CrossFit Studies

A 2013 study published by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that 97 out of 132 responders were hurt during CrossFit training. The spine and shoulders were most frequently injured, and nine injuries led to surgery.

The Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine had similar results in its study. They reported that a survey found lower back, shoulder and knee injuries were common for CrossFit enthusiasts.

The CrossFit organization denies that its program is the cause of excessive injuries and have sued some researchers to attack the survey methodologies and their findings. Proponents point out that any long-term exercise program can generate injuries, and there’s nothing unusual about CrossFit’s methods or results.

There is evidence backing up CrossFit as a great way to get in shape. A high-intensity workout has been shown to generate a calorie burn that’s 15 percent to 20 percent greater than a moderate, steady-paced workout of the same duration.

But is excessive endurance necessarily a sign of good health? The journal, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, has reported that the type of training usually associated with triathlons, marathons and long-distance bicycling can harden the arteries, harming cardiovascular health. Note that the Mayo Clinic is talking about high-intensity workouts, not normal exercise, which generally has a  vast range of benefits.

Sudden Impact

The problem with CrossFit workouts may be that they require formerly sedentary people to leap into high gear from the start. A high-intensity workout requires preparation, and those who don’t normally move around a lot but find themselves squatting, lifting, jumping and otherwise moving in a fast fashion may overtax themselves. Experts suggest working up to form over three months, starting with flexibility exercises that will acclimate the body to the coming challenges.