Crossfit is the most obnoxious fitness cult-like organization I have ever seen. Curious on how exactly Crossfit is actually beneficial, I contacted Sheryl Woodridge, a physical therapist and medical practitioner at the Harvard University Health Services and gave her a quick email to get a professional opinion on how Crossfit affects the human body. Her response is below:
"Well, Crossfit is one of the most corporate and popular gym-regimens on the planet. Around 12,000 locations. Frankly, Crossfit isn't good or bad program. However, we as medical professionals have to look at the broad scope. While there are many benefits to the regimen, the concept of an intense workout has come under severe fire from many doctors across the country. The risk of injury is higher, the benefits aren't quite clear, and the diets that go along with the regimens aren't healthy. And Crossfit neglects to equally focus on other vital areas of physical training such as cardio. Also, I have seen that people who do Crossfit are much more likely to pay for it later with severe joint problems, muscle problems and other things. Trauma to the body and overuse of the regimen is common, which results in many cases of injury. Frankly, Crossfit is for people 17-27 years old. Someone who is 30 years old has no business doing this. I'm speaking broadly of course, but if you are an average joe in your mid-thirties, I would advise strongly against it. It works for many, but I would approach with caution"
Her stance on the diet was interesting. So I went to a close friend and asked him about diet. Robert Nallingsworth is a dietician and he filled me in on the diets often associated with Crossfit. I asked, "So, diet-wise, is Crossfit good?" He laughed and said, "Depends on who you ask and what diet you are on. Really popular one right now is the paleo diet, and that's not unhealthy, just nonsensical. I would give it 2 out of five stars. There's no real health benefits to the paleo diet. There are bad diets and good diets with any regimen, but Crossfit is so different, because there isn't really a set answer. Crossfit isn't good or bad. It depends on who's training you and what gym you're at and what diet you are on".
Finally, I visited Martin Fisher MD, a family physician and asked him to round it all about for me. In an email, he said:
"Crossfit, like any regimen, is what you make of it. I never recommend anyone over 30 to start anew, I always encourage limits and a good diet. The consequences of Crossfit can be joint problems and certain health issues from trauma and overuse of the muscular system. The benefits are shorter, more intense workouts with real results. The lifting regimen is meant for younger people, older people who are just getting started with a regimen should not look to Crossfit. In conclusion, Crossfit, in my opinion, is nor positive or negative inclusively".
