The problem with Crossfit

[Bazza20]

I can spot someone who's entire training knowledge comes from starting strength based on how they squat. The hip drive he teaches is stupid and inefficient and only good at light weights. He's reasonably good at taking a none one and making them into a slightly stronger no one but I'm pretty sure he's never produced anybody who's actually properly strong.


PTC Canberra
0437011088
http://www.ptccanberra.com.au

One thing i noticed, he falls out with anyone he works with, pendlay ect . No doubt due to his my way is the only way style.

 

[Craiglist]

Rip is an idiot regardless of his thoughts on crossfit.


PTC Canberra
0437011088
http://www.ptccanberra.com.au

From another forum:

To summarize Rippetoe's argument here:

Exercising can hurt you. Crossfit is making more people exercise. More people may get hurt.

He's right about many things, but his arguments here are why I made the assertion that nothing he says is relevant in this context, for the following reasons:

• Crossfit is a fad. As an olympic lifter, it's undeniably done good things for the sport. But people are unlikely to continue paying hundreds of dollars a month in gym fees for more than a few years.
• Crossfit is a successful fad because it's currently in vogue to be in shape. The people doing awful quarter good-morning squats and "every day is bench day" at LA Fitness are no less likely to have back, knee, and rotator cuff problems.
• Crossfit is demonized because "kipping", AMRAP deadlifts, and high-volume olympic lifts don't make a lot of sense, and Crossfit Global has terrible programming.
• Crossfit's programming is not any worse than the average "random bullshit" programs routinely prescribed by PTs at global gyms.

Essentially, if you buy into Rippetoe's arguments:

• Exercise isn't worth the risk of injury unless you're going to compete; looking/feeling good isn't enough
• Post-novice Crossfitters are complete morons who will continue to follow WODs instead of creating their own programming focused on plyo, metcons, and oly lifts once (if, really) they stall
• The average crossfitter gives a shit about having a 300 Sinclair and not abs
• 48 hours of recovery(+GOMAD) is necessary, contrary to the training regimens of every olympic lifter and bodybuilder ever

Then, he has a point. All of these are wrong. Despite having valid criticisms and praise, the majority of the editorial is linkbaiting trash.