Robert G LeFavi
Armstrong State University, USA
Title: CrossFit as a Tool: Analyzing its possible benefits and potential pitfalls
Biography
Biography: Robert G LeFavi
Abstract
CrossFit is a functional fitness training philosophy and methodology that has seen increased popularity in the past fifteen years. Fitness specialists and personal trainers should be familiar with CrossFit’s movements and methods in order to best evaluate its usefulness with clients. There is a growing body of research on the effects of CrossFit. Further, reasonable assumptions can be made on the long-term physiological adaptations to CrossFit based on energy systems used, muscles engaged, biomechanics, and velocity of movements. There is evidence that risk of injury is likely among participants not exposed qualified trainers, and other disturbing messages are encountered when one engages the CrossFit community. This presentation will review the philosophy of CrossFit and its deviation from standard fitness training from a scientific, practical and experiential stand points. It will also evaluate the benefits of CrossFit as a functional fitness regimen and potential pitfalls with its adherence. The focus is not on definitive judgments about the efficacy of CrossFit, but rather to provide information to exercise specialists and trainers as they engage a population moving away from standard fitness centers and growing more interested in functional fitness. Participants will be presented with a balanced and fair analysis of this increasingly popular training method.