Crossfit & the CF

[JBoyd]

Well i picked up a small home gym for real cheap not to far back, a Weider 740. But i have been researching different types of bodyweight exercises that i can do at home, and i purchased a chinup bar (although i am not strong enough to use it properly)

 

[Armymedic]

Al,
you need not sell or preach or whatever Crossfit. If people are interested in achievng advanced levels of fitness, regardless of whatever level they are at, they will eventually find it. They will try it, and they will hate it, because the workouts are hard....but they will come back because Crossfit offers more to fitness other than running, rucking and lifting wieghts.

BTW, today's WOD, I was disappointed, only 8, but after upper body wieghts and 30 mins of cardio.

For anyone in Petawawa who wants to give it a go, PSP staff (Nicole, Rick , Kori, etc) run a class at noon hour (1210-1250) Mondays at the Army Fitness Center (Twin Rivers).

 

[ZipperHead]

Ash,

I don't preach (though some might disagree) so much, per se, as correct people on their assumptions, and/or guide people who I think that have the motivation towards CF. I started off as a huge skeptic (some of the exercises just seemed too special: kettlebells swings, the snatch, hand stands, etc), but after talking about it with Capt JT Williams (the "God-Father of CF in the CF"... I just made that up, so don't blame JT for that groaner....) and then doing some research, I pursued it. I did the lurking on the web site, and then easing into it (doing traditional calesthenics (pullups, pushups, air squats, lunges, etc) at a high intensity). It was very difficult, as there was next to no-one doing it in Gagetown (at the same hour of the day, in the same area... there was others doing it, in unit lines, and at lunch, after work, etc), it was hard to get into it. That's part of why I am passionate about getting people into it: going it solo is very hard. Having a training partner is critical once you get into it. I realize now how much I sucked when I was flanging around on my own. The videos, posts, Journals and all that helped, but coaching is very important, esp. as you get into the O lifts and the advanced movements. Even if it's just minor corrections, they go a long way. I am going to start video taping my workouts, so I can critique myself (a good coaching exercise, as well, as you can start learning to give the cues that your students/clients/buddies will need to correct their form).

For those that are unsure, one of the great pieces of advice that Coach has is this: doing a functional movement wrong (i.e. flanging around like I did in the start) is better than not doing it at all. Even if you are doing many of the things that CrossFit doesn't advocate (specialist movements, like 10km+ runs, "beach-body" weight workouts, etc), that is, as well, better than doing nothing, and will greatly aid you on your way in CrossFit.

You are right, though, Ash: people will find it, eventually, on their own, though that is a little disconcerting for me, as now, more than ever in the CF, people need to be in the best shape that they can, with the high op tempo, in highly demanding locations. We don't have the luxury of 2 month sea voyages (a la WWII) to "whip ourselves into shape", and there is no time on pre-deployment training to get into shape (i.e one should already be in shape, not waiting until the last minute). Too many people are in denial about their level of fitness, and then procrastinate until it is far too late.

AL

 

[Infanteer]

We don't have the luxury of 2 month sea voyages (a la WWII) to "whip ourselves into shape"

Did they do the WOD on the troop carriers - I guess that's how they beat the Third Reich.  I'll have to ask Grandpa how he and the boys liked doing Francine before hitting the beaches of Sicily....

 

[chris06]

Disclaimer:
1.  I Crossfit
2.  I've never been in a operational environment, nor am I fully trained for that matter.

Perhaps the biggest lesson I've learned from Crossfit and it is something I've very little reading over the previous posts, is humility.  I crossfit in a group environment and am awestruck by the Moms who kick my butt in Workouts of the Day.  What am I getting at?  Well people of all fitness levels crossfit, and just because you do so doesn't make you fitter than the next person. I could walk onto the parade square and point to any number of troops who could PT me into the ground, and more likely than not, they don't subscribe to crossfit workouts. 

I think the key is to do a self evaluation of your strengths and weaknesses and design a PT program to improve your deficiencies.  My program is Crossfit, yours may be.....

3-2-1 GO! 

 

[armyvern]

That post was refreshing. I know a hell of a lot of extremely fit people ... who don't Crossfit. They'll be glad to hear this news !!

 

[ZipperHead]

Did they do the WOD on the troop carriers - I guess that's how they beat the Third Reich.  I'll have to ask Grandpa how he and the boys liked doing Francine before hitting the beaches of Sicily....

Yeah, back in the day Grampa was expected to be challenged by the awe-inspiring standards that we presently have. In fact, grampa can probably still get an exemption vis a vis the CF EXPRES test. Or the spine-crunching 35lb ruck march, at the geriatic crawl pace that is required. Grampa might fit in, in some of the units we have. I would rather have somebody that age, in the shape that he is likely still in, than all the 60% soldiers that we have.

All of this coming from people with posts in the multiple 1000's on Army.ca. Your fitness (all 10 categories) must be overwhelming. Please tell how you manage to get in all your fitness and still spend so much time on your ass in front of the computer, passing on your pearls of wisdom. I really appreciate you taking your valuable time to make me feel like I am wasting mine. See you in the gym.

AL

 

[ZipperHead]

Disclaimer:
1.  I Crossfit
2.  I've never been in a operational environment, nor am I fully trained for that matter.

Perhaps the biggest lesson I've learned from Crossfit and it is something I've very little reading over the previous posts, is humility.  I crossfit in a group environment and am awestruck by the Moms who kick my butt in Workouts of the Day.  What am I getting at?  Well people of all fitness levels crossfit, and just because you do so doesn't make you fitter than the next person. I could walk onto the parade square and point to any number of troops who could PT me into the ground, and more likely than not, they don't subscribe to crossfit workouts. 

I think the key is to do a self evaluation of your strengths and weaknesses and design a PT program to improve your deficiencies.  My program is Crossfit, yours may be.....

3-2-1 GO! 

Sorry I missed your great post, as I was distracted by some fitness SME's taking pot shots at me. I should have resisted, but I occasionally slink down to their level. Gives me perspective....

You are very correct. It's all about being the fittest that you can be. If you want to settle for mediocrity, that's fine: just don't do it on the Queen's time. Go hard, or go home....

AL

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Yeah, back in the day Grampa was expected to be challenged by the awe-inspiring standards that we presently have. In fact, grampa can probably still get an exemption vis a vis the CF EXPRES test. Or the spine-crunching 35lb ruck march, at the geriatic crawl pace that is required. Grampa might fit in, in some of the units we have. I would rather have somebody that age, in the shape that he is likely still in, than all the 60% soldiers that we have.

All of this coming from people with posts in the multiple 1000's on Army.ca. Your fitness (all 10 categories) must be overwhelming. Please tell how you manage to get in all your fitness and still spend so much time on your ass in front of the computer, passing on your pearls of wisdom. I really appreciate you taking your valuable time to make me feel like I am wasting mine. See you in the gym.

AL

I have nothing to prove to you, and I really don't care what kind of a superman you think you are, or how much better you need to feel than any one else. However, the only guy here that's looking like an ass, is the one dragging out that great big brush to paint everyone that doesn't meet his imaginary, mythical standard. If the explosive, mind numbing ego is a by product of your program, I'd rather be Jabba the Hut. I've spent a long time ignoring just about anything you've had to say about, well, anything. I'll now go back to that standard.

 

[DVessey]

CrossFit is not the be-all end-all of fitness... but it tries to be. I think this is an important distinction.
Mr. Glassman has stated many times that if you can find something else that works better, he will use it.

 

[ZipperHead]

You guys never cease to amaze me. I was going to take the high road (for once in my life), but I can't.

You advise people that if they don't like something, ignore it. Ignore me, for feck's sake. I do my best to stay out of your circle-jerk, DS love-ins. Obviously something about my fitness posts bugs all of you. Take a look in the mirror, suck back, reload, and if you still like what you see (and what example you set for your kids, peers, subordinates, co-workers), good for you. If not, well.....

AL

 

[Fishbone Jones]

You guys never cease to amaze me. I was going to take the high road (for once in my life), but I can't.

You advise people that if they don't like something, ignore it. Ignore me, for feck's sake. I do my best to stay out of your circle-jerk, DS love-ins. Obviously something about my fitness posts bugs all of you. Take a look in the mirror, suck back, reload, and if you still like what you see (and what example you set for your kids, peers, subordinates, co-workers), good for you. If not, well.....

AL

It's got nothing to do with fitness or fitness posts, so you can't play that card. And your really a nobody, at least not someone with a right to judge anyone else, here or anywhere. You can be the most fit person in the room, and still be the biggest loser. Come to think of it..........

 

[armyvern]

Sorry I missed your great post, as I was distracted by some fitness SME's taking pot shots at me. I should have resisted, but I occasionally slink down to their level. Gives me perspective....

You are very correct. It's all about being the fittest that you can be. If you want to settle for mediocrity, that's fine: just don't do it on the Queen's time. Go hard, or go home....

AL

See Allan,

This is EXACTLY what I meant earlier about your preaching perhaps being your problem. I also told you that not everyone was going to agree with you. They are allowed to state their opinions without your insinuations that they are useless with no hope, not worthy of service, lacking self-discipline etc ad naseum. Or your statements that they are "mediocre" because they don't subscribe to your love of Crossfit. You know damn well that's bullshit. Crossfit is not the only way to achieve a high level of fitness and that is what the prior posts were about.

Another fine example from you that profess' to infer that those who do not Crossfit are not in shape, or as "worthy", or as "fit" as yourself.

That is bullshit. I'm no fitness SME and with statements like this one, neither the hell are you. You are a Crossfiter (perhaps you are even becoming a SME at that discipline), but you have a lot to learn about fitness if you believe that it can only be achieved via Crossfit means.

Not being a Crossfitter does not equal unfit. Nor does it equate that one never can become so without Crossfit.

 

[armyvern]

You guys never cease to amaze me. I was going to take the high road (for once in my life), but I can't.

You advise people that if they don't like something, ignore it. Ignore me, for feck's sake. I do my best to stay out of your circle-jerk, DS love-ins. Obviously something about my fitness posts bugs all of you. Take a look in the mirror, suck back, reload, and if you still like what you see (and what example you set for your kids, peers, subordinates, co-workers), good for you. If not, well.....

AL

DS loving circle-jerks?? Wrong answer. And, where the heck did you pull that from?

You don't need to be rude just because some of us happen to disagree that Crossfit is the only determining factor of fitness. I look in the mirror daily -- I'm quite happy with what I see.

And, it's got sweet fuck all to do with being a DS. Build a bridge Alan ... some day you may get over it.  :

 

[Bruce Monkhouse]

Yeah, back in the day Grampa was expected to be challenged by the awe-inspiring standards that we presently have. In fact, grampa can probably still get an exemption vis a vis the CF EXPRES test. Or the spine-crunching 35lb ruck march, at the geriatic crawl pace that is required. Grampa might fit in, in some of the units we have. I would rather have somebody that age, in the shape that he is likely still in, than all the 60% soldiers that we have.
AL

I don't know you, we work in different worlds, but if this post above is you taking the "high road" than you may be the fittest person on this forum but still be remarkably pathetic.

You've been through the warning system long before you became the self-proclaimed fitness savior of all things military and if you can't keep your broad brushed insults of the members of the Canadian Forces to yourself than I will be smiling as I punt you off this site.

[Shouldn't mean that much to you as you left at least once before and swore never to come back]

Bruce "just fit enough to be happy" Monkhouse

 

[Command-Sense-Act 105]

... your circle-jerk, DS love-ins. Obviously something about my fitness posts bugs all of you. ... and if you still like what you see (and what example you set for your kids, peers, subordinates, co-workers), good for you. If not, well.....

Hmmm - no DS button here. 

Vern said a few posts ago what a lot of us were thinking.  Every time I see one of your posts I wonder "who does this guy think he is?"

Your fitness posts don't bug me.  I like fitness.  I like Crossfit.  I've done it.  I still do it.  It's a good tool and a well-thought out system. 

But your preaching, your cult-like devotion and insistence that others - 'non believers' was I term I believe you've used before must "see the light", your insinuations that you are "Mr Fitness" and "good PT automatically makes good soldier above all else" - those bug me.  Your refusal to acknowledge differing points of view, as demonstrated  a few pages ago when Infanteer pointed out that Crossfit is really just a variation on a very old theme of circuit training and proven exercises linked into complex movements and given cutesy names - that bugs me.  In fact, if I remember correctly, didn't that little observation spark a near-meltdown?  Seemed almost like you were crying through your keyboard.  Weren't you trying to tell us things along the tenuous theme of "Crossfit = Leadership, no Crossfit = ineffective"?

Your little diatribe about "do you like what you see in the mirror" is further proof of that.  Where do you get off with that garbage?  How many potential Crossfit candidates do you think your single-mindedness, insulting attitude and messianic style of approach has turned off of the system?

Perception is reality.  The perception here?  You need to get off the Crossfit CrackPipe and open your mind up a bit.

 

[plattypuss]

Jeesh haven't posted on this site for a while and look at the fun I am missing! 

I don't think it is wrong to be emotional about the topic of physical fitness or even CrossFit and I think it's great that the debate continues to rage as we should never become complacent with our fitness level nor the program we use to achieve that level.  I attribute Al's recent emotional responses to the fact that he recently attended the certification seminar in Toronto and as many of you know when you finish a particularly demanding course (and make no mistake about it CrossFit is demanding) you are particularly gung-ho about the topic at hand.  Al's points are also highlighting the fact that your fitness level can save your life - if you ever read the CrossFit.com boards you will find them full of American Combat veterans who swear by the CrossFit system. I don't know if the same can be said yet in terms of Canadian veterans returning from Afghanistan, but I think, they might say the same. Of interest is a picture on the Crossfit site, sent by 3VP of a couple Cdn soldiers bashing in a door. I don't know if all or any of the Cdn soldiers employed in Afghanistan do CrossFit but I would be interested to find out if the soldiers coming back felt any one form of exercise prepared them better for the mental, physical and emotional rigours of combat.
Not to reopen debate, about what is old, is new again (which is partially true in terms of the exercises used within CrossFit) CrossFit has a series of new concepts if you do it as a group, not necessarily if you do it as an individual.  If you do it as an individual then Crossfit is a lot like an old style circuit training workout (using a very broad brush).  The true "genius" of CrossFit is when you add the competition of performing the workouts as a group - then you start to see the difference between what is old and what is now new.  CrossFit is very competitive, you mark your times, or number of reps down, and when you record you scores in front of everyone - you add a new element of fitness (not to mention adding stress and emotion to the equation!)

In closing I'd like to add that yes, AL did get emotional about the issues, perhaps too much, but I'd like to put that in the area of caring for his soldiers and recent brainwashing attempts by Crossfit (Eva T can brain wash me anytime!). However the DS have to remember that they are supposed to remain "above" it all and not let themselves get carried away in the heat of the moment or argument and retort back, seemingly without thinking (although that at times can be very hard). I see a couple of cases of that here. 

 

[Bruce Monkhouse]

In closing I'd like to add that yes, AL did get emotional about the issues, perhaps too much, but I'd like to put that in the area of caring for his soldiers and recent brainwashing attempts by Crossfit (Eva T can brain wash me anytime!). However the DS have to remember that they are supposed to remain "above" it all and not let themselves get carried away in the heat of the moment or argument and retort back, seemingly without thinking (although that at times can be very hard). I see a couple of cases of that here. 

The DS here are also members, and Mike gives us the green light to post as members, and until HE decides different, then live with it. [as I will if he changes that]

Now, just so you know Mr. Luomala  has been at odds with anyone who doesn't agree with him for a long time here. Cross Fit is just the latest middle age crisis that he has latched onto and insulting anyone whom might harbour a different opinion is his modus operati.

I don't think army.ca has grown to the size it has by allowing that kind of behavior to go on unchecked.
Bruce


DS PART OF POST
Now then.................LETS GET BACK ON TOPIC!

 

[JBoyd]

I was directed to a site a week ago or so, Simplefit.org. It's not Crossfit, but I find it is a good place for me to start. Any absolute beginners should give it a look, all body weight exercises (only equipment needed is a pull-up bar, but you can always do substitutions as well).  I did Level 1 Day 1 last night and it definately was a good workout.

 

[Munxcub]

That site is sort of a "CrossFit Lite" built as an intro to. You don't have to do workouts named after girls, or anything like that to do it.  If you are doing functional movements, at high intensity, and changing it up regularly, then I hate to tell you this but you're doing CrossFit. And if you enjoy what you do, it gives you the results you want, then who gives two craps about what you're doing. I personally enjoy CrossFit because I was bored as hell at the gym and not seeing any real results. I think gym machines should be outlawed and make everyone use a barbell.

These are just my opinions, mind you. And I am a CrossFit Affiliate (just starting up) I've only been doing CrossFit for several months (and not that religiously). I have increased my fitness from where I was after years of regular "gym" stuff. I also just did a CF Expres test last weekend. I wasn't the top performer there, but I sure as hell wasn't last.  So take it or leave, like it or lump it, chalk it up to "to each his own".  I would assume that any CF member here is doing high intensity functional movements on their own already, and is a fitness program by any other name not as effective?