The REAL beef with CrossFit

[Patrick]

Forget methodology, let's talk about lifting in sneakers! When the WOD is something like deadlift 225 for 21-15-9 and run .5 mile after each set, you just can't do it in shoes that are any good for lifting. I've gotten used to sucking it up, but man does it feel very strange to do the oly lifts, thrusters, DLs, etc... in running shoes. I don't have a question and maybe it's not worth discussing, but for me this is my least favorite aspect of the metcon workouts I do.

[Mark Rippetoe]

I understand your revulsion, but don't lose sight of the fact that the purpose of the whole workout is the combined effect of the 2 exercises done in immediate proximity to each other. It's okay if your deadlifts suck that day, and it's also okay not to like the way it feels. I'm quite sure most lifters that do CF would agree. Just so you'll be at peace with being unhappy.

[jacob cloud]

Forget methodology, let's talk about lifting in sneakers! When the WOD is something like deadlift 225 for 21-15-9 and run .5 mile after each set, you just can't do it in shoes that are any good for lifting. I've gotten used to sucking it up, but man does it feel very strange to do the oly lifts, thrusters, DLs, etc... in running shoes. I don't have a question and maybe it's not worth discussing, but for me this is my least favorite aspect of the metcon workouts I do.


Minimalist shoes like Puma Salohs obviously aren't ideal for lifting, but aren't anywhere near as bad as Nike Shox or the like, since the Pumas have maybe a quarter inch of compressible heel as opposed to 2". I use mine for everything (from 400+lb squats to 5ks), and know other guys that POSE run in Chuck Taylors and other half-decent lifting shoes. If you're still running in "traditional" running shoes, you might want to look into POSE/minimalist junk. There's a bunch more discussion on the CF boards, where it's a bit more appropriate anyway.

Or if you really want to piss off Rip, you can get into the Vibram Five Fingers. I'll stop there before I get banned, though.

[rdp]

My concern with crossfit is the safety of doing something like deadlift 225 for 21-15-9, especially with the form breakdown I usually see. Is this something I should be at peace with?

[JLascek]

You can still do these movements with a relatively hard soled shoe that would fit the lifting and any potential running you're doing (assuming you're POSE running).

Brian Mackenzie likes to wear DC's because he's from California and is stylish, yet they have a flat, somewhat non-compressible sole that fit the demands of most met-cons.

[Mark Rippetoe]

My concern with crossfit is the safety of doing something like deadlift 225 for 21-15-9, especially with the form breakdown I usually see. Is this something I should be at peace with?

Peace is a highly individual thing. Many people are at peace knowing that a weight they can do for 21-15-9 reps in succession is light enough by definition that safety is not really a concern. I, on the other hand, am troubled by form breakdown, because it represents to me a lost opportunity to work harder.

[DirtyD]

Coach, do you think that form breakdowns are a product of the programming or inattention from the athletes? I'd be inclined to sacrifice time for form. Would that placate some or any of your concerns?

I ask because I'm looking at transitioning from SS linear progression to Strength Bias.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Inattention from coaches and athletes, followed by intense rationalization.

[Jamie J. Skibicki]

Just keep the back straight and don't bounce the damn deadlifts.

I attended rips cert in vibrams and in fact set a new deadlift pr in them. After guzzling tequila the night before.

[SSgt Boyle]

I agree.

I've been doing my METCONS as of late w/ more attention to form rather than getting "blistering times" on the stopwatch.