06 Dec CrossFit & Faster Fitness: A Better Fit For You
Is CrossFit the right fit for you? Let’s say you’re on the hunt for a new doctor. You ask around to your friends. You research online. You compare degrees. It’s your health at stake, so obviously you want the best of the best. Why wouldn’t you use the same careful selection process for your fitness needs?
CrossFit has gained popularity in the fitness world. Some have been quick to say that it may be a passing fad for those looking to fit into a hip social circle. However, let’s ignore all the gossip and really take a hard look at both CrossFit and Faster Fitness to see what we can learn.
Experience is Crucial
If you’ve already done your homework and have decided that CrossFit is the choice for you… THAT’S AWESOME! Pay one of their locations a visit today and get your sweat-on! Faster Fitness is always supportive of people making choices to better their lives. For those that are unfamiliar with their program, let’s go over some facts.
That’s not to say that every CrossFit trainer is that inexperienced. There are some absolutely wonderful CrossFit boxes out there. But choosing from these new boxes that have surfaced should be something one does carefully. In the end, it’s important to remember that there’s more to consider than a convenient location or a price saving Groupon.
Our trainers at Faster Fitness have the experience and certifications that those at a CrossFit box won’t necessarily have. With over a dozen certifications between our two personal trainers, we have infinite more experience than a weekend seminar and a short test. We are also trained as nutrition specialists, because exercise is only one half of the equation.
The Competitive Disadvantage
CrossFit is characterized by “constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity.” Intensity is the key word in that definition. It’s an extremely strenuous program that isn’t necessarily the right choice for everyone looking to get in shape. It emphasizes Workouts of the Day or WODs and is a mixture of aerobics, calisthenics, and Olympic weightlifting. It’s also defined by its competitive nature. It blurs the line between a sport and a workout regime. You’re competing with others in your class, others in your box, and above all else, you’re competing with yourself. It’s a natural fit for those who already have a competitive streak, but not for those with a slightly more meek approach to life.
Fitness is an extremely personal achievement. Competing with yourself can be ok, but nobody should be held accountable to compete with anyone else when it comes to a personal lifestyle change. At Faster Fitness, we will never make you feel inferior to anybody! You won’t be competing against Joe up the street or Jane from your book club. We personalize our training for each and every person who walks through our doors. Life isn’t a competitive sport, so why should your workout be one?
The CrossFit Concerns
We previously wrote in past blog posts about some of the dangers of CrossFit, and we won’t bore you by repeating ourselves too much. However, rhabdomyolysis, also known as “Uncle Rhabdo” is a serious condition that can affect CrossFitters. It occurs when myoglobin, the byproduct of muscle fibers, is released into the bloodstream. Kidneys can’t filter this byproduct which can lead to kidney failure and heart issues. This occurs from overworking your muscles, pushing them beyond what your body can take.
While rhabdomyolysis only occurs in about .06% of CrossFitters, it is still something to take seriously while choosing a workout regimen for you.
Some CrossFitters live life thinking that pain is good. They believe that the more sore you are after a workout, the better it was; that pushing through the pain will make you tougher and stronger. And while same soreness is to be expected after a great workout, your fitness should not come with a detriment to your health.
That’s not saying we won’t work you hard, we will! But you will never have to worry about kidney failure when stepping into our gym. Your health is our absolute first priority, pushing somebody beyond their limits is dangerous and irresponsible. The human body is a complex machine and overworking it can lead to very serious consequences.
Why Faster Fitness is Different
We provide both personal training sessions and group training sessions. As previously mentioned, we also provide nutrition coaching. With convenient hours in both morning and evening, Faster Fitness is always there for YOU. It’s called personal training for a reason, and we will never forget to emphasize the personal aspect of your fitness wants and needs.
Don’t think we are absolutely hating on CrossFit either. When done correctly, it can be a great workout for those who are ready for its intensity and competitiveness. One major pro is that the structure of CrossFit is scalable. This means that if a member isn’t capable of executing a move, or lifting the assigned weight, there is always a less-difficult version to fall back on.
