- Blog
Debunking 4 CrossFit Myths
Posted on 12-06-2024 in CrossFit by Dr. Chris O'Grady
For thousands of athletes around the globe, CrossFit has made a tremendous impact on their physical health and truly becomes a way of life.
But for those outside the CrossFit world not familiar with its methods and goals, misconceptions about the safety and benefits of the workouts may keep them from participating.
The truth is, the intensity, camaraderie and strategies of CrossFit help many athletes achieve and even surpass fitness goals. The workouts improve fitness by combining elements of gymnastics, weightlifting, running and rowing, among other sports. CrossFit focuses on 10 fitness domains, including balance, flexibility, power and speed.
Let’s set the record straight on some of the myths surrounding CrossFit.
CrossFit makes your body overly muscular
In fact, CrossFit routines are geared more for developing lean muscle power than for bulking up. That power is developed while focusing on multiple functional movements, as opposed to overworking one muscle group with select repetitive exercises. Think of a swimmer compared
with someone who focuses exclusively on lifting heavier and heavier weights.
CrossFit is based on “bunk” information and has no scientific validity
Multiple studies have shown high-intensity workouts like CrossFit can improve fitness at all levels, including improvements in body composition, aerobic fitness, endurance and power output.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can improve:
• Aerobic and anaerobic fitness
• Blood pressure
• Cardiovascular health
• Insulin sensitivity (which helps exercising muscles more readily use glucose for fuel to make energy)
• Cholesterol
• Abdominal fat and body weight while maintaining muscle mass.
Every CrossFit trainer is created equal
As with any other sport, the skills, experience and approach of every trainer can vary. “Shop around” carefully when selecting a gym – or “box” as it's called in CrossFit – to make sure the trainers you’ll be working with are top notch. You can also look for a trainer with credentials beyond CrossFit certifications, and trainers who are aggressively learning how to safely improve their workouts of the day (WODs).
CrossFit programs are expensive
Costs can vary from one location to another, but in general, it’s on a par with most bootcamp programs and upscale gyms. The expensive part can come if you get hurt. So be careful!
Check out some of our related posts:
Kronlage and O'Grady Perform Life-changing Outreach
Late last month, North Florida Bone and Joint Specialists orthopaedic surgeons Dr. Steven Kronlage and Dr. Chris O'Grady performed a life-changing procedure on two ½-year-old Nassir Andrew from Grenada through their newly formed non-profit, Hands of Hope Medical Mission (HoHMM). Drs. Kronlage and O'Grady, who also serve as Co-Presidents of HoHMM, performed the organization's first sponsored stateside patient operation at the Andrews Institute Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Family Health History And Your Care
With National Family Health History Day approaching next week on Thanksgiving, it’s an ideal time to consider family health history’s role in your orthopaedic and sports medicine care. While many people think of family health history in relation to heart disease or cancer, a family history of orthopaedic conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis and other joint and bone issues can also impact your own risk and health management. Understanding and documenting your family health history can empower you and your orthopaedic provider to proactively manage or prevent conditions that could affect your long-term mobility and quality of life.
Benefits of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
October is recognized as Physical Therapy Month, a time to highlight the essential role physical therapists play in improving the lives of patients dealing with orthopaedic conditions and sports injuries. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we provide comprehensive physical therapy services designed to help our patients recover faster, avoid surgery, and regain their mobility.