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Stop me if you’ve experienced this before. You’re talking to a friend, family member, coworker, etc. You mention that you do CrossFit. The immediate response is:
All of which, personally, make me roll my eyes (on the inside). Firstly - all fitness and sports have injury risk. Nothing is completely safe. But we train so we can be our most prepared when life throws the unknown and unknowable at us. Secondly - studies show that CrossFit is not more injurious than other common fitness regimens such as weightlifting, powerlifting, distance running, and many other recreational sports - usually between 2 and 3 injuries per 1000 hours of training.
And thirdly - it lacks understanding of CrossFit’s methodology and foundation charter: Mechanics → Consistency → Intensity. What coaches are looking for first and foremost in every class are your movement mechanics. Can you achieve a full range of motion? Can you do so without compromising your body position (e.g. your spinal curve). Can you do that safely and efficiently? If yes - then, and only then, are we testing to see if you can do that with consistency. Can you maintain your movement mechanics with higher volume or after only a few reps do you break down? If you are able to, then we add the final piece - intensity - load and speed.
Good movement looks good, is efficient, and keeps us safe. Results - improved fitness, weight loss, weight gain, whatever your goal may be - are a long game. They do not happen over night. They are the result of weeks, months, and years of dedication and consistency. We don’t get the chance to stack up that time if we skip ahead and push for intensity above all else and forget about our movement quality and mechanics.