Sorry Swoletown: We have to err on the side of caution-based on the latest weather reports, we are going to cancel tomorrow morning’s 5 and 6A classes.
As for the rest of the morning – We will post again by 630A if we think we can open the gym in time for the 745A class.
We have received several questions recently in regard to why Highbar CrossFit does not focus on the “competition/sport” side of CrossFit, and in most cases, why we disagree with it. It is Bobby, Dan, and I’s duty to provide safe, but effective exercise programming and coaching to our members and to also educate them on why we do what we do. Since the inception of CrossFit, Headquarters has made it clear that the goal of their program (in addition to general physical preparedness) is to “increase work capacities over broad times and modal domains”. The participants are to accomplish that by “moving large loads, long distances, quickly”, which equates to “increased work capacities” as a measurement of progress. This is the reason why high rep Olympic lifting is so common in CrossFit programming. High rep Olympic lifting allows the participant to move “relatively heavy” loads from floor to overhead very quickly. If you were to plug in the distance the bar has traveled, the weight, and the time it was completed into the right equation, then you can measure the amount of work and power output. By doing this, you are improving the indicator that CrossFit claims directly correlates with better health, which is “improving work capacity” and therefore you are getting it better shape, right? Not exactly.
The problem with some CrossFit gyms is that they are using the tools incorrectly. Yes, high rep snatches will allow you to achieve the goal of “increasing work capacity by moving large loads, long distances, quickly. However, this loose measurement of “improving your health” is completely illogical at best, and a calculated destruction of your body at it’s worst. The Clean & Jerk and Snatch, are tools designed to improve the participants all out anaerobic capacity through one explosive repetition at a time. They are to be used for increasing anaerobic capacity (exercise not requiring the presence of oxygen), not aerobic capacity. You have all seen the amount of time it takes to master the Clean, and how many components there are to focus on. Performing these lifts in a “touch and go” fashion at high repetition makes it nearly impossible to practice the movement properly. Therefore, using the Olympic lifts in high repetition does not only increase the chance of musculoskeletal injuries, it also dilutes the movement patterns that you work so hard to perfect. This is just one example of the improper use of exercises in CrossFit programming. This leads us to the next discussion.
A sport is a physical activity in which a group or individuals compete against each other. I will not argue that you could then technically call CrossFit a sport. Some other examples of sports in which exercise is the basis of the competition are Weightlifting (Olympic lifting), Running, Rowing, and gymnastics. The difference between these sports and CrossFit as a “sport”, is that the latter competitions listed are individual events, in which the tools and movements are being used in their proper context, and not just “for time”. Those athletes have structured training regiments that are intelligent and efficient. CrossFit as a “sport”, however, is a mash up of exercises that are being used incorrectly and recklessly. Pit the competitors against each other and surround them with cheering fans pushing them past their limits, and we have a recipe for disaster. What I’m saying will make total sense to the opened minded individuals that participate in CrossFit, but will have those who are “drinking the kool-aid” shaking their heads. We will let them shake their heads and we will (in most cases) be hearing about their injuries from “competition” within just a couple of years. The point here is that, yes, you could technically consider CrossFit a sport (based on the definition), but the basis is absurd and the price to pay is way too high. My question to you is, did you get into CrossFit to improve your health and physical condition, or did you get into it to compete? If your answer is competition, then please pay close attention to what I am going to say next.
Athletes who compete at a high level, in their respective sport, understand the sacrifices that come with reaching their goals. They sacrifice their bodies, time, relationships, and many other factors to train and compete. Those sacrifices are the foundation on which an athlete stands. Now, are we willing to sacrifice our bodies for a “sport”, that any educated Kinesiologist like myself (or other professionals in this field) would tell us is mechanically reckless? If your answer is “yes, I love CrossFit and I will do anything to be the “fittest man or woman on the planet”, then you know what you want, but I hope you understand the consequences and that the odds are against you. Just be open-minded for a minute and consider the likelihood of risking musculoskeletal injuries from competing in this “sport”. In 5, 10, 20 years, will the injuries acquired in this “sport” be worth the desired accomplishments? Only you can answer that for yourself. If your answer is still “yes” then we hope to prepare you for your competitions as much as possible without losing sight of your best interest. If you don’t feel that we are following the CrossFit guidelines close enough, and
that we aren’t the gym that will best prepare you, then there are other gyms out there selling their program on having the ability and know-how to make you ready for CrossFit as a sport.
You may have noticed that, in general, we do not call our members “athletes”. In our mind, to call somebody an athlete insinuates that they are competitors who are willing to make the sacrifices mentioned above. We aren’t saying that you are not athletic, or becoming athletic. There is no doubt that many of you are way more athletic then the majority of the population and physically prepared to compete in sports. However, by telling somebody who does not compete in sports that they are an athlete, they will carry themselves as one and be willing to take the risks in their workouts associated with competing in sports. Please understand that this is not meant to take away from any of your hard work and personal accomplishments. It is simply keeping things in proper context. Most of you have come to us to improve your physical condition, health, and to lead a happier and more capable life. To embrace CrossFit as a sport and subject our members, as a whole, to competition would be a moral dilemma and against what we know is right for the general population. Again, it is our job to keep you all safe and moving towards your goal of improving health and wellness.
In summary, we, the owners of Highbar CrossFit truly care about our members and their well- being. We are not saying that the other gyms don’t care about their members. If they don’t understand the bottom line here, then the problem is ignorance, not that they don’t care. If they understand that they are putting their members in harm’s way, but proceed because they don’t want to turn off the “kool-aid drinkers”, then shame on them.
We will continue to stand firm with this position and what we know is right for our members as a whole. We cannot say enough how much we appreciate the never-ending support that you all offer and what you have all made of the gym. Let’s continue to grow as a community and do what we know is right!
