21-15-9 Reps Each for Time:
Squat Clean (135#/95#)
Ring Dips
Results
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Read: CHAMP and ACSM discuss high intensity fitness programs for military application.
From the article: “extensive military training and same-day exhaustive physical training or fitness testing should be avoided, as this increases risk and demands controls to overcome the effects.”
Two things made me think of the topic for my post today. The first being the article above published by the Navy and Department of Defense written by a bunch of so-called “experts”. The second was during Rona’s Mobility class tonight as I was working my shoulders I realized how much more I need to be doing to rehab a nagging muscle strain in my shoulder that has effected my training and limited my results recently. It also has clearly impacted surrounding muscle groups as I have compensated for it thus worsening my mobility. I then read this article above and thought about the “conventional wisdom” and “experts” we all hear from at some point who say that CrossFit is dangerous. That we should avoid it and stay safe. “Avoid risk! That workout is crazy! Too intense! You might get hurt or get rhabdo!” To the article above and to those who say CF is too dangerous I simply say “Bullshit”.
Here’s my thinking. I train for life. I want to LIVE my life. I don’t plan on my one shot being years of playing it safe. That means I don’t want to be taking prescription drugs that have so many side effects that it has to be printed smaller than an eye chart during the TV commercial with the slick talking A-hole that is telling me how much I need it to ENJOY life. I don’t want to be inflamed, weak or too fat when I am old to pick up my grandkids, my groceries or get up some stairs. I want to be able to run if I want to. I want to eat food that fuels me and keeps me energized and ready to wake up each morning with a zest for life. I want to play sports, enjoy nature and the outdoors, and never worry about if my doctor needs to tell me if it’s okay. I plan on being able to live until my heart or body says enough on it’s own and I drop dead. I am pretty sure doing that can easily be accomplished by eating right, recovering properly, and doing CrossFit. Is there risk? Of course.
Is there risk in getting in my car, putting on my seatbelt and driving to work or the store? Of course. Could I do everything right and still get hit and injured or killed? Of course. Is there risk in slipping down the stairs when I go grab a glass water in the dark at night and am too dumb to turn on the lights? Of course. Is there risk if I play soccer, football, or go running, skiing, hiking or climbing? Of course. Could I fall off my mountain bike or skateboard and get a minor bump or a major injury? Absolutely. This happens all the time. Do you hear people saying “Don’t drive your car, it could be risky.” Or “Don’t go running or ride your bike, that is extremely risky that you could get hurt.” Heck no. If we lived like that we wouldn’t be living.
Reading the article above made me realize how even our Military is being inundated with stupid philosophies that run completely counter to their mission as warfighters. As a former Army Officer whose father, father-in-law, uncle, and grandfathers are all retired military as well as a brother who is still on active duty; I can bet to a man they would prefer to train at “high intensity” to ensure that they are fit enough for when the shit hits the fan. You train as you fight. You train for the unknown because that is what will happen. When you are being shot at and have to drag your wounded comrade or lift something heavy off them you don’t suddenly learn how. When you are exhausted and in unimaginable conditions you better be able to shoot, move, and communicate while at the same time being able to physically keep up. I can’t imagine how we can expect our soldiers to fight a war when they should “avoid extensive military training and same-day exhaustive physical training”.
Bottom line? I hear all the time “CrossFit is dangerous” and I work to change that perception and educate on why it isn’t any more dangerous than Zumba or PX90 and is potentially far safer while being much more effective. I’ve been fortunate my whole life to only have minor injuries and to heal relatively quickly. I have done probably 2,000 WOD’s in the time I have done CrossFit. In that time have I pulled things, hurt muscles and joints? Yes. Rarely. Did I quit when it happened? No. I simply rehabbed, recovered, and learned from it. By focusing on proper scaling, form, movement, technique, nutrition, rest, and recovery I have emerged stronger from each time I have had a minor setback and avoided any major injuries. Through smart training, scaling, rest and nutrition I have built a greater work capacity that is allowing me to do what I train for. To live life. Free of meds, free of high blood pressure, extra pounds, and in the best shape of my entire life. I owe that to CrossFit. It has helped me become stronger than I have ever been. Is it risky? Sure. That to me is what makes it all worth it. I can’t wait for my next WOD.
Movement and Mobility Class kicked off!
Quote of the Day: Lucy – “How long do we stay like this?” Rona – “Two minutes.” Lucy – “Two MINUTES?!”
Great job to Rona on an awesome 1st organized torture session. Next class is Wed. 6/8.
