Crossfit incorporates a bevy of exercise styles that target both calorie burning and muscle building. It uses elements from popular training methods such as interval training, weightlifting, plyometrics, powerlifting, gymnastics, calisthenics and others. Crossfit uses a multitude of equipment, many of which are easy to obtain and use if you choose to follow the program at home. These include barbells, bumper plates, jump ropes, kettlebells, plyo boxes, resistance bands, gymnastics rings, power balls and abmats. Crossfit doesn't use machines, so treadmills and ellipticals won't be part of your workout. Crossfit includes moves like squats, push-ups, pull-ups, lunges, sit-ups, rope climbing and more. Some Crossfit locations even incorporate running, swimming and rowing into the routines. Beyond simply making people fit, Crossfit is renowned for increasing endurance, stamina, power, strength, speed, agility, balance and coordination. Since Crossfit incorporates many types of training into the program, athletes from a variety of sports find it appealing. In addition, the variety keeps you from getting bored. Crossfit maintains an enthusiastic, team-like community of support and motivation. Trainers and fellow participants will push you to do your best and succeed. If you prefer group workouts and like competing with the guy next to you, you'll enjoy the Crossfit environment. The program is very high-intensity, so results often come quickly. You'll notice within weeks that your body is getting stronger and fitter.

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The Bad

Injury inducing program
Service may vary on location
Expensive membership

Crossfit has earned a reputation as an injury-inducing fitness program. Of course, risk of injury is present any time you exercise - however, in recent years, there have been increasing reports of injury to Crossfit trainers and athletes. In early 2014, a Crossfit trainer incurred a critical spinal injury performing a common Crossfit weightlifting move known as a snatch lift and is now paralyzed - though the trainer was not at a Crossfit gym or Crossfit-sanctioned event when the injury took place. There have also been several reports of Crossfit athletes suffering from rhabdomyolysis, a kidney condition caused by excessive muscle breakdown that can cause permanent damage. A more common - and minor - report is athletes throwing up during Crossfit training. This is also a sign that they've pushed their bodies past healthy limits, although it won't have any long-term effect unless it becomes a regular occurrence. This doesn't necessarily mean that Crossfit itself is dangerous - but could indicate that athletes are encouraged to keep working out past a safe point or that trainers aren't skilled enough to pace and correct the athletes properly. The various exercises in Crossfit are time-based circuits, which means that you'll be expected to keep going even if you feel tired or weak before time is up. If you're competitive, you could be tempted to overdo it and hurt yourself rather than stopping before the buzzer. Your Crossfit experience may vary, as Crossfit doesn't have franchises. Each location, known as a "box," pays a yearly affiliate fee to Crossfit but has ample freedom over the exercises and environment they offer. While this makes it difficult to know what to expect from each Crossfit location and trainer, this also means that if you don't enjoy working out at one Crossfit location, then you may still enjoy another. Crossfit is done in a group setting and many exercises are done with a partner - so if you prefer to work out solo, you may want to opt for another type of program. The price of a Crossfit membership is about $150.00 per month, though the exact cost will vary from location to location. This isn't as expensive as SoulCycle or SurfSET, but it will set you back financially more than a typical gym membership will. While you can do Crossfit at home, you will need to purchase a lot of equipment to complete the variety of exercises - so you will still be spending some cash on kettlebells, weights and more. The Crossfit website is somewhat difficult to navigate and may require you to do a lot of scrolling to find what you're looking for. Pages such as Exercises & Demos are extremely long, one-column lists in a very small font - they're challenging to read and not optimized for easy searching.

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The Bottom Line

If you enjoy spirited competition, intense physical challenges and a varied workout, Crossfit may meet your needs. While Crossfit's history of injuries is somewhat concerning, there isn't enough evidence to indicate that Crossfit is unsafe - but this may mean that it needs to better regulate its affiliate locations or trainer certification process. Since each location and trainer may vary, we recommend that you shop around to find a Crossfit location that offers safe and supportive instruction.

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Welty Lohr Marietta, GA

I have been involved with fitness for over 25 years in different capacities. What it all boils down to is "does it work for you?"!! I have personally never seen a more effective training method. When people say that CrossFit hurts people, it is a statement made out of ignorance. CrossFit is an in-animate object--it does not posses the ability to hurt (or do anything else, for that matter). When people get hurt or injured, it is usually their own fault for a wide variety of reasons ranging from inflated ego that won't allow them to alter a prescribed workout to fit their fitness level, to not listening to instruction from their trainers. There ARE trainers out there who are not as effective--even some who are dangerously ineffective, but that is true at any gym that you go to, and in any fitness program. This is the Land of the Free, so if you don't like it, go do something else and quit wasting so much effort bashing something that you probably haven't even given a good honest try. My .02 cents. 'Murica!!!

11 years ago

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Bill Johnson Mount Olive, NC

It all comes down to the coaching at your Box. I've been training for over 30 years, I'm 48 years old, and haven't come close to the "overall" condition I am in now. I'm stronger, faster and can jump higher. Before joining my affiliate, I did it at home for 2 1/2 years. Though my programming was sufficient, a coach with a Masters in Exercise Science and multiple certifications made it seem like child's play. The best part of Crossfit is that you rarely do the same thing twice in a row. You can get hurt, just as in skate boarding, cycling, rock climbing or even running. With activity comes risk but this activity is a blast. Worth every $.

11 years ago

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Christine Smith Kennett Square, PA

I am a 50 year old woman that used to just run and occasionally go to the gym and use the circuit equipment. I joined Crossfit 1 year ago and it has changed my life. I used to dread going to the gym, used the machines half hearted and never felt satisfied after a workout. I admit I was a little intimadated when I first walked into Crossfit. Thinking this was not for me I almost left. So happy I didn't. I love the coaches, it's like get a personal trainer every class. They listen to me, help me and only push me to what I can do. Many times they have taken the weight off the bar and had me just use the bar to work on form. I love the people, I read once that Crossfit is the only sport that the person finishing last gets the biggest cheers, it's so true. Believe me as one a few females over 50 at my box I have heard those cheers many times :) Exercise always runs the risk of injury, however if you listen to your body, take rest days and listen to the coaches you will be fine. You will also make some great friends with similar interests. I can't promise you will ever learn to love burpees though :)

11 years ago

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Bruce Derouen Burtonsville, MD

CrossFit literally changed my life. I was never even remotely athletic coming up in high school and was always at least mildly overweight. As I got older, it got worse to the point was over 300 lbs when I finally had enough. I started eating right and went to a local "globo-gym" and hired a personal trainer (at over $700 for 10 sessions...YIKES!) The interesting thing was the trainer I was assigned to also happened to be a CrossFit coach, but I wasn't aware of that. After discussing my goals of getting lean and strong, he started putting me through workouts that was so different from what I had ever experienced! I found myself losing weight and trimming up faster than I ever had. (I'd yo-yoed a lot in my weight through the years) and I felt GREAT! Long story short, I wound up at a local CrossFit gym and wound up at 16% body fat and feeling better and stronger than I ever had at 54 years old! CrossFit is infinitly scalable, so wherever you are and whatever your goals are, you can meet them here. CrossFit is very similar to having a personal trainer as the coaches program your workouts for you. They are there to watch and make sure you're doing the moves safely and you meet a GREAT group of people in your gym. (if you find the gym you're at doesn't drill safety, then you're at a bad gym. Move on! It should be noted that all CrossFit gyms are independently owned and operated, so they all operate differently. Each gym has their own personality, so to speak, so if you're at one that doesn't fit you, then try out another one! If you're serious about getting in shape, CrossFit's the way. If you'd rather just play around and do something to occupy your time, then go to a regular gym.

11 years ago

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Carolyn Howell, NJ

I enjoy the sport. I have a background in gymnastics and have had great success in meeting my goals. I think the gym you belong to and the coaches play a big part in getting the best results and training. Our gym starts with basic classes scaled down for beginners and you work your way up. Also, the athlete themselves has to take responsibility also for following the direction of the coaches during each class. If you decide to do it your own way you risk injury. If you feel you need to be scaled the tell the coach. Our gym also is a community. We don't compete against each other. We all support and cheer each other on as we workout. I think you either love it or hate it. You just really need to listen, follow the direction of your coach (which is why they are there) and work to your own capacity. it is not a competition. The only person you should compete against is yourself. All in all ... I LOVE IT!

11 years ago

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Frank Gill

If you never worked out a day in your life you would still love crossfit for the people . The coaches are exceptional and take great care in teaching you how to be healthy as well as exercising. Its all about building your confidence with many other folks in the class you feel you have a team supporting you at every workout. I've worked out most of my life by myself,How boring!! Crossfit gives me the kick in the butt I need. I give a five star rating to 5 Rivers Crossfit in Morristown Tn.

11 years ago

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JohnnyP Gates Mills, OH

Crossfit is fantastic on many different levels. (Depending on the quality of your coaches). A good coach will progress you slowly, while still challenging you both physically and emotionally. You WILL get stronger, have more endurance, lose weight, have more mobility and OVERALL get better. I can, without doubt, encourage ANYONE to try Crossfit.

11 years ago

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Shante Reeder Draper, UT

Crossfit has changed my life. I have always been active and healthy, but this took it to a new level. No matter what level you are, you can do Crossfit. The people at your box become your family, and it is such a supportive and positive atmosphere. Each time we travel, we always make sure to visit one of the local boxes.

6 years ago

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Roman Ebert Oak Park, IL

My box, O'hare Crossfit is great. They focus a lot on proper technique and form. It is a great strength program and overall fitness program. Their coaches are very knowledgable and are very good. They also offer nutrition education and are very good at motivating members to be more healthy overall.

11 years ago

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Elisabeth Kinghorn Bangkok, 10

Crossfit is SO hard but SO good! I just finished my first three months of training and I have already seen so many improvements in my athleticism and my physique. I will definitely be continuing to practice Crossfit!

5 years ago

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Melany Willks ,

crossfit became such a big part of my life! i mean, they community they built, the strong sense of motivation and confidence, more platforms should take they approach as example!

5 years ago

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Mia miga7440 Denver, CO

Crossfit is a great program to participate in if you're looking to get into great shape. Its very affordable, and its built to give your body the best workout for what it needs.

6 years ago

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OwenE. Hattiesburg, MS

Crossfit has been a life-changing experience for me! I saw amazing results in such a short period of time with the training program. It is so unique, and I appreciate the variety in every workout.

6 years ago

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Nicole Sohm Herriman, UT

I love CROSSFIT! Been a crossfitter for 6 plus years. Workouts push you to do things you would otherwise probably never try. Everyone should try Crossfit at least once in their life!

6 years ago

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Nichole Hiatt Eagle Mountain, UT

I've been a Crossfit member for about 5 months now, and I love the variety the daily workouts give me. I love the feeling of community in my box and how I can push myself every day.

6 years ago

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Julie Baugher Ellensburg, WA

BEST workout I have EVER done in my life. I have taken a year off and CAN'T wait to get back. Good, honest, black and white work out. The community in Crossfit is REAL. It's being part of a team.

11 years ago

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cb Irving, TX

Me and my friend just started Crossfit and it’s changed my entire lifestyle! The staff is very informative and helped me lose some well needed pounds!

6 years ago

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Robert Michael Murphy Saint Louis, MO

I have made friends, gotten in WAY better shape and have learned a lot about fitness, health, nutrition, and I have become overall a more healthy person.

11 years ago

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Amy Jeaux Salt Lake City, UT

Excellent. I hired a personal trainer prior to starting crossfit and found it incredibly boring. You get more than a gym membership and fitness. You make life long friends.

11 years ago

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Jamie Neider Kaysville, UT

Oh my gosh. Consistently the hardest workouts I have ever done, but also the best results I've ever had.

6 years ago

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Amelia Gibson South Jordan, UT

I have enjoyed using Crossfit in the past because the trainers help you improve everytime. And you always are getting better.

8 years ago

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Jadon Barre Dallas, TX

It was a great workout experience. I learned so much about my anatomy from my trainer.

6 years ago

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Tori smith Mesa, AZ

CrossFit pushed me in the best ways and let me reach my goals in a short time! Awesome

6 years ago

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JP Pittsburgh, PA

The most fun you can have with your clothes on.

11 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Danielle Auburndale, FL

Crossfit has changed my life. I cannot live without it.

11 years ago