The Benefits And Risks Of CrossFit
CrossFit is a form of high-intensity power fitness that has become very popular all over the world. While its original purpose was to prepare people for physically demanding jobs, today it has been adapted for all audiences. Are you familiar with the benefits and risks of CrossFit?
While this type of training is quite appealing to those looking to lose weight, increase muscle mass and gain strength, it also has some drawbacks that you should consider before starting. We explain this in detail below.
What is CrossFit?
Before learning about the benefits and risks of CrossFit, it’s important to understand what it’s all about. It is a form of fitness, which is based on continuously varied exercises with functional movements performed at a specified time and which should not exceed 50 minutes.
Activities include cardiovascular exercise, weight lifting, and strength training. It is also meant to explore a person’s different skills and physical abilities.
However, it is necessary to have sufficient fitness, flexibility, balance and muscle and breathing resistance. It also requires good movement biomechanics (English article), because not performing the exercises properly can lead to injury to the back and joints, among other things. So what are the benefits and risks of CrossFit?
The Benefits and Risks of CrossFit
Although CrossFit has become popular all over the world, it is still controversial. Many of the benefits of CrossFit are supported by studies, but cases of multiple injuries and serious consequences have led people to think it can be dangerous.
The big problem is that many people sometimes don’t evaluate their fitness and health status before starting CrossFit. Some people even decide to follow intense exercise routines without the supervision of an expert trainer. Below we will discuss these benefits and risks in detail.
The advantages
Contrary to popular belief, CrossFit is not a form of exercise that is only suitable for elite athletes. In fact, today many people around the world do this form of fitness.
However, it is necessary to know how to adapt it to the personal physical abilities of everyone who practices it. The exercises will therefore not be the same for someone in poor physical condition as for someone who regularly sports, or is used to heavy exercises.
Therefore, it is necessary to consult your doctor and evaluate your physical performance before trying it. Keeping the above in mind, and with respect for the biomechanics of the movement of each exercise, CrossFit offers interesting benefits such as:
- increases cardiovascular and respiratory endurance
- increases physical endurance
- improves coordination and balance
- improves mood and self-esteem
- helps to increase muscle mass
- helps people lose weight (it is considered a “fat burner”)
- promotes mutual relationships, as it is often practiced in groups
The risks
As we said, CrossFit can be dangerous if you don’t take precautions. If you don’t evaluate your current health or engage in intense exercise without the necessary stamina, you may experience:
- injury to the muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones
- spinal injuries
- debilitation and prolonged fatigue
- changes in the cardiovascular system, such as increased blood pressure
- rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscle tissue is broken down
Since it causes the release of muscle fibers into the blood, it can also lead to problems such as kidney failure and heart rhythm disturbances.
Tips for Performing CrossFit
To be able to do CrossFit safely, you need to follow some tips. First, it is essential to assess your health and determine if you suffer from certain conditions. Next, remember that high-intensity exercise isn’t recommended when you’re sick.
In addition, it is very important to consult with a trainer who is specialized in this discipline. The expert can teach you how to do the exercises properly to reduce the risk of injury.
Here are some other recommendations:
- Start with moderate routines, adapted to your physical condition.
- Gradually increase the intensity of the exercises.
- Take enough time to rest and recover.
- Provide adequate hydration.
- Follow a healthy and balanced diet.
- Do a good warm up and stretch before you start.
Do you want to give CrossFit a try? Then remember the benefits and risks and assess whether it is good for you or not. Also, don’t forget to ask for advice before you start.
