|
|
Post by peano on Oct 2, 2024 16:00:21 GMT
Legend has it that everyone who does Crossfit gets injured. Somebody posted something on my Facebook last night about a special program at our local (whatever they're called) geared toward geezers like me. They make allowances for fitness level and medical issues. I'm sort of at a crossroads with exercise in that I've been scolded by my pain management doc that one injury will lead to a total spinal fusion and I'm not supposed to lift more than 10 pounds ever again. But hey, groceries must be brought in, laundry has to be done. And then his next comment is keep as active as you can. I feel a little paralyzed and depressed about the loss of my mobility through chronic pain caused by arthritis and a messed up back, and have a groin injury that I somehow got on a girl's weekend to the Jersey Shore in June that I thought would be better by now, so walking's really painful. I know I'm all over the place with this but when I saw the Facebook post, my heart leapt, because I think I need a reset to my weight training--I'm bored. So I went on the website, and there are videos of women flinging 25-lb dumbbells up in the air and all kinds of crazy shit. So I'd be really interested to hear your experiences.
|
|
River
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,590
Location: Alabama
Jun 26, 2014 15:26:04 GMT
|
Post by River on Oct 2, 2024 16:13:30 GMT
I joined crossfit a year after all cancer treatments and my autoimmune diseases was better under control. I had lost down to 88 pounds and barely walking. It took me a year to gain some weight and become active again. I still needed help with gaining strength and stamina so joined crossfit. I was not in a special class geared for people like me, just a regular class that my boys had joined. The instructors were fantastic!! While I did do most of the same course routines as everyone else, mine was tailored specifically for me. They motivated me and made sure I progressed at a good pace. They even helped with nutrition and balance.
I truly can't say a bad thing about my experience. I do know that it really comes down to the instructors, so not all crossfit gyms will be the same. I definitely recommend the course structure, it should be tailored to fit your needs even in a big class.
|
|
|
|
Post by katlady on Oct 2, 2024 16:39:34 GMT
A good CrossFit gym and coach will adjust the programming based on your ability. They’ll recommend less weight, shorter distances, modifications, etc. Lot of gyms also have a required ramp-on class for those without prior experience. They go over the movements one-on-one for a couple of classes. A good gym will not throw you into the mix if you have no prior experience. Some CF gyms also have classes that are less intense than a regular CF workout.
When I started, I had to take 4 one-on-one classes with a coach. Then I was given the ok to join the regular classes. I may have been the slowest and weakest, but I scaled everything based on my abilities. My gym also has classes that are not as intense as the CF workouts.
So, look around, check out the programming and type of classes. Look for a CF gym that accommodates you. Don’t let those geezers you see in the photos scare you. They may have started at a higher level than you. Or, they may have worked up to that!
|
|
Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,030 
|
Post by Sarah*H on Oct 2, 2024 17:17:40 GMT
I don't have anything bad to say about my Crossfit experience. I enjoyed it, I thought it was fun and I was in the best shape of my life. I stopped when life got too busy. However, 5 years later, I'm now 2 weeks away from getting posterior and anterior spinal fusion and a laminectomy. I have been virtually unable to do any of the physical activities I loved for 18 months and my overall mobility seemingly gets worse ever week. I will never know for sure if I did this damage to my back by lifting the amount of weights and the types of exercises I did at Crossfit but it's hard not to make that correlation in my brain.
|
|
|
|
Post by peano on Oct 2, 2024 17:56:35 GMT
A good CrossFit gym and coach will adjust the programming based on your ability. They’ll recommend less weight, shorter distances, modifications, etc. Lot of gyms also have a required ramp-on class for those without prior experience. They go over the movements one-on-one for a couple of classes. A good gym will not throw you into the mix if you have no prior experience. Some CF gyms also have classes that are less intense than a regular CF workout. When I started, I had to take 4 one-on-one classes with a coach. Then I was given the ok to join the regular classes. I may have been the slowest and weakest, but I scaled everything based on my abilities. My gym also has classes that are not as intense as the CF workouts. So, look around, check out the programming and type of classes. Look for a CF gym that accommodates you. Don’t let those geezers you see in the photos scare you. They may have started at a higher level than you. Or, they may have worked up to that! It wasn't old geezers throwing the 25 pounders up in the air, it was the young whippersnappers.  I guess I don't get why any dumbbell needs to be flung around like that. My weight training has always been about control of the weight and and the motion. |
|
|
|
Post by peano on Oct 2, 2024 17:58:57 GMT
I don't have anything bad to say about my Crossfit experience. I enjoyed it, I thought it was fun and I was in the best shape of my life. I stopped when life got too busy. However, 5 years later, I'm now 2 weeks away from getting posterior and anterior spinal fusion and a laminectomy. I have been virtually unable to do any of the physical activities I loved for 18 months and my overall mobility seemingly gets worse ever week. I will never know for sure if I did this damage to my back by lifting the amount of weights and the types of exercises I did at Crossfit but it's hard not to make that correlation in my brain. *H, I'm sorry to hear you're having fusion and laminectomy. I hope it goes smoothly and your mobility returns. Keep us posted. |
|
|
|
Post by katlady on Oct 2, 2024 18:01:51 GMT
A good CrossFit gym and coach will adjust the programming based on your ability. They’ll recommend less weight, shorter distances, modifications, etc. Lot of gyms also have a required ramp-on class for those without prior experience. They go over the movements one-on-one for a couple of classes. A good gym will not throw you into the mix if you have no prior experience. Some CF gyms also have classes that are less intense than a regular CF workout. When I started, I had to take 4 one-on-one classes with a coach. Then I was given the ok to join the regular classes. I may have been the slowest and weakest, but I scaled everything based on my abilities. My gym also has classes that are not as intense as the CF workouts. So, look around, check out the programming and type of classes. Look for a CF gym that accommodates you. Don’t let those geezers you see in the photos scare you. They may have started at a higher level than you. Or, they may have worked up to that! It wasn't old geezers throwing the 25 pounders up in the air, it was the young whippersnappers. I guess I don't get why any dumbbell needs to be flung around like that. My weight training has always been about control of the weight and and the motion.  OK, I am a little confused. Where these actual weights (dumbbell, kettlebells) that they were throwing? I can't even imagine throwing a metal weight up into the air and catching it. Or were they more like lifting them up over their heads, but not letting go of them? ETA - That is one thing about CF that gets criticized. They are usually doing timed workouts, so people are moving as fast as they can. This is where disregard for form comes in and when people get hurt. |
|
|
|
Post by Darcy Collins on Oct 2, 2024 18:05:20 GMT
I know a lot of people who have been injured at crossfit. It will of course vary tremendously on specific gyms and just how how susceptible you are to "going for it" vs realizing something suggested isn't going to work for you.
Have you looked at pilates at all? I love it, and haven't found any program that comes close to specifically helping back issues as it's so core focused.
|
|
|
|
Post by peano on Oct 2, 2024 18:08:55 GMT
It wasn't old geezers throwing the 25 pounders up in the air, it was the young whippersnappers. I guess I don't get why any dumbbell needs to be flung around like that. My weight training has always been about control of the weight and and the motion. OK, I am a little confused. Where these actual weights (dumbbell, kettlebells) that they were throwing? I can't even imagine throwing a metal weight up into the air and catching it. Or were they more like lifting them up over their heads, but not letting go of them? ETA - That is one thing about CF that gets criticized. They are usually doing timed workouts, so people are moving as fast as they can. This is where disregard for form comes in and when people get hurt. I shit you not. They were THROWING them into the air and catching them. And the speed of the workout did concern me. |
|
|
|
Post by peano on Oct 2, 2024 18:13:07 GMT
I know a lot of people who have been injured at crossfit. It will of course vary tremendously on specific gyms and just how how susceptible you are to "going for it" vs realizing something suggested isn't going to work for you. Have you looked at pilates at all? I love it, and haven't found any program that comes close to specifically helping back issues as it's so core focused. I dream about doing Pilates, but the studio in my town is $$$$. I might take an intro package there and then buy my own reformer as my birthday is coming up. |
|
|
|
Post by katlady on Oct 2, 2024 18:13:59 GMT
I shit you not. They were THROWING them into the air and catching them. And the speed of the workout did concern me. OK, now that is crazy!! I'll need to research if that is an actual exercise or not. I have never seen that before! Wow, crazy! There are two types of timed workouts. 1 - As many rounds as possible in 10 minutes. I don't mind these because I can go as slow as I want, yet know it will be over in 10 minutes. 2 - Do 6 rounds for time. I sort of hate these because I know I have to finish 6 rounds even if it takes me forever. You have the young "go hard" guys finishing in 10 minutes, and I am barely finishing at 20 minutes! But, it is a community, so everyone who already finished is cheering you on, which makes it harder to give up. |
|
caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,734
Location: So Cal
|
Post by caangel on Oct 2, 2024 18:26:33 GMT
Like many others here, I found CrossFit to be very accommodating. I've only been to a handful of classes. But my husband has gone about 6 days a week for the last 5 or 6 years. It is definitely dependent on your CrossFit coach.
What about looking into a functional fitness program? My understanding is that they focus on exercises that help you with everyday functions and overall health.
|
|
ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,806
Member is Online
|
Post by ellen on Oct 2, 2024 18:37:07 GMT
My neighbors young adult kids moved home during the stay at home phase of the pandemic. They are big into CrossFit and they set up stations outside and we’d see them working out. At age 57, I feel like I should not be working out like that. I fell into the cult of Peloton. I started out with a non-Peloton spin bike and used the app faithfully for 2+ years. Several months ago I bought a barely used one from a friend and I love it. I cycle and do their weight workouts - so many options. It’s not for everyone, but I appreciate they put together quality workouts that I can do at home.
|
|
|
|
Post by MichyM on Oct 2, 2024 18:51:48 GMT
I drive an 86 YO neighbor to/from her crossfit gym three mornings a week. I walk the adjacent bike/walking trail during her 1 hr workout. I have little idea of what goes on in there, though I do see young and old tossing different sized balls  . She works with a personal trainer 2 of those mornings, and then does a class with folks my age and older 1 of those mornings. I've spoken with the owner of the gym, and they are super accommodating towards everyone. My neighbor is super fit and always has been, she also does yoga once a week and walks the loop of our neighborhood (4 miles) every day (even on workout days). So, my advice is to find a place that really will meet you where you're at so that you feel comfortable working at your own pace to build up your strength. Oh and yes, I'm pretty much in awe of her physical ability. At 86! I only drive her because at her son's nudging, she decided to give up her car recently. |
|
|
|
Post by katlady on Oct 2, 2024 19:11:46 GMT
MichyM Thank you for driving her to classes. That is sweet of you! I hope at 86 I can do what your neighbor does!
|
|
|
|
Post by prettyprettypaper on Oct 5, 2024 20:36:18 GMT
I did CrossFit years ago and it wasn't for me because I didn't enjoy the timed aspect and also did not like walking in not knowing what the workout would be that day. I don't enjoy exercising so being surprised like that made it more stressful for me. Also, I like exercising without having to think of the clock and other people. I like working out with groups only for certain types of exercise like yoga or pilates. I did discover how fun it was to work with a barbell, and it's still my favorite today. The community was amazing, though. I had nothing but positive experiences with the people I met. As for the getting hurt, if the coach doesn't respect your limitations, that coach is not for you. The great thing about the workouts is that they always allow modifications as many people are unable to do the Rx versions (as prescribed) of the daily workouts. I always modified. Usually, only the really fit, experienced ones were able to "go Rx" and a very small amount of athletes could do Rx PLUS. Most CrossFit boxes (what they call their gyms) have their new members start with a foundational class to learn the movements first. In time, you will findy yourself stronger than ever. I was amazed at how strong I was and how much muscle I developed doing CrossFit. While it wasn't for me, I think it's worth a try.
|
|
|
|
Post by katlady on Oct 5, 2024 21:38:39 GMT
also did not like walking in not knowing what the workout would be that day. I don't enjoy exercising so being surprised like that made it more stressful for me. LOL! There are stories out there of people walking in, seeing the workout on the board, and walking right back out! I want to do that for running workouts. Our gym will put the workout up the night before so people can pack the appropriate gear. Sometimes you need certain things for certain workouts, like long socks for rope climbs. There are pros and cons to posting or not posting the workouts. Some think you won't show up if you know what is coming, but I feel like I need to mental prepare so I like to see the workout ahead of time. Yes, it is not for everyone. But you tried it, and came to your own conclusion. And yes, I love working with the barbell. Especially when we can slam it down at the end. So satisfying. |
|
|
|
Post by littlemama on Oct 5, 2024 21:47:51 GMT
I don't have anything bad to say about my Crossfit experience. I enjoyed it, I thought it was fun and I was in the best shape of my life. I stopped when life got too busy. However, 5 years later, I'm now 2 weeks away from getting posterior and anterior spinal fusion and a laminectomy. I have been virtually unable to do any of the physical activities I loved for 18 months and my overall mobility seemingly gets worse ever week. I will never know for sure if I did this damage to my back by lifting the amount of weights and the types of exercises I did at Crossfit but it's hard not to make that correlation in my brain. Hoping your surgery goes well! My MIL had this suegery in mid August. What Ive learned (from repeating it to her daily- Dont bend, dont twist, listen to PT and OT and if they give you a bone growth stimulator and tell you you have to wear it for 9 months, don't announce to your family that "that isnt happening!" |
|
gina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,330
|
Post by gina on Oct 6, 2024 1:54:01 GMT
I did CF for 7 years. I loved it. In Wodify we were able to check the workout the night before so I was never totally blindsided walking in to class. I liked the class atmosphere and timed aspect until... I didn't. I got tired of being pushed to do things I didn't feel like doing. lol I did a lot of the workouts RX but I HATED, absolutely hated, doing pull-ups. I got tired of being told to do them when I just wanted to do a fcking ring row. Ok anyway... Deadlifting days were my fave! I used to deadlift 285 lbs. I don't hit that max anymore. I workout at a Blink here by me and I love making up my own workouts and not having to rush or fit it into a timeframe. Those CF days have sailed but I did enjoy them while they lasted and I learned a ton of foundational movements I still incorporate into my workouts today. The exercise I believe the Op is referring to is probably a dumbbell snatch. Its not really throwing the weight - they snatch (drag up across the body) the dumbbell up and down again and on the down, the athlete is probably 'throwing' it to the opposite hand. I personally never did them that way. I can't risk breaking a nail (I kid, I kid... kinda). You can keep the DB more controlled when switching hands but it slows the movement down. That is the only exercise I can think that would mimic a weight being "thrown". And all of THAT to say, everything in CF is modifiable. It really is made for everyone.  |
|
AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,090
|
Post by AllieC on Oct 6, 2024 3:56:07 GMT
I would be very cautious about doing it with your injury history. I tried it and liked it but with a lot of knee/hip history it just didn’t work for me. I tried a few places and even though they say they are accommodating, this really is centre dependant. I found they said everything I wanted to hear but in reality after while they seem to tire of me. The “geezer” workouts might be better but I would never go back.
The other thing I didn’t like (and I might be the odd one out) was the “encouragement” which I found to be a bit fake and cringeworthy at times.
I have a few physiotherapist friends and they said to me no way would they recommend it for people with injury history. They see too many people with injuries.
|
|
Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,030
|
Post by Sarah*H on Oct 10, 2024 0:08:14 GMT
I don't have anything bad to say about my Crossfit experience. I enjoyed it, I thought it was fun and I was in the best shape of my life. I stopped when life got too busy. However, 5 years later, I'm now 2 weeks away from getting posterior and anterior spinal fusion and a laminectomy. I have been virtually unable to do any of the physical activities I loved for 18 months and my overall mobility seemingly gets worse ever week. I will never know for sure if I did this damage to my back by lifting the amount of weights and the types of exercises I did at Crossfit but it's hard not to make that correlation in my brain. Hoping your surgery goes well! My MIL had this suegery in mid August. What Ive learned (from repeating it to her daily- Dont bend, dont twist, listen to PT and OT and if they give you a bone growth stimulator and tell you you have to wear it for 9 months, don't announce to your family that "that isnt happening!" I want to thank you because I don't remember my surgeon ever mentioning that I won't be able to bend. I'm sure this should be intuitive but it honestly hadn't occurred to me. So keeping your words in mind over the last few days, I've reassessed things around the house like the shower set up because it required bending to pick up the bottles, what we're going to do about putting the dog in & out of the house after my husband goes back to work because I won't be able to bend down to pick up the end of his lead, etc. I'd already stocked up on adaptive equipment for everything I could think of but keeping things I need to pick up elevated for easy reach was not something I'd considered. |
|
|
|
Post by littlemama on Oct 10, 2024 0:20:56 GMT
Hoping your surgery goes well! My MIL had this suegery in mid August. What Ive learned (from repeating it to her daily- Dont bend, dont twist, listen to PT and OT and if they give you a bone growth stimulator and tell you you have to wear it for 9 months, don't announce to your family that "that isnt happening!" I want to thank you because I don't remember my surgeon ever mentioning that I won't be able to bend. I'm sure this should be intuitive but it honestly hadn't occurred to me. So keeping your words in mind over the last few days, I've reassessed things around the house like the shower set up because it required bending to pick up the bottles, what we're going to do about putting the dog in & out of the house after my husband goes back to work because I won't be able to bend down to pick up the end of his lead, etc. I'd already stocked up on adaptive equipment for everything I could think of but keeping things I need to pick up elevated for easy reach was not something I'd considered. If you go on Amazon and order a "hip kit", that will come with a grabber, a long handled shoe horn, a sponge on a stick, and most importantly- a sock aid! My ds is an OT so he made sure to order a hip kit for my MIL and she has used all of it. The other thing he recommends is getting a pair of Skechers Slip ins Shoes. The heel is firm so you just step into them and dont have to bend to straighten the heel. Im sure it depends on the specifics of the surgery, but MIL has 3 months of precautions. She had her 2 month follow up today and she got the go ahead to bend a little and God help us all, to drive short distances. (Thankfully she totalled her car 5 days before surgery and doesnt have the replacement yet!) If you have home health, the OT will have you show them the setup and recommend changes- like keeping the toaster on the counter instead of in a lower cabinet. |
|
|
|
Post by iamkristinl16 on Oct 10, 2024 1:49:35 GMT
Have you ever tried Pilates or barre? I personally like barre3 online. It’s more gentle on joints and you wouldn’t have to lift a lot but can still focus on strength training.
|
|
I guess I don't get why any dumbbell needs to be flung around like that. My weight training has always been about control of the weight and and the motion.
. She works with a personal trainer 2 of those mornings, and then does a class with folks my age and older 1 of those mornings. I've spoken with the owner of the gym, and they are super accommodating towards everyone. My neighbor is super fit and always has been, she also does yoga once a week and walks the loop of our neighborhood (4 miles) every day (even on workout days). So, my advice is to find a place that really will meet you where you're at so that you feel comfortable working at your own pace to build up your strength.
