. Great for core strength and flexibility and a high lever of general fitness but it hasn't come without a few injuries as jimboivyo states.

 

My advice is when and if weight lifting is included go at your pace and don't be encouraged to push yourself too far. Adding a semi Paleo diet is definitely beneficial. My slight worry is it's a bit all or nothing as I go 3 or 4 times a week and am looking at cutting back to try other forms of exercise, probably Pilates as I think the stretching will compliment the intensity of Cross Fit.

 

Good luck. Give it a go and report back!

 

The problem with Pilates is that the breathing cycle is backwards.

[rvwnsd]

That's what my personal trainer said. It's uncoordinated, unnatural use of muscles. He's big into motion strength, not bicep vs. tricep vs. pecs vs. ... you get the idea. He's got a Masters in exercise physiology, and knows more functional anatomy than most orthopods I've met, so I respect his opinion. Just be careful; be very, very careful.

 

Now, gallahad, why would you believe a personal trainer who has a Masters in exercise physiology? He's just saying that because Crossfit could put him out of business. Then again, if he works with rehab patients, it could increase his business.

 

PS: Recognizing my humor often sounds serious, I want to assure everyone that I am being facetious in the first two sentences of this post.

[gallahadesquire]

Now, gallahad, why would you believe a personal trainer who has a Masters in exercise physiology? He's just saying that because Crossfit could put him out of business. Then again, if he works with rehab patients, it could increase his business.

 

PS: Recognizing my humor often sounds serious, I want to assure everyone that I am being facetious in the first two sentences of this post.

 

He actually knows the Krebs cycle, although I had to prompt him on the biological path of ATP going to AMP instead of ADP. And the Goddess knows, I learned that 40 years ago.

[whipped guy]

He actually knows the Krebs cycle, although I had to prompt him on the biological path of ATP going to AMP instead of ADP. And the Goddess knows, I learned that 40 years ago.

Well! The infamous Krebs Cycle! I learned that eons ago as well... and then promptly forgot about it... You knew that you were screwed when the instructor would draw that not so merry-go-round on the blackboard!

 

And yes! The equally infamous Adenosine Triphosphate! And may the gods bless it as that's what gives us the energy to do that which we all like to do here!! Plus, may the gods bless certain escorts who have an abundance!

 

That's about all that I recall... Though for the record at least I do know that that AMP does not refer to amperes!

 

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Citric_acid_cycle_with_aconitate_2.svg/350px-Citric_acid_cycle_with_aconitate_2.svg.png

[Rudynate]

I've been following a new program that I really like -The Hardgainer Solution by Scott Abel. Whole-body workouts - a different one every time you workout. Each one takes about 45 min. With warmup, I'm in the gym just about an hour. I've been working with it for about six weeks and I have noticed a real improvement in proportion and symmetry.

[whipped guy]

Some guys need personal trainers... Some need special routines... I have always done my own thing based on common sense and by listening to my body... Over the years I have had to modify things due to a variety of factors... and that unfortunately has included medical conditions and the aging process. Accordingly, I'm have gone through phases when I have had to modify things drastically and even have eliminated a number of exercises depending on my circumstances... and it is a never ending process. Plus, the older one gets more one needs more time for muscles and the body in general to recover... and that includes sensibly spacing out cardio and strength training so as to cause a minimal conflict between the two.

 

Your body will tell you how much you need to do... when it do it... and how to do it... and quite often less is indeed more... Listen to it whether you have a personal trainer or not. It's the most personal trainer you can get.

[AdamSmith]

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn296/marzmarch/facebook_1760830607jpg.jpg