Posted on Jan 10, 2014
Should Unit Leaders implement Cross Fit for optional unit PT?
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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?
Physical Training
CrossFit
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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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.
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.
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PO1 (Join to see)
Agreed 100%! I've been a level 1 trainer since 2008 and have never thought about implementing it. Just went because the Navy paid me to haha. But High Intensity Interval Training "HIIT" is a great idea and has already been implemented in Navy gyms with certified trainers who all have at least BS in exercise science with multiple certifications in strength and conditioning running all the unit and individual training. And that just at the regular Navy, I'm currently at NSW Coronado and they don't even implement it at a Team level. The Navy has spent a lot of money on developing and paying for these facilities to eleviate any chance for injury and takes all responsibility off of us "Command Fittness Leaders" to try and implement that sort of PT.
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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>
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SPC (Join to see)
You missed something sir.
"Constantly varied functional movement preformed at high intensity with complete disregard for form and weight capability"
"Constantly varied functional movement preformed at high intensity with complete disregard for form and weight capability"
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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.
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SFC (Join to see)
To be honest CrossFit to me is a joke. It causes so many injuries they have very bad form. You better off power lifting and weight lifting. If i was the Chief of Staff thats what i would establish. Proper weight lifting programs for our Soldiers.
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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.
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SFC (Join to see)
I think that crossfit can be a good way to improve and maintain physical fitness. The problem you run into is that not everyone is at the same state of physical fitness and it would be very difficult to taylor it fit everyone in the unit.
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CW2 Joseph Evans
Most of the WODs I have ever seen are set up as a "Do what you can" or "take the time you need". Some of the exercises can be difficult (or impossible) depending on fitness level i.e. muscle ups, hand stand push-ups, pull-ups etc. so modified or alternative exercises can be substituted (like PRT). So, if the WOD takes you 10 min or 30 min, or if you can get 2 rotations or 20 in 45 min, you are still doing "crossfit".
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CPT (Join to see)
Again, just because you're doing circuit training does not make it CrossFit. Also, those difficult exercises were not created by Greg Glassman (creator of CrossFit), but were borrowed from other sports/workout routines. CrossFit merely brought them into the public eye.
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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.
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CPT (Join to see)
Just need to clarify a couple fallacies here:
CrossFit is designed for all levels of fitness. The workouts vary by degree, not type.
Advanced PRT doesn't allow "CrossFit like routines" circuit training is not CrossFit. CrossFit is also a training program, not a workout type, much like PRT.
There are quite a few CrossFit gyms on military posts. They are non-profit military affiliates, which are not required to pay the franchising fees. You can find information about them on the CrossFit website.
CrossFit is designed for all levels of fitness. The workouts vary by degree, not type.
Advanced PRT doesn't allow "CrossFit like routines" circuit training is not CrossFit. CrossFit is also a training program, not a workout type, much like PRT.
There are quite a few CrossFit gyms on military posts. They are non-profit military affiliates, which are not required to pay the franchising fees. You can find information about them on the CrossFit website.
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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......
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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.
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