Fitness trends are constantly evolving. Some disappear after a few years, while others make powerful comebacks. Take kettlebells, for instance — once marketed as revolutionary, they’re really just old-fashioned dumbbells redesigned. The exercises themselves are similar to routines used 50 years ago, yet they were hyped as something completely new.
Today, a new fitness movement has taken over gyms and social media: CrossFit.
What Is CrossFit?
For those unfamiliar, CrossFit is a high-intensity strength and conditioning program focused on building overall fitness through constantly varied workouts. The program combines weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardio in challenging and competitive sessions. Thousands of gyms around the world now offer CrossFit programs, and athletes compete in annual CrossFit Games to determine the fittest individuals on the planet.
The athleticism of CrossFitters is truly impressive. They perform demanding exercises such as pull-ups, muscle-ups, handstand push-ups, and heavy barbell lifts, often followed by grueling sprints or endurance runs. Some events even include flipping massive tires in timed challenges. Each workout seems designed to push the body to its absolute limit.
The Intensity and the Risk of Injury
There’s no denying that CrossFit training is intense and can deliver incredible results in strength, endurance, and overall conditioning. But the big question is — is CrossFit good for you?
CrossFit’s fast-paced, explosive movements can be tough on the joints. The ballistic nature of the workouts means your knees, elbows, and wrists take a serious beating. It’s a workout style that seems best suited for younger or highly conditioned athletes.
When I was younger, I did Olympic lifting and even managed a 390-pound clean and jerk, but I never enjoyed it. My joints often paid the price. Olympic lifting, like gymnastics, produces phenomenal-looking athletes — but it also carries a high risk of injury. Even at the Olympic level, serious injuries are common. The same caution applies to CrossFit: while it can build elite fitness, it’s not for everyone.
Overtraining and “Uncle Rhabdo”
One major concern in the CrossFit community is overtraining. Many CrossFitters even joke about “Uncle Rhabdo,” a reference to a rare but dangerous condition called rhabdomyolysis.
Rhabdomyolysis happens when extreme muscle strain causes muscle fibers to break down, releasing a protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream. In large amounts, myoglobin can damage the kidneys, sometimes leading to kidney failure or permanent muscle damage. While rhabdo is rare, it’s become alarmingly familiar among athletes who push themselves too far in CrossFit workouts.
Finding Balance in Your Fitness Journey
Like any intense workout program, balance is key. Many beginners get injured not because CrossFit is inherently bad, but because they push their limits too quickly. People see the shredded physiques of CrossFit athletes and want fast results — but endurance, strength, and mobility take time to develop safely.
Experienced CrossFit coaches can help prevent overtraining and injury by scaling workouts for beginners. However, with CrossFit’s rapid growth, not every gym has expert-level trainers. This lack of guidance can lead to poor form and overexertion — two of the biggest risk factors for injury.
Still, CrossFit has changed lives. My friend Susie McEntire — yes, Reba McEntire’s sister — was never passionate about exercise until she started CrossFit with her husband, Mark Eaton. To my surprise, she fell in love with it and completely transformed her body. She trains consistently and feels stronger than ever. Her story is proof that CrossFit can be effective and enjoyable, regardless of age — if approached safely.
The Bottom Line
As for me, I don’t see myself joining a CrossFit box anytime soon. Watching those workouts is exhausting enough! I’ve done my share of Olympic lifting and gymnastics, and while I admire the discipline, I’ll stick with my own training methods.
In the end, there’s no single path to fitness success. Whether it’s CrossFit, traditional weightlifting, yoga, or running, what matters most is finding a routine that challenges you without breaking you. The real goal isn’t just to look fit — it’s to stay healthy, strong, and balanced for the long haul.
