by Paula Jager CSCS as published in Natural Muscle magazine December 2012
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"Obsessed is a word the lazy use to describe dedicated" was the first thing I saw when I walked into my CrossFit box this morning. It was a saying on the back of a member's shirt that was dripping with sweat and I couldn't agree more. What is the matter with a lot of people? They expect results without effort; they'd rather take a pill or buy the latest supplement/gadget? Sorry, doesn't work that way--fitness is one thing money can't buy and only hard work can.
Anytime the world experiences a hot new workout trend or product for that matter there will also follow controversy. The growth of CrossFit has exploded and the popularity continues to rise; a 10 year contract with Reebok has been signed along with a brand new clothing and footwear line and this year’s games made ESPN2 with competitors being described as “the world’s fittest athletes.” If you watched even a few minutes of the games this year you would be hard pressed to dispute this.
But along with the increasing fame comes the naysayers and many consider it a “cult of obsessed people”; the latest reference in an article Inside the Cult of CrossFit in Men’s Health by Grant Goddard. https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/cult-crossfit
On first reading I will admit or agree to a few faults of the overall program as witnessed in application by some affiliates. Not requiring some type of a Foundational program—throwing people into a regular class that are not technically sound with the lifts and not addressing orthopedic concerns are a sure recipe for injury. Not encouraging full range of motion, too much emphasis on the clock and poor programming will not get results and can often lead to overtraining. But that is something you will find in any fitness program or facility. As with any other profession you have the good, the bad and the ugly. And it is no different with various CF affiliates. Is that grounds for cult status?
I’d first like to spend a few moments with Merriam-Webster to define both the terms I’m talking about . . .
The current definition of a cult, discounting the obvious as related to religion is a cult is a group of people led by a charismatic person. These people may have practices that are different than mainstream beliefs. This could certainly describe CrossFitters; most are guided or inspired by a charismatic coach and the founder/leaders of www.crossfit.com would also fit that bill. And our beliefs are most definitely not mainstream. But that's a good thing because America is sick and fat and "mainstream" is not working.
The definition of a culture is a way of living, a way of life. A set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and behavioral practices that characterizes a group of individuals and the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations. Again, this could certainly describe our CrossFit lifestyle. It is not a fad, fashion or trend but a way of life. We are constantly seeking to better ourselves; we spread the knowledge to friends, family and our children.
And things are happening because of this: not only are people getting faster, stronger and more flexible, improving body composition and looking better they are improving physiological markers and their overall health along with their mindset, bettering relationships and careers. A unique bond of friendship and support develops among these like minded individuals with common goals. This "cult like culture" is transforming people’s lives.
While Mr Stoddard did make some valid points his disillusionment with CrossFit seemed to stem from the fact that he routinely got spanked by “middle aged women”, especially in wods involving pull-ups. He is now off to try Zumba. Well, if you can't stand the heat. . .get out of the kitchen.
No fitness program is a one size fits all. There are various sports that do require specificity training and people with serious health challenges that require different paths. Upon final reflection as an affiliate I would have to say yes, there is a definite “cult or culture like” aura associated with CrossFit. IMO it is a very positive one although it’s not something you can dictate, necessarily, but rather something you can harness. . .
