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Torn between CrossFit & Strength Training

C

Chrisbuild88

Guest
Hi guys,

I have started a basic strength training program (5 reps x 5 sets) to improve strength. However my gym has crossfit and people have been telling me to just do crossfit instead of my beginner program of squats, Bench, Deadlifts, Presses and BB Row. I have tried doing two sessions of crossfit a week, one is the normal WOD and the other session is mobility (I have bad mobility, even for a 42yo).

My question is what should I do: (see options below)

a) Continue with 2 crossfit sessions a week (one mobility and one WOD workout) - I cannot even do the OH squat with a PVC piple!
Plus three 5 reps x 5 sets strength sessions a week, gradually increasing weight.

b) Give up the 5 reps x 5 sets strength sessions and focus on more crossfit sessions (ie 6 days a week) - The Crossfit Trainer said I will get more results doing it this way.

c) Give up Crossfit and focus on 5 reps x 5 sets strength sessions up until I can bench press 100+kg.

Any advice would be good as I am torn on what to do in terms of gaining pure animal strength.

Cheers
 
I did crossfit for a year before switching to strength training. I found it provided a good level of strength and conditioning for the sport. I wish I could still fit both in.

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk
 
Depends on your goals, my best strength increases have come from 5x5 program's, but I'm having a tonne more fun doing Crossfit And easily the fittest I have ever been, I think you would need to do 3-5 classes a week to get benefits from Crossfit as you would with a lifting program, no reason you can do both


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As rid29er said, it comes down to your goals.

I started crossfit in 2008, gave it up and focused more on Olympic lifting for 12-18 months. My lifts and strength improved but my fitness has suffered. I've just started crossfit again this month. Guys I use to train with can lift as much as me, are as strong, but their fitness is way ahead of mine.

Some key things I think you should look at:
Improve your mobility regardless of which direction you choose
If you choose crossfit, commit to it, 5-6 sessions per week, build up to it if necessary
Some crossfit gyms will program a strength piece and a metcon, that type of programming might be more to your liking

Good luck with it
 
El Freako said:
Do you want to be strong? Do strength training.

Do you want to be permanently injured? Do crossfit.
Click to expand...

There are some strong dudes that do both, although their focus may have shifted. At the least, crossfit may give a lifter a solid base.

Kylie Lindbeck, ACT, does 105kg clean and jerk and 90kg snatch. she has now reached international standard as a lifter.

http://www.awf.com.au/resultsrankings/rptlifterhistory.aspx?lifterid=425

Amy Dracup is another one.
http://www.awf.com.au/resultsrankings/rptlifterhistory.aspx?lifterid=1061

http://games.crossfit.com/article/crossfit-weightlifting-and-back-again
 
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The OP is 42 and has poor mobility and is only a novice trainer. He is not going to become an elite crossfit athlete, he's just going to get put through the grinder and spat out the other end. He's already a higher injury risk and he won't recover like a 20-something either.

You can try and defend crossfit all you want in this situation. I personally know lots of strong CFers myself. But at the same time crossfit still has a fucking atrocious track record for injuries.
 
El Freako said:
Do you want to be strong? Do strength training.

Do you want to be permanently injured? Do crossfit.
Click to expand...

Do you do crossfit? Going by your previous logic if you are not involved in crossfit you need to keep that negative opinion to yourself.
 
Is there any actual data to back up this high injury rate claim I hear all the time or is it just a made up myth, I would be curious to see injury rate against a few Crossfit gyms vs injury rate again a few pct gyms, I bet they would be a lot closer than you all think, I might of got lucky pickings my Crossfit but in the 12 month I've been there I've seen one fucked back(he is 57 and top 10 in the world so he pushes hard and 1 guy with a shoulder that has been playing up, besides that no standout injuries


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I seem to remember a high profile powerlifter blowing both knees out recently. Then there was the guy who died benching.
 
I would agree that crossfit may be dangerous if training each day is flat out and maximal effort is required when one is not 100%.

But as training, I think crossfit style (with its variety) and strength can go along way together.

As time goes on, perhaps then greater specialisation may be needed as one gets better and more focused.
 
No I don't crossfit. I'm not fucking stupid. I hate cardio and I'd fucking tear everything.

But I do know more than enough physios, and know about all the crossfit injuries they treat. And I am actually fairly well read on the sport and have discussed it at length with CF athletes and coaches. Crossfit will not treat the OP well. It will take his money and shit him out the other end.
 
El Freako said:
No I don't crossfit. I'm not fucking stupid. I hate cardio and I'd fucking tear everything.

But I do know more than enough physios, and know about all the crossfit injuries they treat. And I am actually fairly well read on the sport and have discussed it at length with CF athletes and coaches. Crossfit will not treat the OP well. It will take his money and shit him out the other end.
Click to expand...

So working on his mobility and doing scaled workouts each day would do him harm? I see what you mean, I've been to a far few comps now and there are some complete morons running Crossfit gyms but I think if he found a good coach willing to work on his weaknesses, improved mobility and fitness will bring him a long way, once again depends on his goals,


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In regard to opening thread, I would continue with the 2 crossfit sessions, as well as add other strength training 2-3 times per week.

If you have mobility issues, a crossfit environment twice a week should do you and your future strength training a lot of good.

To add, I basically did crossfit for my first 2 years training when 19-20. Ran or cycled to work, then to training, then hours of weights and aths, including Olympic lifts and stretching

Still doubled my strength in two years, and ran 5km on grass in 18 minutes doing both.
 
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So what's ok for comments on one sport on here isn't ok for another.

I would be willing to bet that crossfit has much less injuries than the main footy codes and probably not much difference to powerlifting.

Let's face it sticky has fucked him self up a few times now. You can't bench without your shoulders falling off.

Its not my thing but Crossfit isn't that bad.
 
ride29er said:
So working on his mobility and doing scaled workouts each day would do him harm? I see what you mean, I've been to a far few comps now and there are some complete morons running Crossfit gyms but I think if he found a good coach willing to work on his weaknesses, improved mobility and fitness will bring him a long way, once again depends on his goals,
Click to expand...
Unfortunately good CF clubs are few and far between. There are nearly 30 clubs on the GC. I'd recommend maybe 3 or 4
 
Bazza20 said:
So what's ok for comments on one sport on here isn't ok for another.

I would be willing to bet that crossfit has much less injuries than the main footy codes and probably not much difference to powerlifting.

Let's face it sticky has fucked him self up a few times now. You can't bench without your shoulders falling off.

Its not my thing but Crossfit isn't that bad.
Click to expand...

For injuries cf is that bad. And Scott and I are elite level athletes. Injuries happen due to our traini g volume and intensity. In cf injuries happen because of retards who have no clue about programming and a total disregard for safe form in dangerous exercises.
 
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