Should Unit Leaders implement Cross Fit for optional unit PT?

SGT Benjamin Dutill — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 14:56:29 -0500

As for me, I am a huge Cross Fit fanatic and I can't get enough of it. Someone told me that Cross Fit is not authorized for PT. In my personal opinion, I think that Cross Fit is much better than PRT. You get more out of CF than PRT by building your muscles and getting even more toned. I understand that Cross Fit isn't for everyone but I just wish that we were authorized to conduct it at a unit level. Just like everything else in the military - there is a crawl, walk, run phase and I am sure once you build yourself up to it, cross fit should not be a problem. If Cross Fit is unauthorized - then why are there cross fit gyms on almost every military post?

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jan 10 at 2014 3:11 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 15:11:19 -0500

There are a lot of similarities between PRT and Crossfit... once you get past establishing a baseline fitness. The Crossfit doctrine is designed around athletes that already perform at above normal parameters. Advanced PRT allows for crossfit like routines.

Additionally, they aren't Crossfit(c) gyms... Army doesn't want to pay the licensing associated with the trademark.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 3:59 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 15:59:44 -0500

I can remember when guys would get excused from PT for various post sports to include softball. So if you're unit does that, I'd say they've justified your argument.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 4:40 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:40:57 -0500

Technically, PT leaders cannot implement CrossFit because they are not legally permitted to refer to their workouts as "CrossFit" unless they are leading the workouts at a licensed CrossFit affiliate.  As a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, even I cannot run "CrossFit classes" unless I am doing so at an affiliate.<br><br>That being said, PT that involves the principles of CrossFit (constantly varied functional movements performed at a high intensity) would absolutely be beneficial and can easily be disguised as PRT, just don't call them CrossFit and you're fine, no need to worry about whether or not CrossFit is authorized.<br>

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 5:10 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 17:10:29 -0500

I've heard both positive and negative comments regarding the implementation of CrossFit into military PT programs. Some people claim the benefits are amazing, while others have shown more wear and tear to their bodies than benefits. I'm a firm believer that there is no one perfect program, so you have to find what works effectively based upon your needs.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 23 at 2015 2:17 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 14:17:30 -0500

Can't hurt. Variety when exercising can be a good thing

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 3:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:52:44 -0500

Cross fit would cause to many injuries to our Soliders

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 7:57 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 19:57:10 -0500

Oh sweet Jesus god no! No body should be implementing Cross Fit for PT.

I understand and know the benefits of HIT training. But "cross fit" as the mass Fittness craze is currently set is abismal. Majority of PT related injuries I've had to treat. (About 8/10) are cross fit related. Shoulder damage from those "pull ups" knees and back ruined from the trash form on lifts cross fit seems to preach.

I'd love to see a HIT program implemented, but if a command ever came out and said "we're doing crossfit!" I'd have to go with the E4Force and fade away.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 12:09 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 00:09:13 -0500

Implementation of crossfit would solve so many of the injuries and profiles we have today. PT failures and would help with a bit of the height and weight issues as well.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2017 11:42 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 11:42:23 -0500

No, because once it's implemented, soon it will become not optional. I would hate to have to tell an O-grade who wanted to force me into Crossfit where to get off. Oh wait, no I wouldn't. Look up "Crossfit's Dirty Little Secret" or just look up Rhabdo. This is about the stupidest idea I've ever heard of, and I've lived through the new PRT......