Crossfit

I feel there are inherent issues with the business aspect as well as the mentality of coaching. While the premise of if you don't like the box you're at, just go to different one. If you own that business, the point of business is to turn a profit. We are service business, and with saturated area that have boxes in excess, the product gets watered down. Many people never get the chance to get to a quality box before injury or burnout happens. I feel a certain standard of operation to give the "affiliate" the right to open under the name CrossFit. The so-called level 1 training program you pay $1000.00 to some how say you're qualified now to train humans safely and correctly is severely flawed. After participating and seeing some pass this seminar, I wouldn't let them train my cat. That's not say I'm any super qualified, but again it's a slap in the face of those who are fully qualified. The overall mentality brought to the box by trainers and athlete is to push and exceed their limitations. While I'm all for big goals aiming towards big gains, it's a reciped for disaster by many trainers who have bought into the same mentality. Yes the program is scalable, but in many cases it is not properrly explained to the athlete in a way the is beneficial to them. It at times is almost a secondary thought because the "box" is striving fr it's own identity before it's truly ready. This is clear by the terrible form/technique at competitions.The solution by many coaches at t he competition is to yell more emphatically to push them. My overall belief is that CrossFit HQ has no desire to change their policy, because when you have a box opening seemingly everyday, there is not incentive to do that. On a personal note, when I watched HQ back away and wash their hands of one of their accredited trainers to do something to cause severe injury (paralyzed) . While we all know we are ultimately responsible for our actions, it was disgusting that their first reaction was to make sure that they were not liable, where was that "community" that is spoke of often. I am not altogether unhappy with the CrossFit method. It has very beneficial effects and results for anyone, if approached and done with the athletes true abilities taken in to consideration. I feel a step up true certification and annual surveys, or inspections with penalties for those that are not keeping up with a certain quality control. My thought is part selfish (due too high saturation in my area) but it's also in my interest that corporation I ma affiliated with doesn't get a bad name or watered down with unqualified people leading the way! I am very proud to be a part of this revolution in fitness, but that does not preclude me from having my opinion. I want this to sustain and flourish. You can not flourish devaluing the product by not monitoring the people that represent you.I welcome those inspections, as well the ability to get trained in the care of the athlete and maybe a little less emphasis on the competitive nature. I love the competition, but there i that elephant in the morning, people think they are better than they are and we need to be honest with those people. People who come here want to be lead and advised, if we are honest with them along with a plan that will get them to where they want to go , then we are doing a real job. Lastly the whole affiliation idea is great in the sense that I maintain my independence, but being a little standardized is not unacceptable. Paying the affiliate fees do not afford any training, all training is a charge, and sometimes costly. I do believe charging is wise to add value to what you get, but maybe at a discount. If I own a box and feel I have given the brand a good name, why do I pay the same amount to a person who is not a part of the ownership program. My overall grade if I had to give...B- As with everything... I am not perfect but I am trying to be better and just want all involved to do the same.

All Crossfit boxes are not created equally. I do believe the risk is far greater of injury doing crossfit versus going to the gym. You just have to be smart and listen to your body and be a student and learn the fundamentals and do the mobility work. When you are very tired and start losing form, stop! And go back lifting again. Just have to check your ego at the door and don't buckle under the pressure. Personally I believe you should do Crossfit maybe 3-4 days a week. Ice whatever seems to be hurting and do a lot of mobility work.