I taught a total body conditioning class (strength and cardio) at a local gym. I read the books, and learned how to do exercises safely. I passed my Group Exercise Certification with flying colors. I've worked out with a personal trainer/instructor who knows her stuff. She knows how you hurt yourself, she knows how to fix you. Between training with her and studying for my certification (including additional research), I know what is safe for your body as far as movements for gaining strength.
Due to factors outside of my control, the gym I taught at, with said personal trainer, had to be closed. There had been talks of 2 couples buying out this small gym and taking over the clients/classes/etc. The foursome turns down this opportunity for who knows what reason, only to begin their own "cross training" gym. I say "cross training" because these people are die hard CrossFit fans, but don't want to fork out the franchise fee. They also are smart enough to know CrossFit won't fly in our town. Except that they're going to try.
The clients they are getting are by default. The local gym goes out of business, they need somewhere to go, so they come to the new place. No marketing, no hard work, just free clients. The foursome has grand ideas that CrossFit inspired gym will win the hearts of everyone. Except that the median age of clients is roughly 45. 45 year olds don't care to do a bajillion burpees in as fast as they can. I get that CrossFit is "functional movements". Great, I'm all for functional movements. But when do you have to get up and down off the ground 50 times in a small amount of time? Never. When do you need to do 24" box jumps in real life? Never.
Here's a conversation I had tonight:
Me: Are those the smallest boxes you have to work with?
Dude: Yes, we made short ones that are about the height of a standard step. If they can't step up onto the box, that's a functional (/eye roll) skill they need to work on. (said with cocky attitude)
Me: My students can go up the stairs. My students cannot ALL clear an 8" box for box jumps. I need LEVELS of boxes for those who are clumsy, older, heavier, unsure of themselves.
Dude: *crickets*
When I describe my class structure and premise, you can see the condescending looks come over their faces. At one point my class was referred to as the "scaled back, easier class" option on the schedule. I can kick your butt just as well as a CrossFit person. Guarantee you'll recover faster too.
As I'm at open gym, because I'm going to be teaching my own SAFE style of class, I'm required to show my face. I'm CRINGING at the demonstrations these people are showing them. Safety is thrown out the door. Every safety cue I've learned, every safety cue I've read from SEVERAL, reputable fitness associations, is being disregarded. Weight forward on squats? Your knees are going to explode. Rounded back? That's going to be painful. Using momentum to propel your movements? No strength gained.
I like the class structure. I like that there's a workout that you do on your own. I like that you push yourself. I like that the movements are different. I like the variety.
I DON'T like that it's based on how fast you do something. Speed throws form and safety in the garbage. MOST personal trainers are going to tell you to be slow and controlled in your movements. Make your muscles, which you're trying to strengthen, do the work. For cardio exercises, yes, go full speed. Push yourself. Strength exercises? Slow movements are SO much harder than fast, momentum-driven exercises. Will you get ripped from CrossFit? Probably. Will you get injured from CrossFit? Probably. Can you get ripped from doing slow, controlled movements? Absolutely. Will you get hurt? The risk is there, but it's drastically lower.
There's a reason CrossFit has it's own separate certification, and associations like AFAA and ACE haven't picked it up. You can still do rigorous, bootcamp style exercises SAFELY. No one cares how fast you did your WOD (pronounced wad). Bragging rights in your cult. Do I care that I can squat 400lbs? Nope. Not sure how that's functional. Maybe if I'm an olympic weightlifter. Maybe if I'm a competitive body builder. But for someone just wanting to get in shape? Nope.
TL;DR: I'm doing my OWN class safely, to the best of my ability. I will keep form and safety as a priority. I do not care how fast you do it, as long as you give me effort. If the owners don't like it, I leave. And judging by the questions and desperate calls from the clueless owners, they need me.
Side Note: If you do CrossFit, congratulations, I'm glad you're working out. I hope you're not injured. But please don't attack my class style as "wussy" and "very much scaled back." You are not holier than thou. To each their own. Safely.
theartofmadeline
vaporwave
kianamaiart
romaincrisis
