dude your really a new kind of worlds strongest man its good to see your so athletic for the size i think peoples attitude is someone so big and strong can't move so well good for you and the sport
Is Mitchell hooper the biggest freak of strength and athleticism there’s ever been? If he does the grand slam this year, I’ll put him above Thor 2018 as the goat strongman year
@@parisferguson8654respectfully, no. If all the competitions were available like the Shaw Classic and Rogue Invit. when Thor was at his peak (just missed out), he'd win those too lol. In terms of pure individual skill and raw brute strength in every area, Thor is probably the greatest in that regard. I don't even think 2018 Thor is his absolute peak. That was 2019-2020, right before he burned the candle at both ends trying to break records. Sure, he didn't win WSM in 2019, but injury happened and that's hard to overcome as soon as it happens. He was a literal dominating force that NO ONE wanted to compete against. And this was with the other giant Brian and WSM winner Martins still competing. People still WANT to compete against Hooper. He is absolutely beatable (even though he has years to go to achieve his optimal ability) and just recently, Evan beat him (sure, off of a stone mishap, but that's literally sport of all kinds). Hooper had the greatest rookie year of all-time, but let's not create recency bias. Thor is the most feared Strongman of all-time, and for a reason.
I'm not old enough to have experienced the time of Bill Kaz mentioned, but Hooper seems to be analogous in his athleticism in this age as Mariusz Pudzianowski was in his age.
I agree 100% with the need for an outlet for ex-competitive athletes. I'm a few years out of school and it's astounding how out of shape some of my peers have gotten, when they used to be pretty incredible athletes.
The only reason why people 'hate' crossfit is because of the often poor form displayed. That's really it. People don't hate crossfitters for finding alternative ways to get and stay in shape; they don't like them for the poor form their promote, especially within their competitions. It's not some hidden gripe. Many people are quite open about specifically what they don't like about crossfit, or rather the form they promote.
crossfit enthusiasts insistence that its for everyone despite the fact that most office workers and soccer moms/dads will only end up getting hurt after several months of box jumps and olympic lifts is also a common criticism.
That and it's undeniably bad for your joints compared to strength training via the basic barbell lifts. People older than 40 can't fall on their face and do box jumps, it's not sustainable in the long run without injuries occurring.
As a person that does CrossFit I agree. Coaching in CrossFit is average for what you pay, egos will lead to injury. But good programming is often solid, and up there with any power programming.
@@thejsixm2357 , it IS for everyone. Everything can be scaled. Take box jumps - if you are not fit enough to jump down, you step down - simple as that. If you are not fit enough to jump up on the box, you get a lower box, or you step up.
@@bjciavarella I started CF at the age of 42. I'm now 48. Won my 1st regional CF competition last year (not in the age group category). Have one or two minor niggles, but my joints are stronger than ever. I've stopped training at the affiliate as the programming is too simplistic. I'm now training on a paid for competitive programme, similar to Mayhem or HWPO etc. I will do CF until I die. It is so much fun learning new movements like Kipping Bar Muscle Ups (or even strict), Handstand walking, etc and yes I can do more strict pull ups than most my age, even though I prefer the kipping or butterfly version more when racing others. I started off slowly and now after 5 years am fitter than I was at 20 when I was a semi professional athlete. CF is for everyone! Even over 40's! Old style gym training like we used to do it in the 90's is boring AF and I will never ever be able to do that again! A basic 15 / 20 min metabolic conditioning workout has far more value for over 40's (or anyone) than 45 min of traditional weight training. Although both have their place depending on the individual's goals, limitations etc. You can't generalise like you did above. Besides, what's wrong with falling on your face. while trying a box jump? I wish more parents would take their kids out and let them try do something dangerous...like handstands, cartwheels, box jumps, monkeybars etc. We'd have far less issues like ADHD and learning disabilities.
I'm a personal trainer and run my own practice. I also have a good background competing in "Olympic" weightlifting. About a third of my clients come from Crossfit gyms, but do 1on1's with me to learn how to do olympic lifts better, and learn the advanced gymnastics movements -> so I'm very, fully aware of the limitations of coaching in most crossfit gyms. That said.... it's *ridiculous* how dangerous the internet folk make it seem. My crossfitters tend to occasionally develop epicondylitis, and sometimes strain the lower backs.... that's IT for injuries! Meanwhile, my BJJ athletes (which constitutes about 1/3 of my client roster) tend to get: shoulder surgeries, knee surgeries, neck surgeries, lower back surgeries, and a just a disgusting slew of injuries. My crossfitters literally get injured about as much as powerlifters, rock climbers, long distance runners, etc. No more. Again, not saying it's 100% risk free, I'm saying that if you practice ANY sport, there are inherent risks, and Crossfit's is not disproportionately large, DESPITE the occasional sub-par coaching.
@@Brett.Dif you've watched it then clearly I'm not talking to you, I'm talking to all the people making "Agreed" comments 30 seconds after the video was released
Yep, that's the case with a lot of serial commenters. Social media is less about the content, and they go straight to the comment section. That's where the real entertainment value is for a lot of people.
Personally, the criticism of Crossfit that I see around is mainly about lack of technical proficiency (both with beginners and some high level athletes) when doing highly technical movements and the apparent need to do these technical movements in a fatigued state, compounding that issue. If one wanted to test for cardiovascular fitness as well as strength, why not do them separately like in a decathlon? And then there's the shoddy judging at the Crossfit Games. But I've never heard anyone complain about the idea of Crossfit. As in finding the best allround fitness. The issue isn't with the principle of the thing but with how it's done.
That and the evangelism of cross-fitters, which seems to have died down in recent years but its where the classic "I do cross-fit" persona/meme was born. Its like veganism, in that respect. A reasonable endeavour done by 99% reasonable people ruined by the worst most egotistical self-righteous elitist minority of spokespeople imaginable.
I can see the appeal of CrossFit. The workouts are planned out for you and they incorporate resistance training and cardio all in a short amount of time. It's convenient for people to just enjoy casually and there's a structure in place if you want to take it very seriously too.
I'd like to add that you have such a variety of exercises that you really can tailor it to your liking. Only thing to criticise is that often technique is taught or applied sloppy. If you don't do that it's a great workout
I used to do the Crossfit websight WODs at home like 3-4 days a week. I'd modify the workouts to fit my fitness level as well as my particular goals. My equipment is relatively modest so i had to substitute some exercises too. I got in pretty dang good over-all shape from it. So i think its like ANY fitness ideology: as long as you use common sense and check your ego at the door, you're good.
I think my issue with CrossFit has been that the times I've gone I've been annoyed that they don't allow you to just lift independently and I've been told I had to do their bullsh** WODs first. The vast majority of the "trainers" I've encountered have absolutely no business coaching and have had people that are completely new to lifting trying to do snatches, clean and jerks or deadlifts for fast reps with moderate weight after less than 5 minutes of instruction. It's a recipe for injuries. I totally understand your point about the crossfit games and the purpose of the competition, the problem is that the local Boxes get all their inspiration from the games and try to model everything after them, not understanding that their members have no business trying to compete like that. I've gone to CrossFit gyms all of the country when I've traveled and given them a go so that I could formulate my own opinion because I've had many friends try to get me to do it with them. But I insist that none of the trainers know how to program their wods to allow for muscle and joint recovery, they have a fetish for overworking the shoulders and back or putting them in compromising positions. I don't think someone that doesn't have a strong background in sports and a firm foundation of doing Olympic lifts should ever try CrossFit because they'll get hurt, especially if they listen to the trainers. But unfortunately the bulk of the crossfit community is made up of those people. It's just too bad because they really would benefit from the community and group fitness if they don't have the motivation to put themselves through workouts, they just shouldn't be doing CrossFit style workouts that don't provide adequate instruction for complex lifts that are setting them up for injury. Anytime I do a wod at a box I do the workout at my own pace to prioritize efficient movement and quality lifts, but most people I see don't have the stomach to tell the trainers to fu** off or they feel pressured to conform to the group and just go faster faster faster. I was an all American in track and rugby in college so I've been comfortable with all of the movements in CrossFit, but I'd still never try to do high rep snatches with heavy weight for speed after doing 4 other movements that worked the shoulders... I'm 30, I don't need another injury that will linger for the rest of my life, I have enough of those already😂
I agree with you in most of this. This is coming from someone who actively participates in CrossFit. I don't think it's a good idea for everyday people to take an 8 hour class and get the privilege of "coaching". However, most everyday CrossFit gyms don't program for themselves. It's typically cycle-by-cycle gpp programming done by camps or individuals with experience in the space who actually know what they're doing, unlike many of the so called "coaches". These programs don't even reflect 10% of the demands found in competitive programming. Most "coaches" are smart enough to understand that movements are scalable to an infinite degree, and I assure you thag no coach is forcing anyone to learn how to snatch/C&J. This may be anecdotal as well, but most of the CrossFit gyms in my area don't really push the professional side of the business on their clientele, as most of the clientele are 40+ aged men and women who have no interest or desire to pay attention to the professional side. If anything, many CrossFit classes are more like middle-aged women social hour 😂 Like I said, for this reason, no coach is forcing anyone to snatch/C&J. It's one thing to observe CrossFit from afar. Dissecting a sample of bad programming, poking fun at the ridiculous looking butterfly pull-ups, seeing the requirements from being a L-1 coach. Those are also the reasons why I avoided it like the plague in my "gym bro" days. It's another thing to participate in or at least gain exposure to what's really happening in these gyms. Most people are very cool, friendly, and just want to get a good sweat in, and most people don't give a rat's ass about how much you lift or how fast you can run.
you win..longest comment I've ever read on youtube. but yeah totally makes sense. i freaking love being able to move and I would like to do that with as little setback as possible, even if progress is much slower
CrossFit all depends on your coaches, the affiliate you attend, the programming. Take a Handstand push-up for instance. There’s a ton of risk to crash down on the head/neck and be in a RUclips fail compilation. There’s also a lot of progressions to work towards it and really increase shoulder strength. People are too quick to wanna be like the athletes on ESPN but they end up on video for a different reason.
Thank you for your thoughtful analysis! I wasn’t aware of the difference between countries on adult-level sports. I recently visited Norway and was shocked by the responsible culture of fitness there. No matter where we went, everyday people were moving. Hiking, walking, ski skating, it was anywhere & everywhere, and it appeared that landscapes were designed to encourage/accommodate it.
I’m from Australia and I agree with Mitch about sports, most towns have football team that play neighbouring towns. They generally have 4 levels 1st 2nd 3rds and 4ths. Obviously the younger kids are in the fourths and thirds but the talented teenagers go up to play in the 2nds or 1st with the adults. Same goes for most other sport’s cricket-basketball-netball-soccer. If you have the want to do so you can play sports competitively for as long as you choose. Also as someone who does CrossFit and also incorporates strongman lifts in my training I appreciate his perspective.
The only reason I hate crossfit is because it is the polar opposite of fight club. First rule of crossfit "tell everyone you know that you do crossfit"
CrossFit is stupid. Nothing epitomizes this better than the contrast of some dope walking on his hands next to the World's Strongest Man doing sit ups in a Roman chair.
What ever your level walking is probably the most underrated form of exercise out there. It’s an easy way of checking your bio mechanics are flowing, good for cardio, relaxing before bed, good pre / post exercise after all if you’re struggling to walk properly with out some part of your anatomy aching or performing oddly, maybe something needs attention?
I don't think people necessarily think the act of crossfit is stupid, but rather there's a lot of clique-ish communities for crossfit in North America. The same goes for any sport though. If you're new to the gym and entered a place like Westside Barbell or golds gym in the 80s, would you really be interested in powerlifting/bodybuilding? Probably not. Crossfit's barrier of entry is low, the community is welcoming to anyone that wants to join, and you can do most of the exercises (or some variant of them) at home. I think the fitness community as a whole needs to stop judging each others flavor of sport so harshly and just enjoy the fact that people are wanting to get healthier.
I think one of the main criticisms of CrossFit comes from some of the early mis-steps of CrossFit. It is a sport and fitness program that evolved in the internet era so all of the early stumbles were so well documented. Imagine if we started playing football with the old timey equipment and rules in 2008-ish. It would be insane. Now, with huge leaps in health science, programming, recovery, etc…we now know how good CrossFit can be.
The problem you mention is prevalent in a lot of places. My cousin got his back destroyed by one that had him doing deadlifts at weight he had no business doing. His form broke down and then his back. I think there are better ways for people getting started with fitness.
It’s functional movement, executed at high intensity, with varied movements and modalities. If you only see danger in that, you’re wrong. If you only see puppies and butterflies, you’re also wrong. It 100% has the propensity to be very safe, healthy, and enriching. Where and how and with who you’re training are obviously important.
What has the methodology got to do with how much weight your cousin put on the bar? People fuck themselves up by putting too much ego on the bar in every single gym, in every sport, on the planet. Jackasses have been ignoring their Coaches since sports begun.
I doubt the Crossfit box had him doing that weight. He likely pushed himself with the deadlift due to ego. There are no programs in CrossFit that start overly heavy, all have scaled options. The problem is poor coaching of form and technique, and ego treating every AMRAP or Metcon as a competition. If you approach it in a humble way, you will thrive.
Thank you for this, Mitchell! I've been a fan of strongman for the past year. I'm overweight and have struggled with weight my entire life. As a woman with PCOS, I've had a trainer tell me before that I would do great with strength training but I was already afraid of getting injured or looking bulking (which I now know is ridiculous). I've been watching you, Eddie Hall, Andrea Thompson, and Rebecca Roberts for a few months now and think it's time that I just start lifting.
I'm a woman and I'm a bit chubby with a normal bmi and I am actually trying to bulk more because I am slightly buff (I'm always told I look like a man)
As someone who was completely sedentary for over a decade since high school, I firmly belive that I would have never sought an active lifestyle or every set foot in a gym again without strongman. I'm someone that needs working out to feel like recess not pain for the sake of giant biceps or quads. A year later and I have a solid foundation where I want to try more aerobic activities like cross fit or spartan races. I even started grappling because it's incredible cardio, directly improves capabilities in strongman and to be honest way more fun than running. I agree whatever gets people moving and motivates them to want to improve.
Crossfit and its Crossfit games (Don't look up fails) will and always have been awful, with injuries that should be completely avoidable and half-arsed exercises, anyone who does Crossfit is a failed athlete who wasn't good enough for the other sports. I had a bunch of "pro" Crossfiter influencer types (I don't know a single name) joined me at Tiger Muay Thai & MMA as I was putting some kids through classes I'd see them on multiple occasions nearly cripple themselves, they asked to come along with one of the guys who was going to take people on their run, it's usually an 8km run all in, they all gassed very early from what I was told 3 of them requiring medical support, I've never met so many people who are capable of so little, mind you there were people who'd join in who were overweight or something else perhaps not quite at the desired fitness level but they'd 9/10 either complete it or get well close enough never once an issue. I know local Thai kids who can do a lot more. You can do super sets just fine without nearly meeting death. I will never once view anyone who's a cross fitter seriously and I will never view them as the "fittest" ever, it's nice but doesn't belong in reality.
In the bigger cities/municipalities in Canada we've got a ton of recreational / semi-competitive leagues for a bunch of sports (floor hockey, soccer, ultimate frisbee, squash, etc.)
@5:35 very true. I own Leviathan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy and the majority of my adult students are 30yrs old and up. Some ex athletes and now them and their kids can compete for as long as their health and body allow. Some are sick of going to a gym to lift or for cardio. Bjj has been a great outlet for their fitness🤙I love Strongman and powerlifting.
Watching some CrossFit workouts reminds me of the monkey exhibit at the zoo. In other words, I’ll stick to a strength training workout, followed by maybe some treadmill time for cardio. All of the jumping around is just too much for my mind to handle.
Honestly, it just seems like crossfit is waaaaay more injury prone than other strength sports. Happens way too often. Aside from the common injuries, obviously, you can do crossfit and be very healthy, it's just a lot of the sport seems goofy lol
I LOVEEEEEEE What you just said about the early success for Strongman and overweight people leading towards healthier outcomes. 5:00 this is pretty spot on with leading me from being 350lbs at 46%bmi to now 37%bmi at 350lbs and wanting too cut a 100lbs of fat simply because I experienced that success in the gym.
Thats a great transition/recomposition that you have embarked on. Too many people just want to lose the weight first and gain strength after or not at all, and that just does not work. 👍
I was also a Strongman athlete that hated CrossFit when it was raging in the 2010's 😅 but I'm on the same page as you now. And CrossFit has done a lot as far as making Strongman more popular through using some of the implements in their competitions.
Cross-fit is fine when you use good form and learn how to do everything properly. Unfortunately, the majority of CrossFit gyms/boxes out there don’t do this. I can tell you from first-hand experience that most CrossFit gyms I have no idea what they’re doing.
Majority? Most Crossfit Gyms? How many have you been to? There are over 14,000. Are you telling me you've been to over 7,000 Crossfit Gyms worldwide? 🤣
I think that Crossfit has had a very positive impact on fitness. Firstly, defining fitness was huge and layed out a much needed roadmap to the many components of fitness. Crossfit also got women to come to the gym and train compund movements such as the squat, deadlift, clean, etc. Crossfit can also take credit for "muscle confusion", not knowing your workout ahead of time can help push past sticking points and ares of weakness we do not like to train. Not everyone is a crossfit games athlete however and there is a big hole which can be percieved to exclude people who cannot perform the fundamental crossfit movements such as the Kipping pullup, or other overhead movements in the case of limited upper body mobility. Also, compound movements are meant to be trained with regularity and progression to develop competency. Compound movements IMHO are not meant to be trained infrequently with high repetitions and intensity. Crossfit does not specialize in any sport and is meant to stay general and expose the weakest link, address it in training, and improve overall fitness. The reality is that in general, we like to do what we are good at, and stay away from the things we suck at.
I went to a CF Gym for a while. The one here was way too cliquey for me., It was like being around a bunch of 16-year-olds. They did a good job setting up alternate versions of movements to fit people's current fitness levels. I do a couple of metcons in my driveway weekly and some resistance training the other 5 days. Saves me $125 a month, and I am more content.
I think the crossfit pullups are stupid. And all the clean and jerk fail videos of crossfit people are funny. The main problem is when people do crossfit they feel the need to drop it in all conversations and beg for praise.
Highland Games is one of those communities that you can be a part of for as long as you want. Many Games have 65+ categories and can be competitive on a World stage, if that is your goal. It got me moving after I couldn't stick with anything, even as a former athlete. Great advice!
While emphasizing activities that will limit injury risk is optimal, the problem is most fitness enthusiasts want to constantly challenge themselves and improve their performance. I was moderately competitive at local crossfit competitions when I was 25 and have struggled for 10 years accepting a steady decline in physical performance due to injuries, family obligations, etc. I now mostly do calisthenics and rucking because I've found those activities to be "optimal" in terms of weight management and injury prevention but almost every week at the gym I see folks who are middle aged but newer to crossfit get super excited when they get their first muscle up, hit a snatch PR, etc. totally unaware that they're only going to be able to do those activities for a few more years before they're body will no longer let them. No one who is really into fitness ever wants to be told, "hey you might want to stop trying to increase your max back squat and start focusing on steady state, low impact movements".
I never did CrossFit yet I did all round technique_training_ exercise Example: yard work at the age of twelve has fourteen hours of outdoor activities Then adding school when summer vacation is over plus finish off with yard work into the season of sports.
In my city it is a rich man's sport. Cross fit is Easley 120 to 200 a month depending on the time you want to go. I am interested in it but it is way too expensive. The strong man gym is 80 bucks and as low as 60 with discounts.
While your theory is sound, my experience is that CrossFit (vs other trainer based programs) are more likely to get injuries as it tells you to do these things rather than focusing on the fundamentals of technique. If you go to a mtn bike class, they teach you how to do each move... They don't just throw you at a course. If you meet a personal trainer for lifting, they'll focus on your form, your personal body, and slowly advance.
Good Explanation. I always had more strength than my nervous system, tendons and muscle reflexes could handle and when I hit a growth spurt (30cm basically over night) in my teens, everything besides of my muscles couldnt really catch up, which made every exercise incredibly exhausting. and only now, 16 years and multiple serious injuries later, the rest of it is slowly catching up.
Lol what. You cannot be stronger than what your nervous system and natural chemicals in the body can produce. Our muscles and other connective tissue are always the limiting factor. Hence why theoretically we can get stronger infinitely (no "natty limit" per se, but the limit is age and death, no matter how good the other factors are).
For perspective, I do strongman in a national level in Denmark. I dislike CrossFit boxes due to some of the reasons that you bring up, but I still do a "fun wod" now and again. They want to do all the games workouts, while they are novice and can't handle it. Often times they don't seem to value proper form, but value reps, example - most people that do crossfit snatch - but if you really look at it, it looks like shit and they have found a way thats easy for them, because it's often times speed is more of a value, or they do front squats for reps and their knees cave in all the time. Strict movement like a pullup or even a burpee is ruined for the sake of speed and imaginary reps. I honestly don't mind the 50 wallballs -> 100 ski cal -> 150 box jumps -> 20 doubleunders ARAM 2 hours .. it's whatever, that can be fun, I guess. But I do mind the lack of proper care for people that do it and that you far to often see injuries and careless behavior. HOWEVER - I do really appreciate that CrossFit has the ability to create a community in a box, where people go and workout and it keeps them coming back for more.
Always loved watching Crossfit. Mitch, I know you love athletics and pushing yourself to be better, Have you ever heard or thought about the Barkley (?) Challenge? 60 hours, 100 to 130 miles of mountain hiking/running.
I think one of the big issues with crossfit is, regardless of ability, a lot of those exercises are going to cause injury. You're just looking to destroy your shoulders doing those pull ups. Whereas in strongman/weight lifting, you start light, you can learn proper technique, and as long as you avoid ego lifting, you can stay pretty healthy. It's safer to build up to a proper pull up than swing like a monkey. Just my opinion. Do what you enjoy more and what keeps you fit. In the great words of Red Green, "i'm pulling for ya. We're all in this together."
I cosched for 7 years. I would say the only thing that needs to really change are a few things: Keep Olympic lifts light to moderate. Get rid of muscle ups
Totally agree. Getting people moving *safely* is to be encouraged. That said, moving in a potential dangerous or sub-optimal way is better than couch surfing and sitting at a desk all day. That said, I remember seeing the Crossfit founder Glassman rag on people doing body building type movements like a seated lateral raise as being stupid and non-functional. He lost me there. What the heck is functional about people walking on their hands Greg? Regardless, despite having only done Crossfit once (I prefer my own routine at the gym), I think it is the single most successful initiative of getting non gym junky types to become gym junky types. Nothing else has come close in getting those potential couch surfers who weren't interested in body building or perhaps lacking the skill for organised sport, off the couch and moving and strong.
In my area in the Netherlands. Cross-fit also became very popular in a short period of time. But it's often just an extra class that a gym will give. Often not very well thought out by inexperienced trainers. I've seen a beginners class with some older, heavy and unfit people. And part of their program was to jump on each others backs and run around. That's just wildly irresponsible.
I’m a physical therapist, and in the PT world the joke is that CrossFit is really good for business. Competitive people ripping out ballistic, loaded, technical exercises is a perfect recipe for injury.
If you take a look at true injury rates as reported in the literature, Crossfit rates are lower than running as an example. Would you advise that people don't run then?
My only issue with CrossFit is the person who used to go to my gym and do their WODs in an area that was completely inappropriate for it, and took over multiple pieces of equipment at a time. As long as you're not getting in the way of your fellow gym-goers, do whatever works for you!
I respect the athletes, but Crossfit seems to exist to promote Crossfit above promoting health and wellness. They're trying to turn fitness into a brand name and profit off it. I believe that the competitors of the WSM really are the world's strongest men, but the world's fittest man might have nothing to do with Crossfit. Also it's silly, but Crossfit calling those kip-ups pullups and counting those weak burpees as legit makes me respect it less as a competitive sport. That said it's the same as powerlifting and the ultra-arched 2 inch ROM bench press.
CrossFit has too many different movesets to master them all for Average Joe, yet the weight is low enough to make Average Joe go like "Yea I can do that". That's why it is so dangerous. I don't think it is stupid, a CrossFit Pro actually is impressive to watch.
Your comment is a total contradiction. If the load isn’t too heavy there is pretty much no dangerous movements lol. Total myth to claim there are “dangerous ways to move”
@@joshgill3189 "If the load isn't to heavy there is pretty much no dangerous movements" is the wrongest statement ever. You can easily hurt yourself on a weight that would be doable by having bad technique.
Its not easy to hurt yourself at all lol. It is possible to hurt yourself yes, its not a valid reason to claim any movements are dangerous, your body is designed to move and it is very resilient. I can tell you don't have a history of actually playing sport or doing anything active lol. @@dfg12382
Not what I expected from the title, but now I can say that the World's Strongest Man agrees with me. I have said the same thing for years, as I have coached hundreds of kids in Soccer, Kayak, and mountain Bike
CrossFit an Strongman are taking over.. it's hard work. It's not hitting a ball or shooting a ball or wearing tights an chasing pigskin. It's 2 sports that require hard work an discipline
As someone who did ten of thousands of pullups, i only have problem with the pullup technique used in crossfit. The rest idc (from a personal trainer perspective), agree that only ex athletes should pursue it. Its not needed nor recommended, but still works.
Mitch, I tend to agree with you for the most part on this, but the problem is not with individual crossfit gyms (or "boxes", as they like to be called), but rather with the exercise philosophy espoused by the organization a whole. They fetishize extreme performance, and promote it over general health and fitness, despite the high risk of injury. It's funny that you should post this video today, because a perfect example of this skewed philosophy occured at the Crossfit Games finals yesterday. Roman Khrennikov, who was leading for almost the entire competition, broke his foot at the end of an event late in the schedule. With two events remaining, the medical staff allowed him to continue participating, despite that he clearly was incapable of competing at the minimum required level. In one event, he was doing jumprope double-unders jumping on one foot and performing heavy sled-pulls while braced with only one leg. He even got the "Spirit Of The Games" award for this, competing while injured and at risk of further damage. That's the kind of exercise philosophy that Crossfit promotes as a company, and is why so many people are critical of it.
Compounding the sport of Crossfit and the methodology is like comparing the Tour de France to going for a bike ride. Looks the same, but way different! How many pro athletes in other sports perform while injured? In hockey, unless you're in a coma, you're expected to show up for playoff games... I agree with you that Roman should've gotten pulled from the field, but he made his decision, which I do not agree with.
People hate crossfit for a few reasons. Kipping, cultish tendencies and it's pretty hard if you're unfit. It has some excellent and brutal workouts though if you're bored of your old workout routines.
Crossfit is a damn good fitness program for women who want to look damn good. This is the results I see. I'm a man and not a crossfitter. Not saying men shouldn't do crossfit. Crossfit is "bad" when doing compound lifts with bad forms because they're trying to do as many reps as possible in a short time.
Crossfit could be better seems pull ups push ups overhead lifts are and advantage to the shorter athletes. Cross fit as in carrying a weight across a line is more fair. Run with equal weight lift 30 100 kg sacks onto a 1 m high platform. Run up stairs with weight. Climb a wall 5 times. Etc etc Not sure if anyone understands what i am getting at. If u are 5ft7 clean and jerk a weight of 60kg 30 times the guy wh is 6 ft has lifted it about 15 ft further.
I'm curious, for you when you say your knees were not made for running marathons, genetically speaking, what was the feeling you had that made you come to that conclusion?
Injuries. It's been years since I paid attention to CrossFit, but I remember about 10 years ago all three friends I knew who went to a box had their arms in slings within months of each other.
Injury rate from Crossfit is actually way lower than many other "safe" sports; anecdotal evidence should be taken as such, singular data points. In the grand scheme of things with attentive and properly trained coaches guiding you throughout your journey, the methodology is quite effective. The injuries you saw, could be the result of your friends attempting, too much, too heavy too soon, who knows?
The assertion that CrossFitters are the fittest athletes globally sparks a discussion about the essence of fitness. In CrossFit's original definition, specialization isn't the goal; instead, mastery across all fitness categories is valued. However, this perspective diverges from traditional sports where athletes are masters of specific skills, like strongmen in the world of strength sports. CrossFitters embrace an unconventional approach, striving to be proficient across a broad spectrum of exercises. Their philosophy aligns with a holistic sense of fitness, emphasizing adaptability and versatility. In contrast, strongmen focus on pushing the boundaries of strength in specific domains, often specializing in feats of power and endurance. Comparing the two, CrossFitters indeed excel in versatility, but they often fall short of achieving mastery in any single skill. Strongmen, on the other hand, epitomize specialized excellence, becoming masters of feats that are beyond most people's imagination. The "fittest" label varies in its interpretation, depending on whether it's seen through the lens of adaptability and versatility or through the lens of specialized expertise. Ultimately, the debate about who holds the title of the "fittest on earth" is nuanced and shaped by the parameters we choose to define fitness. CrossFitters challenge convention by thriving as generalists, while strongmen embody the pinnacle of specialization within their domain. The truth lies in recognizing that different paths to fitness excellence exist, each with its unique merits.
tl;dr: Bad form and hurry I did a few months of crossfit, but quit when it was time to get more serious about it. The reason is that it's not something to be taken seriously. So I went back to regular lifting instead. Crossfit has great many exercises and a lot of them are very fun to do. However, crossfit has a recurring problem with time and consistently encourages bad form. Coaches I met were always very time-pressed at demonstrating new moves, so it was impossible to establish a proper form for anything. Second issue is the competition format, trying to achieve as many reps as possible in short time. This inevitably leads to cheating on form. And finally, doing until exhaustion means form will decay further. As a technique enthusiast, this just rubbed me the wrong way. Within the crossfit framework it was entirely impractical to get the form right - competitions basically punished for it, as form judging is way lax. This is a massive pity, since the exercises themselves are great. Also, crossfit is very communal and gyms don't encourage doing your own thing. You have to do what is told and in a group. This is a great motivator for many, but not for me. So, if there ever comes a non-competitive version of crossfit gym for patient introverts, I'll join right away. Until then, I keep doing boring old barbell lifts.
It was hip to hate on CrossFit for the longest time, there's still a few pockets of DYEL that chuckle at crossfit or even worse call olympic weightlifting crossfit. My biggest issue with Crossfit is that people try to achieve the wrong goals. It motivates people to finish their workouts faster by either sacrificing the form leading to injuries or cheating and basically diminishing the return on your exercise investment.
I think crossfit is really cool, but I used to dislike it because I saw the horrible videos of both normal people and elite athletes grinding reps with terrible form and it seemed to be glorified in a way. A thing I think a lot of people dont understand is fx. kipping pullups/ butterfly pull ups, ugly as they are, are not about muscle building, but effiency. A lot people from strength and bodybuilding think the effiency is stupid because it defeats the purpose they themselves are training for.
The problem with Crossfit is that they do workouts for time. Trying to race to get a workout done is going to force people to sacrifice form for speed. This is just a terrible practice. CF would be better off if they ditched the timed workouts and focused on proper form with slower movements. Faster does not equal better. Too much injury risk for little benefit. Slow it down, do it right.
I think crossfit training can be amazing when done correctly, the games are a hilarious joke. When they make sense, and judges are consistent and people in a race arent said to have completed their laps or what ever and infact they still needed to do two more. Strongman easily has some competition issues but no where near the lvl of horror as crossfit, I think the worst part is its all under one companies banner theres no grassroot comps on a national lvl or anything to help push the comps to be better. Espically more entertaining to watch, its sad when someone squating is clapping their knees more than the crowd.
Having people do these Olympic lifts without proper training flexibility, even just doing those front squats with your hands bent back , my mom has always trained my whole life in a regular gym , goes to a crossshit gym once , and sprains her whole arm doing cleans with a kettle bell . Basic training is better than running around the whole gym picking up everything u see. People train for years to condition their bodies for those Olympic lifts , That’s my 2 cents
also tryna complete exercises in the fastest time possible for running or swimming or obstacle course makes sense a race for how many goofy pullups or situps someone can do is dumb imo
I don't think it's the programming of CrossFit as much as it is the pretentiousness of the CrossFitter's. But really that could just come from the over competitive culture that CrossFit holds. At least that's how they are at the gym I go to in PA. It just feels like no matter what training modality you choose to roll with, theirs is always better.
While I can appreciate CF, can't say I ever wanted to do it. So many poor lifting techniques, way too much explosive plyometric nonsense. Don't even get me started on some of the "coaches." All I see is long term damage to the joints and connective tissue. I train for long-term sustainability, not a premature exit from training.
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dude your really a new kind of worlds strongest man its good to see your so athletic for the size i think peoples attitude is someone so big and strong can't move so well good for you and the sport
I love how knowledgeable he is about his body
Is Mitchell hooper the biggest freak of strength and athleticism there’s ever been? If he does the grand slam this year, I’ll put him above Thor 2018 as the goat strongman year
@@parisferguson8654respectfully, no. If all the competitions were available like the Shaw Classic and Rogue Invit. when Thor was at his peak (just missed out), he'd win those too lol. In terms of pure individual skill and raw brute strength in every area, Thor is probably the greatest in that regard. I don't even think 2018 Thor is his absolute peak. That was 2019-2020, right before he burned the candle at both ends trying to break records. Sure, he didn't win WSM in 2019, but injury happened and that's hard to overcome as soon as it happens. He was a literal dominating force that NO ONE wanted to compete against. And this was with the other giant Brian and WSM winner Martins still competing. People still WANT to compete against Hooper. He is absolutely beatable (even though he has years to go to achieve his optimal ability) and just recently, Evan beat him (sure, off of a stone mishap, but that's literally sport of all kinds). Hooper had the greatest rookie year of all-time, but let's not create recency bias. Thor is the most feared Strongman of all-time, and for a reason.
@@A-A-RonDavis2470 I argue that the most feared strongman of all time is Kazmaier.
I'm not old enough to have experienced the time of Bill Kaz mentioned, but Hooper seems to be analogous in his athleticism in this age as Mariusz Pudzianowski was in his age.
I agree 100% with the need for an outlet for ex-competitive athletes. I'm a few years out of school and it's astounding how out of shape some of my peers have gotten, when they used to be pretty incredible athletes.
then pick up a fucking BARBELL
The only reason why people 'hate' crossfit is because of the often poor form displayed. That's really it. People don't hate crossfitters for finding alternative ways to get and stay in shape; they don't like them for the poor form their promote, especially within their competitions.
It's not some hidden gripe. Many people are quite open about specifically what they don't like about crossfit, or rather the form they promote.
crossfit enthusiasts insistence that its for everyone despite the fact that most office workers and soccer moms/dads will only end up getting hurt after several months of box jumps and olympic lifts is also a common criticism.
That and it's undeniably bad for your joints compared to strength training via the basic barbell lifts. People older than 40 can't fall on their face and do box jumps, it's not sustainable in the long run without injuries occurring.
As a person that does CrossFit I agree. Coaching in CrossFit is average for what you pay, egos will lead to injury. But good programming is often solid, and up there with any power programming.
@@thejsixm2357 , it IS for everyone. Everything can be scaled. Take box jumps - if you are not fit enough to jump down, you step down - simple as that. If you are not fit enough to jump up on the box, you get a lower box, or you step up.
@@bjciavarella I started CF at the age of 42. I'm now 48. Won my 1st regional CF competition last year (not in the age group category). Have one or two minor niggles, but my joints are stronger than ever. I've stopped training at the affiliate as the programming is too simplistic. I'm now training on a paid for competitive programme, similar to Mayhem or HWPO etc. I will do CF until I die. It is so much fun learning new movements like Kipping Bar Muscle Ups (or even strict), Handstand walking, etc and yes I can do more strict pull ups than most my age, even though I prefer the kipping or butterfly version more when racing others. I started off slowly and now after 5 years am fitter than I was at 20 when I was a semi professional athlete. CF is for everyone! Even over 40's! Old style gym training like we used to do it in the 90's is boring AF and I will never ever be able to do that again! A basic 15 / 20 min metabolic conditioning workout has far more value for over 40's (or anyone) than 45 min of traditional weight training. Although both have their place depending on the individual's goals, limitations etc. You can't generalise like you did above. Besides, what's wrong with falling on your face. while trying a box jump? I wish more parents would take their kids out and let them try do something dangerous...like handstands, cartwheels, box jumps, monkeybars etc. We'd have far less issues like ADHD and learning disabilities.
I'm a personal trainer and run my own practice. I also have a good background competing in "Olympic" weightlifting. About a third of my clients come from Crossfit gyms, but do 1on1's with me to learn how to do olympic lifts better, and learn the advanced gymnastics movements -> so I'm very, fully aware of the limitations of coaching in most crossfit gyms. That said.... it's *ridiculous* how dangerous the internet folk make it seem. My crossfitters tend to occasionally develop epicondylitis, and sometimes strain the lower backs.... that's IT for injuries! Meanwhile, my BJJ athletes (which constitutes about 1/3 of my client roster) tend to get: shoulder surgeries, knee surgeries, neck surgeries, lower back surgeries, and a just a disgusting slew of injuries. My crossfitters literally get injured about as much as powerlifters, rock climbers, long distance runners, etc. No more. Again, not saying it's 100% risk free, I'm saying that if you practice ANY sport, there are inherent risks, and Crossfit's is not disproportionately large, DESPITE the occasional sub-par coaching.
Lmao so many people replying agreeing with the title having very clearly not started watching the video and seen what he actually says 🤡
No, I've watched it...but agree with the video title and not Mitch's diplomatic way if saying the same thing, with some exceptions...
@@Brett.Dif you've watched it then clearly I'm not talking to you, I'm talking to all the people making "Agreed" comments 30 seconds after the video was released
Watching Infinite Elgintensity, I'd have to say crossfit is stupid, I've seen way more bloopers in crossfit than any other sport.
Yep, that's the case with a lot of serial commenters. Social media is less about the content, and they go straight to the comment section. That's where the real entertainment value is for a lot of people.
@@HOLDFASTHOUNDah I see you are also a person of quality.
Personally, the criticism of Crossfit that I see around is mainly about lack of technical proficiency (both with beginners and some high level athletes) when doing highly technical movements and the apparent need to do these technical movements in a fatigued state, compounding that issue. If one wanted to test for cardiovascular fitness as well as strength, why not do them separately like in a decathlon? And then there's the shoddy judging at the Crossfit Games.
But I've never heard anyone complain about the idea of Crossfit. As in finding the best allround fitness. The issue isn't with the principle of the thing but with how it's done.
That and the evangelism of cross-fitters, which seems to have died down in recent years but its where the classic "I do cross-fit" persona/meme was born. Its like veganism, in that respect. A reasonable endeavour done by 99% reasonable people ruined by the worst most egotistical self-righteous elitist minority of spokespeople imaginable.
I can see the appeal of CrossFit. The workouts are planned out for you and they incorporate resistance training and cardio all in a short amount of time. It's convenient for people to just enjoy casually and there's a structure in place if you want to take it very seriously too.
Exactly, each individual approach is going to be different. The weakness is typically the “coaching”.
I'd like to add that you have such a variety of exercises that you really can tailor it to your liking.
Only thing to criticise is that often technique is taught or applied sloppy. If you don't do that it's a great workout
I used to do the Crossfit websight WODs at home like 3-4 days a week. I'd modify the workouts to fit my fitness level as well as my particular goals. My equipment is relatively modest so i had to substitute some exercises too. I got in pretty dang good over-all shape from it. So i think its like ANY fitness ideology: as long as you use common sense and check your ego at the door, you're good.
I used to do the same thing. And it was pretty fun too
Exactly 💯
Yeah it's always been a hard pass on anything CrossFit related... Over training & genius marketing is all it is
I think my issue with CrossFit has been that the times I've gone I've been annoyed that they don't allow you to just lift independently and I've been told I had to do their bullsh** WODs first. The vast majority of the "trainers" I've encountered have absolutely no business coaching and have had people that are completely new to lifting trying to do snatches, clean and jerks or deadlifts for fast reps with moderate weight after less than 5 minutes of instruction. It's a recipe for injuries. I totally understand your point about the crossfit games and the purpose of the competition, the problem is that the local Boxes get all their inspiration from the games and try to model everything after them, not understanding that their members have no business trying to compete like that. I've gone to CrossFit gyms all of the country when I've traveled and given them a go so that I could formulate my own opinion because I've had many friends try to get me to do it with them. But I insist that none of the trainers know how to program their wods to allow for muscle and joint recovery, they have a fetish for overworking the shoulders and back or putting them in compromising positions. I don't think someone that doesn't have a strong background in sports and a firm foundation of doing Olympic lifts should ever try CrossFit because they'll get hurt, especially if they listen to the trainers. But unfortunately the bulk of the crossfit community is made up of those people. It's just too bad because they really would benefit from the community and group fitness if they don't have the motivation to put themselves through workouts, they just shouldn't be doing CrossFit style workouts that don't provide adequate instruction for complex lifts that are setting them up for injury. Anytime I do a wod at a box I do the workout at my own pace to prioritize efficient movement and quality lifts, but most people I see don't have the stomach to tell the trainers to fu** off or they feel pressured to conform to the group and just go faster faster faster. I was an all American in track and rugby in college so I've been comfortable with all of the movements in CrossFit, but I'd still never try to do high rep snatches with heavy weight for speed after doing 4 other movements that worked the shoulders... I'm 30, I don't need another injury that will linger for the rest of my life, I have enough of those already😂
I agree with you in most of this. This is coming from someone who actively participates in CrossFit. I don't think it's a good idea for everyday people to take an 8 hour class and get the privilege of "coaching".
However, most everyday CrossFit gyms don't program for themselves. It's typically cycle-by-cycle gpp programming done by camps or individuals with experience in the space who actually know what they're doing, unlike many of the so called "coaches". These programs don't even reflect 10% of the demands found in competitive programming. Most "coaches" are smart enough to understand that movements are scalable to an infinite degree, and I assure you thag no coach is forcing anyone to learn how to snatch/C&J.
This may be anecdotal as well, but most of the CrossFit gyms in my area don't really push the professional side of the business on their clientele, as most of the clientele are 40+ aged men and women who have no interest or desire to pay attention to the professional side. If anything, many CrossFit classes are more like middle-aged women social hour 😂 Like I said, for this reason, no coach is forcing anyone to snatch/C&J.
It's one thing to observe CrossFit from afar. Dissecting a sample of bad programming, poking fun at the ridiculous looking butterfly pull-ups, seeing the requirements from being a L-1 coach. Those are also the reasons why I avoided it like the plague in my "gym bro" days.
It's another thing to participate in or at least gain exposure to what's really happening in these gyms. Most people are very cool, friendly, and just want to get a good sweat in, and most people don't give a rat's ass about how much you lift or how fast you can run.
Ok imma stick to my bootcamp class then
you win..longest comment I've ever read on youtube. but yeah totally makes sense. i freaking love being able to move and I would like to do that with as little setback as possible, even if progress is much slower
CrossFit all depends on your coaches, the affiliate you attend, the programming. Take a Handstand push-up for instance. There’s a ton of risk to crash down on the head/neck and be in a RUclips fail compilation. There’s also a lot of progressions to work towards it and really increase shoulder strength. People are too quick to wanna be like the athletes on ESPN but they end up on video for a different reason.
The professionals make it look so easy. Having worked out next to one before is mind blowing how strong and fast someone can be
The pros are also on steroids, so....
Thank you for your thoughtful analysis! I wasn’t aware of the difference between countries on adult-level sports. I recently visited Norway and was shocked by the responsible culture of fitness there. No matter where we went, everyday people were moving. Hiking, walking, ski skating, it was anywhere & everywhere, and it appeared that landscapes were designed to encourage/accommodate it.
I’m from Australia and I agree with Mitch about sports, most towns have football team that play neighbouring towns. They generally have 4 levels 1st 2nd 3rds and 4ths. Obviously the younger kids are in the fourths and thirds but the talented teenagers go up to play in the 2nds or 1st with the adults. Same goes for most other sport’s cricket-basketball-netball-soccer. If you have the want to do so you can play sports competitively for as long as you choose. Also as someone who does CrossFit and also incorporates strongman lifts in my training I appreciate his perspective.
Blows my mind that you guys don't have amateur athletics clubs in the US!
Thanks for putting such a positive mindset out there. People just need to get moving anyway they can. Movement is life.
Positive thinking is a scourge to humanity.
@@Hermanubis1What are you advocating for exactly, Hermanubis?
@@SleightofhandCH Positive thinking is a disgusting religion that came from the New Thought movement. It is horrid and must be abolished.
The only reason I hate crossfit is because it is the polar opposite of fight club. First rule of crossfit "tell everyone you know that you do crossfit"
Strongman is also healthy, when you're not competing and using supplement S. I'd argue it's the most healthy sport for strength and endurance.
CrossFit is stupid. Nothing epitomizes this better than the contrast of some dope walking on his hands next to the World's Strongest Man doing sit ups in a Roman chair.
What ever your level walking is probably the most underrated form of exercise out there. It’s an easy way of checking your bio mechanics are flowing, good for cardio, relaxing before bed, good pre / post exercise after all if you’re struggling to walk properly with out some part of your anatomy aching or performing oddly, maybe something needs attention?
I don't think people necessarily think the act of crossfit is stupid, but rather there's a lot of clique-ish communities for crossfit in North America. The same goes for any sport though. If you're new to the gym and entered a place like Westside Barbell or golds gym in the 80s, would you really be interested in powerlifting/bodybuilding? Probably not. Crossfit's barrier of entry is low, the community is welcoming to anyone that wants to join, and you can do most of the exercises (or some variant of them) at home. I think the fitness community as a whole needs to stop judging each others flavor of sport so harshly and just enjoy the fact that people are wanting to get healthier.
I think one of the main criticisms of CrossFit comes from some of the early mis-steps of CrossFit. It is a sport and fitness program that evolved in the internet era so all of the early stumbles were so well documented. Imagine if we started playing football with the old timey equipment and rules in 2008-ish. It would be insane. Now, with huge leaps in health science, programming, recovery, etc…we now know how good CrossFit can be.
The problem you mention is prevalent in a lot of places.
My cousin got his back destroyed by one that had him doing deadlifts at weight he had no business doing. His form broke down and then his back.
I think there are better ways for people getting started with fitness.
It’s functional movement, executed at high intensity, with varied movements and modalities. If you only see danger in that, you’re wrong. If you only see puppies and butterflies, you’re also wrong. It 100% has the propensity to be very safe, healthy, and enriching. Where and how and with who you’re training are obviously important.
What has the methodology got to do with how much weight your cousin put on the bar? People fuck themselves up by putting too much ego on the bar in every single gym, in every sport, on the planet. Jackasses have been ignoring their Coaches since sports begun.
That sounds like your cousin made a mistake, not like CrossFit made a mistake.
Unless the coaches told him to try the weight he did then it's his fault
I doubt the Crossfit box had him doing that weight. He likely pushed himself with the deadlift due to ego. There are no programs in CrossFit that start overly heavy, all have scaled options. The problem is poor coaching of form and technique, and ego treating every AMRAP or Metcon as a competition. If you approach it in a humble way, you will thrive.
One of the reasons why Pudzian was so dominant was that he was the most mobile strongman.
True and fit almost never got injured.
True he ran beach boxed skipped
Whatever you do, try and avoid injuries. Any exercise where you jank heavy loads are risky.
super motivational and inspiring. thanks for the great support
Thank you for this, Mitchell! I've been a fan of strongman for the past year. I'm overweight and have struggled with weight my entire life. As a woman with PCOS, I've had a trainer tell me before that I would do great with strength training but I was already afraid of getting injured or looking bulking (which I now know is ridiculous). I've been watching you, Eddie Hall, Andrea Thompson, and Rebecca Roberts for a few months now and think it's time that I just start lifting.
I'm a woman and I'm a bit chubby with a normal bmi and I am actually trying to bulk more because I am slightly buff (I'm always told I look like a man)
As someone who was completely sedentary for over a decade since high school, I firmly belive that I would have never sought an active lifestyle or every set foot in a gym again without strongman. I'm someone that needs working out to feel like recess not pain for the sake of giant biceps or quads. A year later and I have a solid foundation where I want to try more aerobic activities like cross fit or spartan races. I even started grappling because it's incredible cardio, directly improves capabilities in strongman and to be honest way more fun than running. I agree whatever gets people moving and motivates them to want to improve.
Crossfit and its Crossfit games (Don't look up fails) will and always have been awful, with injuries that should be completely avoidable and half-arsed exercises, anyone who does Crossfit is a failed athlete who wasn't good enough for the other sports. I had a bunch of "pro" Crossfiter influencer types (I don't know a single name) joined me at Tiger Muay Thai & MMA as I was putting some kids through classes I'd see them on multiple occasions nearly cripple themselves, they asked to come along with one of the guys who was going to take people on their run, it's usually an 8km run all in, they all gassed very early from what I was told 3 of them requiring medical support, I've never met so many people who are capable of so little, mind you there were people who'd join in who were overweight or something else perhaps not quite at the desired fitness level but they'd 9/10 either complete it or get well close enough never once an issue.
I know local Thai kids who can do a lot more. You can do super sets just fine without nearly meeting death. I will never once view anyone who's a cross fitter seriously and I will never view them as the "fittest" ever, it's nice but doesn't belong in reality.
This was a great little video you made. You are very well rounded. I recognized several elite Crossfiters in this video.
"elite Crossfiters" lol
"Any type of movment that's not gonna get you hurt is gonna be useful" Thanks Mitch XD
In the bigger cities/municipalities in Canada we've got a ton of recreational / semi-competitive leagues for a bunch of sports (floor hockey, soccer, ultimate frisbee, squash, etc.)
@5:35 very true. I own Leviathan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy and the majority of my adult students are 30yrs old and up. Some ex athletes and now them and their kids can compete for as long as their health and body allow. Some are sick of going to a gym to lift or for cardio. Bjj has been a great outlet for their fitness🤙I love Strongman and powerlifting.
Watching some CrossFit workouts reminds me of the monkey exhibit at the zoo. In other words, I’ll stick to a strength training workout, followed by maybe some treadmill time for cardio. All of the jumping around is just too much for my mind to handle.
Stay out of shape then
You’re missing out
@@TrollHunterxXx Probably, but I’m in my 60s so I do what I can.
With proper coaching that jambled mess you observe from the outside become quite simple to follow and the community is great at keeping you going!
@@danylafontaine3723 I get it
Honestly, it just seems like crossfit is waaaaay more injury prone than other strength sports. Happens way too often.
Aside from the common injuries, obviously, you can do crossfit and be very healthy, it's just a lot of the sport seems goofy lol
Anything high impact can cause injuries!!
@@kimhoffman8595 obviously. my point is crossfit has a higher injury rate than other sports
Mitchell, I think you could give Eddie Hall's '60 kg bar overhead in a minute' world record a serious go.
I LOVEEEEEEE What you just said about the early success for Strongman and overweight people leading towards healthier outcomes. 5:00
this is pretty spot on with leading me from being 350lbs at 46%bmi to now 37%bmi at 350lbs and wanting too cut a 100lbs of fat simply because I experienced that success in the gym.
Thats a great transition/recomposition that you have embarked on. Too many people just want to lose the weight first and gain strength after or not at all, and that just does not work.
👍
I was also a Strongman athlete that hated CrossFit when it was raging in the 2010's 😅 but I'm on the same page as you now. And CrossFit has done a lot as far as making Strongman more popular through using some of the implements in their competitions.
Cross-fit is fine when you use good form and learn how to do everything properly. Unfortunately, the majority of CrossFit gyms/boxes out there don’t do this. I can tell you from first-hand experience that most CrossFit gyms I have no idea what they’re doing.
Majority? Most Crossfit Gyms? How many have you been to? There are over 14,000. Are you telling me you've been to over 7,000 Crossfit Gyms worldwide? 🤣
I think that Crossfit has had a very positive impact on fitness. Firstly, defining fitness was huge and layed out a much needed roadmap to the many components of fitness. Crossfit also got women to come to the gym and train compund movements such as the squat, deadlift, clean, etc. Crossfit can also take credit for "muscle confusion", not knowing your workout ahead of time can help push past sticking points and ares of weakness we do not like to train. Not everyone is a crossfit games athlete however and there is a big hole which can be percieved to exclude people who cannot perform the fundamental crossfit movements such as the Kipping pullup, or other overhead movements in the case of limited upper body mobility. Also, compound movements are meant to be trained with regularity and progression to develop competency. Compound movements IMHO are not meant to be trained infrequently with high repetitions and intensity. Crossfit does not specialize in any sport and is meant to stay general and expose the weakest link, address it in training, and improve overall fitness. The reality is that in general, we like to do what we are good at, and stay away from the things we suck at.
Your 1st sentence and it's already wrong.
@@artair70 how so? I'm curious
I went to a CF Gym for a while. The one here was way too cliquey for me., It was like being around a bunch of 16-year-olds. They did a good job setting up alternate versions of movements to fit people's current fitness levels. I do a couple of metcons in my driveway weekly and some resistance training the other 5 days. Saves me $125 a month, and I am more content.
Join Street Parking!
I think the crossfit pullups are stupid. And all the clean and jerk fail videos of crossfit people are funny. The main problem is when people do crossfit they feel the need to drop it in all conversations and beg for praise.
If you found a million dollars … you’d tell people right? People that find awesome things are excited about it and want to talk about it. Just my $.02
Highland Games is one of those communities that you can be a part of for as long as you want. Many Games have 65+ categories and can be competitive on a World stage, if that is your goal. It got me moving after I couldn't stick with anything, even as a former athlete. Great advice!
While emphasizing activities that will limit injury risk is optimal, the problem is most fitness enthusiasts want to constantly challenge themselves and improve their performance. I was moderately competitive at local crossfit competitions when I was 25 and have struggled for 10 years accepting a steady decline in physical performance due to injuries, family obligations, etc. I now mostly do calisthenics and rucking because I've found those activities to be "optimal" in terms of weight management and injury prevention but almost every week at the gym I see folks who are middle aged but newer to crossfit get super excited when they get their first muscle up, hit a snatch PR, etc. totally unaware that they're only going to be able to do those activities for a few more years before they're body will no longer let them.
No one who is really into fitness ever wants to be told, "hey you might want to stop trying to increase your max back squat and start focusing on steady state, low impact movements".
I don't think click bait titles are a good way to sustain subscribers. Keep up the great content.
Great content i like the way you break things down pros and cons and common sense easy to follow great advice 👌
I never did CrossFit yet I did all round technique_training_ exercise
Example: yard work at the age of twelve has fourteen hours of outdoor activities
Then adding school when summer vacation is over plus finish off with yard work into the season of sports.
There's tons of rugby clubs in the states
Is there any sport performing like strongman but with lighter weights and for higher reps?
video ended at 0:13 idk why it says its 10 mins long...
In my city it is a rich man's sport. Cross fit is Easley 120 to 200 a month depending on the time you want to go. I am interested in it but it is way too expensive. The strong man gym is 80 bucks and as low as 60 with discounts.
While your theory is sound, my experience is that CrossFit (vs other trainer based programs) are more likely to get injuries as it tells you to do these things rather than focusing on the fundamentals of technique.
If you go to a mtn bike class, they teach you how to do each move... They don't just throw you at a course. If you meet a personal trainer for lifting, they'll focus on your form, your personal body, and slowly advance.
Would be interested to see Mitchell's thoughts on kipping pull ups in particular.
Good Explanation. I always had more strength than my nervous system, tendons and muscle reflexes could handle and when I hit a growth spurt (30cm basically over night) in my teens, everything besides of my muscles couldnt really catch up, which made every exercise incredibly exhausting. and only now, 16 years and multiple serious injuries later, the rest of it is slowly catching up.
Nonsense talk
Lol what. You cannot be stronger than what your nervous system and natural chemicals in the body can produce. Our muscles and other connective tissue are always the limiting factor. Hence why theoretically we can get stronger infinitely (no "natty limit" per se, but the limit is age and death, no matter how good the other factors are).
For perspective, I do strongman in a national level in Denmark.
I dislike CrossFit boxes due to some of the reasons that you bring up, but I still do a "fun wod" now and again.
They want to do all the games workouts, while they are novice and can't handle it.
Often times they don't seem to value proper form, but value reps, example - most people that do crossfit snatch - but if you really look at it, it looks like shit and they have found a way thats easy for them, because it's often times speed is more of a value, or they do front squats for reps and their knees cave in all the time.
Strict movement like a pullup or even a burpee is ruined for the sake of speed and imaginary reps.
I honestly don't mind the 50 wallballs -> 100 ski cal -> 150 box jumps -> 20 doubleunders ARAM 2 hours .. it's whatever, that can be fun, I guess.
But I do mind the lack of proper care for people that do it and that you far to often see injuries and careless behavior.
HOWEVER - I do really appreciate that CrossFit has the ability to create a community in a box, where people go and workout and it keeps them coming back for more.
Always loved watching Crossfit. Mitch, I know you love athletics and pushing yourself to be better, Have you ever heard or thought about the Barkley (?) Challenge? 60 hours, 100 to 130 miles of mountain hiking/running.
It is like Martial Arts. I am often asked which Martial Arts is the best, I reply depends on the coach.
No. Not at all. Go fight; you’ll find out.
@@onerider808 Sigh, coaching is the key. If a gym cannot coach, then it does not matter what the martial art is.
@mitchell would you say exercise is more important than diet when it comes to longevity?
First time seeing your content and loving it. Well explained and easy to follow. Thanks Mitchell. Will watch more :D
I just love how he does the whole talking session while taking a walk. Legend
? yes it's amazing ?!
@@Cenot4ph🤣🤣🤣
6:03 pretty sure there’s a beer league in literally every Canadian city
I think one of the big issues with crossfit is, regardless of ability, a lot of those exercises are going to cause injury. You're just looking to destroy your shoulders doing those pull ups. Whereas in strongman/weight lifting, you start light, you can learn proper technique, and as long as you avoid ego lifting, you can stay pretty healthy. It's safer to build up to a proper pull up than swing like a monkey.
Just my opinion. Do what you enjoy more and what keeps you fit. In the great words of Red Green, "i'm pulling for ya. We're all in this together."
I cosched for 7 years. I would say the only thing that needs to really change are a few things:
Keep Olympic lifts light to moderate.
Get rid of muscle ups
I wish I was half as athletic as Mitch and I'm only 280! His fitness and agility at his strength and weight always impresses me.
Totally agree. Getting people moving *safely* is to be encouraged. That said, moving in a potential dangerous or sub-optimal way is better than couch surfing and sitting at a desk all day.
That said, I remember seeing the Crossfit founder Glassman rag on people doing body building type movements like a seated lateral raise as being stupid and non-functional. He lost me there. What the heck is functional about people walking on their hands Greg? Regardless, despite having only done Crossfit once (I prefer my own routine at the gym), I think it is the single most successful initiative of getting non gym junky types to become gym junky types. Nothing else has come close in getting those potential couch surfers who weren't interested in body building or perhaps lacking the skill for organised sport, off the couch and moving and strong.
In my area in the Netherlands. Cross-fit also became very popular in a short period of time. But it's often just an extra class that a gym will give. Often not very well thought out by inexperienced trainers. I've seen a beginners class with some older, heavy and unfit people. And part of their program was to jump on each others backs and run around. That's just wildly irresponsible.
Thank you👏👏By the way will you try to beat Big Loz WR Dinnie Stone walk?? The Old Man done brill.
I’m a physical therapist, and in the PT world the joke is that CrossFit is really good for business. Competitive people ripping out ballistic, loaded, technical exercises is a perfect recipe for injury.
I can only cry at the money the medical field is making off them, I'd be pumping Crossfit propaganda all over the place if I had my say.
If you take a look at true injury rates as reported in the literature, Crossfit rates are lower than running as an example. Would you advise that people don't run then?
My only issue with CrossFit is the person who used to go to my gym and do their WODs in an area that was completely inappropriate for it, and took over multiple pieces of equipment at a time. As long as you're not getting in the way of your fellow gym-goers, do whatever works for you!
Not for me, but I understand how other people could be drawn to it. Respect for being open enough to explore that world in more depth. 💪
I respect the athletes, but Crossfit seems to exist to promote Crossfit above promoting health and wellness. They're trying to turn fitness into a brand name and profit off it. I believe that the competitors of the WSM really are the world's strongest men, but the world's fittest man might have nothing to do with Crossfit. Also it's silly, but Crossfit calling those kip-ups pullups and counting those weak burpees as legit makes me respect it less as a competitive sport. That said it's the same as powerlifting and the ultra-arched 2 inch ROM bench press.
CrossFit has too many different movesets to master them all for Average Joe, yet the weight is low enough to make Average Joe go like "Yea I can do that". That's why it is so dangerous. I don't think it is stupid, a CrossFit Pro actually is impressive to watch.
Your comment is a total contradiction. If the load isn’t too heavy there is pretty much no dangerous movements lol. Total myth to claim there are “dangerous ways to move”
@@joshgill3189 "If the load isn't to heavy there is pretty much no dangerous movements" is the wrongest statement ever. You can easily hurt yourself on a weight that would be doable by having bad technique.
Its not easy to hurt yourself at all lol. It is possible to hurt yourself yes, its not a valid reason to claim any movements are dangerous, your body is designed to move and it is very resilient. I can tell you don't have a history of actually playing sport or doing anything active lol. @@dfg12382
Not what I expected from the title, but now I can say that the World's Strongest Man agrees with me. I have said the same thing for years, as I have coached hundreds of kids in Soccer, Kayak, and mountain Bike
I ❤ CrossFit, but as a runner I need to work in more lateral and single leg exercises.
Once time was added and it became a "competition", form went out the window and thus the respect for it by many people.
Crossfit have too many stupid exercises. The worst are the pull ups and that handstand walk circus.
CrossFit an Strongman are taking over.. it's hard work. It's not hitting a ball or shooting a ball or wearing tights an chasing pigskin. It's 2 sports that require hard work an discipline
As someone who did ten of thousands of pullups, i only have problem with the pullup technique used in crossfit. The rest idc (from a personal trainer perspective), agree that only ex athletes should pursue it. Its not needed nor recommended, but still works.
I think the only problem people ever had with crossfit was those weird chained pullups they authorized at a contest, it was ridiculous tbf 😅
It's a Gymnastics exercise. Not about power
Mitch, I tend to agree with you for the most part on this, but the problem is not with individual crossfit gyms (or "boxes", as they like to be called), but rather with the exercise philosophy espoused by the organization a whole. They fetishize extreme performance, and promote it over general health and fitness, despite the high risk of injury.
It's funny that you should post this video today, because a perfect example of this skewed philosophy occured at the Crossfit Games finals yesterday. Roman Khrennikov, who was leading for almost the entire competition, broke his foot at the end of an event late in the schedule. With two events remaining, the medical staff allowed him to continue participating, despite that he clearly was incapable of competing at the minimum required level. In one event, he was doing jumprope double-unders jumping on one foot and performing heavy sled-pulls while braced with only one leg. He even got the "Spirit Of The Games" award for this, competing while injured and at risk of further damage.
That's the kind of exercise philosophy that Crossfit promotes as a company, and is why so many people are critical of it.
Compounding the sport of Crossfit and the methodology is like comparing the Tour de France to going for a bike ride. Looks the same, but way different! How many pro athletes in other sports perform while injured? In hockey, unless you're in a coma, you're expected to show up for playoff games... I agree with you that Roman should've gotten pulled from the field, but he made his decision, which I do not agree with.
People hate crossfit for a few reasons. Kipping, cultish tendencies and it's pretty hard if you're unfit.
It has some excellent and brutal workouts though if you're bored of your old workout routines.
Facts, facts and more facts + seeing WSM doing Box Jump Overs 🤣 wow, what a boy
Crossfit is a damn good fitness program for women who want to look damn good. This is the results I see. I'm a man and not a crossfitter. Not saying men shouldn't do crossfit. Crossfit is "bad" when doing compound lifts with bad forms because they're trying to do as many reps as possible in a short time.
Crossfit could be better seems pull ups push ups overhead lifts are and advantage to the shorter athletes.
Cross fit as in carrying a weight across a line is more fair.
Run with equal weight lift 30 100 kg sacks onto a 1 m high platform.
Run up stairs with weight.
Climb a wall 5 times.
Etc etc
Not sure if anyone understands what i am getting at.
If u are 5ft7 clean and jerk a weight of 60kg 30 times the guy wh is 6 ft has lifted it about 15 ft further.
I'm curious, for you when you say your knees were not made for running marathons, genetically speaking, what was the feeling you had that made you come to that conclusion?
Injuries. It's been years since I paid attention to CrossFit, but I remember about 10 years ago all three friends I knew who went to a box had their arms in slings within months of each other.
Injury rate from Crossfit is actually way lower than many other "safe" sports; anecdotal evidence should be taken as such, singular data points. In the grand scheme of things with attentive and properly trained coaches guiding you throughout your journey, the methodology is quite effective. The injuries you saw, could be the result of your friends attempting, too much, too heavy too soon, who knows?
The assertion that CrossFitters are the fittest athletes globally sparks a discussion about the essence of fitness. In CrossFit's original definition, specialization isn't the goal; instead, mastery across all fitness categories is valued. However, this perspective diverges from traditional sports where athletes are masters of specific skills, like strongmen in the world of strength sports.
CrossFitters embrace an unconventional approach, striving to be proficient across a broad spectrum of exercises. Their philosophy aligns with a holistic sense of fitness, emphasizing adaptability and versatility. In contrast, strongmen focus on pushing the boundaries of strength in specific domains, often specializing in feats of power and endurance.
Comparing the two, CrossFitters indeed excel in versatility, but they often fall short of achieving mastery in any single skill. Strongmen, on the other hand, epitomize specialized excellence, becoming masters of feats that are beyond most people's imagination. The "fittest" label varies in its interpretation, depending on whether it's seen through the lens of adaptability and versatility or through the lens of specialized expertise.
Ultimately, the debate about who holds the title of the "fittest on earth" is nuanced and shaped by the parameters we choose to define fitness. CrossFitters challenge convention by thriving as generalists, while strongmen embody the pinnacle of specialization within their domain. The truth lies in recognizing that different paths to fitness excellence exist, each with its unique merits.
I like the video format of Mitchell talking while on a walk
tl;dr: Bad form and hurry
I did a few months of crossfit, but quit when it was time to get more serious about it. The reason is that it's not something to be taken seriously. So I went back to regular lifting instead.
Crossfit has great many exercises and a lot of them are very fun to do. However, crossfit has a recurring problem with time and consistently encourages bad form. Coaches I met were always very time-pressed at demonstrating new moves, so it was impossible to establish a proper form for anything. Second issue is the competition format, trying to achieve as many reps as possible in short time. This inevitably leads to cheating on form. And finally, doing until exhaustion means form will decay further.
As a technique enthusiast, this just rubbed me the wrong way. Within the crossfit framework it was entirely impractical to get the form right - competitions basically punished for it, as form judging is way lax. This is a massive pity, since the exercises themselves are great.
Also, crossfit is very communal and gyms don't encourage doing your own thing. You have to do what is told and in a group. This is a great motivator for many, but not for me.
So, if there ever comes a non-competitive version of crossfit gym for patient introverts, I'll join right away. Until then, I keep doing boring old barbell lifts.
It was hip to hate on CrossFit for the longest time, there's still a few pockets of DYEL that chuckle at crossfit or even worse call olympic weightlifting crossfit. My biggest issue with Crossfit is that people try to achieve the wrong goals. It motivates people to finish their workouts faster by either sacrificing the form leading to injuries or cheating and basically diminishing the return on your exercise investment.
Maybe more cerebral than even Brian Shaw,💪🤓 in a good way. I learn a lot from this stout youngster!
I think crossfit is really cool, but I used to dislike it because I saw the horrible videos of both normal people and elite athletes grinding reps with terrible form and it seemed to be glorified in a way. A thing I think a lot of people dont understand is fx. kipping pullups/ butterfly pull ups, ugly as they are, are not about muscle building, but effiency. A lot people from strength and bodybuilding think the effiency is stupid because it defeats the purpose they themselves are training for.
The problem with Crossfit is that they do workouts for time. Trying to race to get a workout done is going to force people to sacrifice form for speed. This is just a terrible practice. CF would be better off if they ditched the timed workouts and focused on proper form with slower movements. Faster does not equal better. Too much injury risk for little benefit. Slow it down, do it right.
Very well put Mitch. Thanks. Congrats on the impending birth of your first born!
I don't mind cross fit for the most part but I hate those butterfly pullups.
I think crossfit training can be amazing when done correctly, the games are a hilarious joke. When they make sense, and judges are consistent and people in a race arent said to have completed their laps or what ever and infact they still needed to do two more. Strongman easily has some competition issues but no where near the lvl of horror as crossfit, I think the worst part is its all under one companies banner theres no grassroot comps on a national lvl or anything to help push the comps to be better. Espically more entertaining to watch, its sad when someone squating is clapping their knees more than the crowd.
Having people do these Olympic lifts without proper training flexibility, even just doing those front squats with your hands bent back , my mom has always trained my whole life in a regular gym , goes to a crossshit gym once , and sprains her whole arm doing cleans with a kettle bell . Basic training is better than running around the whole gym picking up everything u see. People train for years to condition their bodies for those Olympic lifts , That’s my 2 cents
circuit training is good
but depends on the exercises
circuit training with any heavy olympic style exercises to failure goto be recipe for disaster
also tryna complete exercises in the fastest time possible
for running or swimming or obstacle course makes sense
a race for how many goofy pullups or situps someone can do is dumb imo
I don't think it's the programming of CrossFit as much as it is the pretentiousness of the CrossFitter's. But really that could just come from the over competitive culture that CrossFit holds. At least that's how they are at the gym I go to in PA. It just feels like no matter what training modality you choose to roll with, theirs is always better.
Find another box that’s less competitive
While I can appreciate CF, can't say I ever wanted to do it. So many poor lifting techniques, way too much explosive plyometric nonsense. Don't even get me started on some of the "coaches." All I see is long term damage to the joints and connective tissue. I train for long-term sustainability, not a premature exit from training.
as a few others have said, the poor form (their version of the "pull up" for example) is really what bothers people. crossfit as a whole is excellent.