General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Crossfit as an option Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2012-11-16 7:00 AM

User image

Veteran
346
10010010025
Subject: Crossfit as an option
What do you think about crossfit sessions during winter times?


2012-11-16 7:22 AM
in reply to: #4500221

User image

Expert
1951
10005001001001001002525
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option

I thought about doing that.. but then..

If i want to do triathlons of increasing distance.. I need to train in swim/bike/run.

I don't think there is any substitute. 

Crossfit is a pretty expensive endeaver too.. My biggest stray during off season was attend a few fitness classes and a boot camp at the local Y. (but the boot camp had a lot of running involved). 



Edited by KateTri1 2012-11-16 7:23 AM
2012-11-16 7:25 AM
in reply to: #4500221

User image

Member
5452
50001001001001002525
NC
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option

An option for what?

 

2012-11-16 7:38 AM
in reply to: #4500221

User image

Pro
4824
20002000500100100100
Houston
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option

I did Crossfit for a few weeks this past summer during tri season which wasn't a great idea. However, I was doing it with my teenage sons so it was more of a bonding thing.

I think it would be good during the off season if you have a good group. Crossfit groups/locations vary greatly. Could be a great option for strength and agility work.

 

2012-11-16 7:44 AM
in reply to: #4500221

User image

Master
1927
100050010010010010025
Guilford, CT
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option
Don't usually bother replying to these threads because it's almost as bad as a Lance thread, but a couple of my friends I did IMLP w/ did that and I know some other guys that do it.  They were sick of triathlon training they went hard into crossfit to change things up.  One even got certified.  They don't SBR much now and they'd probably get dropped pretty quick, but they do look great and if I ever need someone to help me move furniture around in my house I'll give them a call.  If anything, it has made them stronger and their body composition is improved overall.  I would say that overall they might be in 'better' shape, but just not specific to triathlon or endurance sports.  The workouts are taxing on the body so if you have to hit intervals on the bike or run and you are trying to cram in crossfit workout doing thrusters and deadlifts and all that other stuff....you will be totally trashed and not do very well overall.  If you have 10hrs a week to train....I'd spend it wisely.
2012-11-16 8:03 AM
in reply to: #4500221

User image

Master
2802
2000500100100100
Minnetonka, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option


2012-11-16 8:23 AM
in reply to: #4500221

User image

Master
2500
2000500
Crab Cake City
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option
I got a living social deal for a 1 month membership to a crossfit gym near my house. I like the workouts and they can be difficult. With that being said, I dont plan on joining CF once my one month membership is up. I dont think I could s/b/r after a CF workout and the prices are ridiculous (1 month = 3months at gym). Definately a great workout which will get you in shape and good idea if you want to do some ST or change it up but I dont think I will do it will tri training. You can always get on CF website and look at the WOD (workout of the day) and do it at any gym, most exercises they have at CF gyms they have at every gym.
2012-11-16 8:26 AM
in reply to: #4500221

Expert
836
50010010010025
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option
If you are burned out with tri training, go for it. If not, SBR. It looks fun though.
2012-11-16 10:03 AM
in reply to: #4500221

User image

Master
1858
10005001001001002525
Salt Lake City
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option
Crossfit is definitely an option... but not one that will make you any faster at SBR.
2012-11-16 12:19 PM
in reply to: #4500221

User image

Expert
2355
20001001001002525
Madison, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option

Triathletes often neglect strength training as a component of triathlon. No matter what distance you train for, strength training is needed to improve your results, however, what you do for strength training is important too. I am on the side against Cross-fit, but it really depends on which one you go to. IMO they are overpriced, not nationally accredited, and do not adapt to the athlete. They use way too many power exercises, exercises that are not only difficult but develop poor techniques for the inexperienced. The nervous system does not get much time to recover with Cross-fit and they stretch the NS to the max. 

From what I have noticed in the past, people who do Cross-fit love it for 4-8 weeks and are then burned out and done. They go too hard for too long, and if injury doesn't stop them earlier, burn out does.

My advice is if time is not on your side and your new to strength training then non-weight bearing exercises can go a loooong way. They can be done in the ease of your house, and 20-30 minutes a day is plenty.  

 

2012-11-16 1:04 PM
in reply to: #4500279

User image

Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option

If I spend a lot of time practicing how to cook, I'll become a better cook.

If I spend a lot of time doing crossfit, I'll become better at doing crossfit.

If I spend a lot of time doing S/B/R, I'll become better at doing S/B/R.

It's actually pretty simple.  There is nothing wrong with cooking or crossfit.  It just depends what you want to do with your free time and what you want to get better at.



2012-11-16 1:06 PM
in reply to: #4500221

User image

Elite
5145
500010025
Cleveland
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option

Gladiador - 2012-11-16 8:00 AM What do you think about crossfit sessions during winter times?

 

As an option to, or in addition to?

It makes sense as an alternative to traditional weight/strength training, but it would be a very poor substitute for SBR.

2012-11-16 2:08 PM
in reply to: #4500221

User image

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option

I did CF for about 6 months during winter between IM #2 and 3.

It was fun, challenge, but made me sore often. In key season missing training due to CF sucked. Plus the unknown of what workout will be today, and it's effect on tomorrow and the following day training made consistency tough.

Many folks get injured doing CrossFit.

My husband, daughter, and son do CrossFit and enjoy it.

Price varies from gym to gym.

2012-11-16 5:14 PM
in reply to: #4500221

User image

Extreme Veteran
747
50010010025
Overlea/Fullerton Maryland
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option

well I think a CF type workout in the off season can help your overall conditioning. Will it make you a faster SBR'er? Probably not. However, doing smart strength training in the off season will make your core and balance and support muscles stronger which could help prevent injuries while training for SBR. 

I dont think it can hurt. 

2012-11-16 5:26 PM
in reply to: #4500221

Extreme Veteran
597
500252525
NE Ohio
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option
Like other's have stated, depends on your goals. Overall fitness, as a change up to tri training, sure it's an option. I've been doing CF and other met con training since my tri season ended mid sept. I love it this type of stuff and felt great.Last week I broke my collarbone and had surgery Wednesday, so nothing is an option for me right now.
2012-11-16 8:39 PM
in reply to: #4500221

User image

Veteran
2297
2000100100252525
Great White North
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option
best winter cross training is XC skiing (if you have the climate for it)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6lng0LA2MI&feature=youtube_gdata_player


2012-11-16 11:27 PM
in reply to: #4501381

User image

Expert
2355
20001001001002525
Madison, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option
Grnfsh - 2012-11-16 5:14 PM

well I think a CF type workout in the off season can help your overall conditioning. Will it make you a faster SBR'er? Probably not. However, doing smart strength training in the off season will make your core and balance and support muscles stronger and give you the ability to apply more power and speed which could help prevent injuries while training for SBR. 

I dont think it can hurt. 

fixed it for you. why do triathletes stray away from strength training and think it only involves going to a weight room and only to help prevent injuries? Not saying to you that you think this way, but i get the general sense that most triathletes "don't have the time", or some other reason. However, IMO in the offseason 2-3x a week of 20-40 minutes of strength training can do more then 2-3x of 20-40 minutes of SBR. 

2012-11-17 5:26 AM
in reply to: #4500221

User image

Expert
1951
10005001001001001002525
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option

As my second season of triathlon was winding down I thought about "doing something else" and getting off my bike for a month. But then I thought .. why? 

I've limited time as it is, so why continue to do triathlon's yet do a different activity during my off season?

So what i did was.. sign up for an early season big race. 

It's good winter motivation. 

I've always done some strength training tied into part of my running, like a fitness course at the park. But I am not gonna pay big dollars, to go to a gym, and do something else. 

I'd rather save my money for aero bike stuff. 

2012-11-17 8:53 AM
in reply to: #4501612

User image

Extreme Veteran
747
50010010025
Overlea/Fullerton Maryland
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option
bcagle25 - 2012-11-17 12:27 AM
Grnfsh - 2012-11-16 5:14 PM

well I think a CF type workout in the off season can help your overall conditioning. Will it make you a faster SBR'er? Probably not. However, doing smart strength training in the off season will make your core and balance and support muscles stronger and give you the ability to apply more power and speed which could help prevent injuries while training for SBR. 

I dont think it can hurt. 

fixed it for you. why do triathletes stray away from strength training and think it only involves going to a weight room and only to help prevent injuries? Not saying to you that you think this way, but i get the general sense that most triathletes "don't have the time", or some other reason. However, IMO in the offseason 2-3x a week of 20-40 minutes of strength training can do more then 2-3x of 20-40 minutes of SBR. 

 

Great point. and i agree

2012-11-17 10:06 AM
in reply to: #4501612

User image

Champion
9407
500020002000100100100100
Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia
Subject: RE: Crossfit as an option
bcagle25 - 2012-11-17 1:27 AM

and give you the ability to apply more power and speed

fixed it for you. why do triathletes stray away from strength training and think it only involves going to a weight room and only to help prevent injuries? Not saying to you that you think this way, but i get the general sense that most triathletes "don't have the time", or some other reason. However, IMO in the offseason 2-3x a week of 20-40 minutes of strength training can do more then 2-3x of 20-40 minutes of SBR. 



One of the problems is that while training that builds strength should increase max speed/power, max speed/power shows little to no correlation with the key markers for endurance performance (such as FTP).

For example (data from Alex Simmons):



Shane

Edited by gsmacleod 2012-11-17 10:06 AM
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Crossfit as an option Rss Feed