I'm a generalist and I typically lift 3x per week focusing on the core lifts in Rippetoe's program, as well as running and biking 5x per week (3x run, 2x bike) and training in martial arts 2x per week. I'm fairly happy with my current fitness level, but I'm always looking to mix things up and improve.
I'm not great at lifting or the endurance stuff, but I believe that I can perform respectably. I can DL about 1.75x BW for 5 reps, and I recently ran a half marathon in just under two hours. Neither of these accomplishments is great within the weight lifting or running fields, respectively, but that's not what I'm after.
The claimed goals of Crossfit really appeal to me. I don't expect to go out and run a marathon without specific training, nor do I have an intense desire to be able to squat 500 lbs. My goal is to be a well-rounded athlete capable of holding my own, even if not excelling, in both the strength and endurance fields.
Opinions on Crossfit seem to be pretty polarized. I haven't made up my mind to not do it, but I'm interested in hearing some alternative programs that are targeted toward my goals. Is a similar circuit training program for me? Any other suggestions?
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Results 1 to 12 of 12
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03-24-2009, 03:26 PM #1Registered User
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Alternatives to Crossfit for general fitness and performance
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03-25-2009, 06:39 AM #2Registered User
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Bump
Male, 27
5'11"
NINJA SPIRIT - The Ancient Art of Lunacy!
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03-25-2009, 07:06 AM #3Registered User
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Have you tried kettlebells or Javorek complexes. Any well rounde calisthenics circuit will work also.
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03-25-2009, 07:10 AM #4Mr. Gecko
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Crossfit is great.Originally Posted by Whiteknight55
While there may be a lot of detractors... how many of them are based on a supposed lack of results?http://youtube.com/user/Kiknskreem
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03-25-2009, 07:13 AM #5Registered User
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I don't understand why you want to change your current fitness routine. Mixing core lifts 3x per week with cardio 5x a week and other activities you really enjoy (like martial arts) seems like a great recipe for general fitness. You could probably get the same from Crossfit, but what would you stop doing to make room for it in your life?
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03-25-2009, 08:05 AM #6Registered User
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It seems like what you state as your goals are pretty much what CrossFit lists as theirs. If you like what you're doing now and think it works then just stick with it. If you think it might be improved, trying CrossFit seems like a reasonable thing to do. I might be wrong, but I don't know of any other single program that has that objective.
Journal: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=112804051
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03-25-2009, 08:24 AM #7Bootless Errand
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For your stated goals, Crossfit is ideal. I couldn't think of any other training methodology that would be better.
As far as Crossfit's detractors, for sure, it isn't bodybuilding, but it doesn't claim to be. For athleticism, and overall fitness, however, I think it's on the money.No brain, no gain.
"The fitness and nutrition world is a breeding ground for obsessive-compulsive behavior. The irony is that many of the things people worry about have no impact on results either way, and therefore aren't worth an ounce of concern."--Alan Aragon
Where the mind goes, the body follows.
Ironwill Gym:
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03-25-2009, 08:26 AM #8Registered User
- Join Date: Sep 2005
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I would recommend Ross Training.
Good luck!
-C10PR's ... Goals @ 160 lbs. Bodyweight:
Bench Press - 250 ... 315
Squat - 275 ... 400
Trap Dead - 400 ... 480
Bent Over Row - 195 ... 315
Military Press - 150 ... 160
Pull-Up - BW+150 ... BW + 180
Dip - BW + 170 ... BW + 200
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03-25-2009, 08:33 AM #9Registered User
- Join Date: Mar 2007
- Age: 39
- Posts: 2,285
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rosstraining.com
To guys starting out - please understand: when you can deadlift 450lb for 10 reps your back, hamstrings & traps will reflect THAT not which program you used to get there. When you can curl 150 for 10, your biceps will reflect THAT, not which program, rep range or method you used to get there. There is no voodoo independent of poundage progression, just faster and slower ways of getting to your next pit stop.
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03-25-2009, 10:39 AM #10Creeping Death
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echo?
*No Crew*
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03-25-2009, 04:44 PM #11Registered User
- Join Date: Jun 2006
- Age: 42
- Posts: 70
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Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. The reason I'm thinking about changing my current routine is because I find that I am often prone to getting into training ruts where my workout start to become boring and my motivation decreases. One thing that appeals to me about Crossfit is the variety of the workouts.Originally Posted by EPMD
Male, 27
5'11"
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03-26-2009, 09:54 AM #12Registered User
- Join Date: Jun 2006
- Age: 42
- Posts: 70
- Rep Power: 218
Any more suggestions?
Male, 27
5'11"
NINJA SPIRIT - The Ancient Art of Lunacy!
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