Max Out, Repeat
CrossFit’s Way to Get Fit
Hailee Denson
English 1010-01
10:00-11:20
M. Harding Burgoyne
Position Synthesis Paper
CrossFit: Forging Elite Fitness. The up and coming new craze in gyms worldwide is known as
CrossFit. The business has a sole creator and owner named Greg Glassman. He began the company
many years ago in Santa Cruz, California. Glassman first trained police officers and moved to a bigger
audience when he figured out how well his workouts actually accomplished the task of getting people
fit. With a program that worked so well, the thought of risk doesn’t come first to mind, but for outsiders
of the CrossFit community, questions are being raised of how safe these workout regimens are.
Uncle Pukie and Uncle Rhabdo are the faces to CrossFit’s fame worldwide. They both represent
the company but have given a negative view to outsiders. To give a little better picture of both mascots:
Pukie is a puking clown that is commonly put up in the “boxes” (in CrossFit terms, the gym facilities) to
motivate its members. Rhabdo is an “exhausted, bloodied clown attached to a dialysis machine, with a
kidney and his large intestine lying on the floor” (Gregory “Five”). He represents the disease
Rhabdomyolysis that comes from overexertion that has sent some CrossFitters to the hospital and out of
work. Both have begun a heated debate on just how serious owner, Greg Glassman, takes the dangers
and risks that come associated with his “max out and repeat” type of workout (Gregory “Squat”). With a
closer examination at the odds of somebody’s health being affected by CrossFit, outsiders’ tend to know
only about the very rare and life-threatening conditions.
With these two characters in mind, we take a journey to analyze just why I think the benefits of
CrossFit outweigh the risks. Few found cases of Rhabdomyolysis have been reported and other injuries
have been minor. With a focus to those not involved in CrossFit primarily on this condition, it seems
biased to judge the extreme cases. With low risks, kids are now beginning to become members along
their parents’ sides. They are informed of what they are working on their body and is a great start to life.
Another benefit to CrossFit is a competition that brings many crowds together. A sense of community is
formed for those that compete and the spectators joining in the spirit. As the community grows, the
CrossFit world is sure to take numbers skyrocketing. What better source of belonging is to be had when
being healthy is the primary focus? CrossFit is a huge bonus to the globe and its inhabitants.
In the beginning, Greg Glassman discovered a workout that involved everyday movements, such
as lifting heavy objects, to build the muscles we need and maybe didn’t even know we had. He taught
his trainees to not just go through short circuits but rather twelve minutes, or more, of pushing hard and
continuing through the pain. As a bonus, the “most difficult workouts are named in honor of members
of the military and first responders who died in the line of duty” (Gregory “Five”). How more poignant to
make tough workouts named after the toughest in the nation. It shows a certain reverence in their
memories and what they have done.
To prove who the toughest of the tough is, a newer competition has arisen known as the
Reebok CrossFit Games. In 2011 the winner was Annie Thorisdottir. She made the statement “I’m giving
CrossFit a chance for now, and then later on, who knows”. She obviously gave them a try and came out
better for it. The intense competition includes just about everything to work your body to death. But
minor injuries result from regular day workouts and the Games. Many doctors reported statistics such as
those of Professor Yuri Feito, from Kennesaw University in Georgia. “Half of his 733 respondents
suffered some kind of CrossFit injury, 85% of the injuries were mild” (Gregory “Squat”). He was surprised
that there were not more severe cases. He did however, find three cases of Rhabdomyolysis.
From such a low number of cases found from “Uncle Rhabdo”, I beg the question, why is that
such a huge concern from the CrossFit workouts? It has not been proven in many cases, so why talk
about it so much? People need to understand, that beginning a new exercise plan always has some risk
of injury but you must listen to what your body is telling you. The CrossFit trainers are made highly
aware of risks that come from improper form and not being careful. The company believes in pushing
yourself hard, but not enough to land yourself in the hospital.
In an article written by Sean Gregory, a senior sports writer for Time Magazine, is a story of one
hospital incident. Jenifer Green had been participating in a workout and pushed harder than her body
wanted. By the time she left the gym, her arms were unable to move and began to swell. With her toes
also swelling, she took the drive to the emergency room. She had developed a case of exertional
Rhabdomyolysis. To explain, it is when “muscle fibers break down from over exercise, leading to the
release of a protein, myoglobin, into the bloodstream. Too much myoglobin can damage the kidneys”
(Gregory “Squat”). She was supposed to take off work for about a month but returned after a week.
With the risk of injuries and problems like this, why would I then say that CrossFit is a great
program? Despite Jenifer’s problems, she takes responsibility for not listening to her body. With these
risks, trainers are made aware to help educate CrossFit goers. It is hard sometimes to have that in mind
when you are filled with a room full of people encouraging you to keep going. With such a high level of
competition, I started with my opinion being that CrossFit was quite dangerous and I would never join!
With my opinion not being backed by research, only horror stories, I began the search to discover the
truth of CrossFit. At first, it seemed that many articles were negative but finding more articles from
writers of big magazines, such as Time, it became apparent that much more lay behind the Glass(man)
wall.
Each trainer and owner that becomes part of the community are given a weekend course
followed by a test and they can go from there (Gregory “Squat”). Glassman believes “remove everything
between you and your success that isn’t essential” (Gregory “Five”). They pay a yearly fee and keep
everything else for profit. What better way to allow people who love being fit and helping others
accomplish the same task. Remove all the money factor of high gym fees and contracts. Just let your
members enjoy using their own bodies to get in better shape.
An article written in Shape Magazine by Janet Lee, fitness writer, informs readers more of why
CrossFit has its pros and cons. Many members of CrossFit have “known to brag about puking or passing
out during class”. Not the best when members are proud of things that can be harmful. Lee also
introduces a personal trainer, Brad Schoenfield, with a quote “CrossFit’s focus is on doing as much work
as possible within a given amount of time—and because that often comes at the expense of good
technique, it’s a recipe for injury.” When a view on CrossFit’s max out and repeat is being hit so hard,
you may again ask the question of why I am standing on their side? And to answer simply, coaches are in
the Boxes to help educate. Yes, the hype of reaching your personal best and keep going to beat the guy
next to you can come in, but there are trainers for a reason. They don’t just let any Joe off the street
open a CrossFit Box. I point out again, there are tests that have to be passed first before Glassman
allows the CrossFit reputation to be expanded.
With the CrossFit world so protected and held close to Greg Glassman, he knew the benefits to
his regimen. Studies have shown that many benefits are physical to being active, but also a psychological
benefit is found (Lee). An example is Mallorie Kanter from San Diego. Mallorie was attending school to
attain her master’s degree. She said in Lee’s article, “They’ve really helped me persevere through
school… My confidence has soared too.” Who would disagree that a fantastic workout has not helped
throughout tough school work and just overall make you a happier person, especially with how you look.
Human nature wants us to be healthy! It’s in science everywhere that exercise is great for the mind and
our own self-image. CrossFit is an avenue to accomplish those two better.
Even kids are beginning to reap the benefits they see their parents get. CrossFit has created a
new plan that is adapted to the younger gym goers around the world. An article from Marissa Harshman
in the Columbian, has emphasized the popularity of this new plan. Kids absolutely love being able to
work out and feel good about themselves. They are also taught how their body is benefitting from the
work they do. At the end of the session, they are rewarded with a game. Harshman includes a quote
from Ayden Martin, 9 years old. He says “When I do the WOD, when I do the workout, I think I earn the
fun game”. What better way to start off a kid’s fitness and a healthier lifestyle then teaching them but
incorporating fun into the mix! (Harshman)
With an increasing obesity rate in the United States among not only adults, but kids also, it
seems ever important to incorporate a gym company that works. CrossFit provides a great way to get
the entire family involved and start an active lifestyle. My thesis began viewing the negative effects of
the up-and-coming CrossFit workout company. The few things I had heard were purely about the
negative effects this highly intensive workout regimen can bring to those participants. Furthering my
research uncovered a few negative articles to support my original thoughts. However, the more I read,
the more I came to realize that the benefits outweigh the risks involved. Seeing that a lot of trainers in
the program do have an awareness of my main concern of Rhabdomyolysis, makes me realize that the
risk is pretty minimal. It’s true, the hype of competition in some athletes takes over, but overall, control
is the key in any workout program. With Sean Gregory’s facts alone, we can learn a lot about how Greg
Glassman wants people to be healthy but still pushes to see results many want and need. Janet Lee also
gives facts to show, from CrossFitters directly, that a huge benefit comes to the entire body. Just like any
other workout plan, risks will be there but usually subside when you know more of what you are doing
and have a knowledgeable trainer to guide you. CrossFit is a successful business and a successful help to
those that seek being in shape. Forging Elite Fitness is not the company’s logo to show weakness but
make aware that it is an “elite” way to make you better!
“I’m giving CrossFit a chance for now, and then later on, who knows.”
- Annie Thorisdottir, 2011 CrossFit Games Champion
Hailee Denson
M. Harding Burgoyne
Eng. 1010-01 10:00-11:20
Annotated Bibliography
CrossFit “boxes” are popping up like fresh daisies in the spring, but, along with them comes the
debate of just how safe these workout spots truly are. The medical world has noted cases of lifethreatening Rhabdomyolysis from over-exertion and other conditions ranging from minor scrapes and
bruising to broken bones or strains and sprains leaving people a few weeks out of work. Many health
professionals claim the risks are outweighing the benefits but the craze for CrossFit continues to sweep
the world with an expectation of 10, 000 of these gyms spotting the Earth by the end of the 2014 year
(Gregory “Repeat”). The sole owner of the company, Greg Glassman, started the company first training
police officers and moved to everyday gym-goers when he realized how well his workouts helped people
use every-day maneuvers to train and slim down on body fat.
With the company taking daring moves such as Uncle Rhabdo and Pukie as mascots, some
wonder how serious the CrossFit owners take the issues that arise in the company. Glassman’s right
hand man, Russell Burger has defended by saying “if the criticism is ‘Your culture is too aggressive, too
abrasive and offensive,’ yeah, that may be true, they may have us on that one.” However, those that
train are given helps to avoid serious problems from not using correct technique and form (Gregory
“Repeat”). CrossFit has their “box” owners’ first complete Level 1 certification followed by a test. From
there, each individual gym has their own business plan but specific workouts straight from Glassman.
They include intense circuit and/or timed lengths to push yourself hard and keep going for your allotted
session time. With each visit, members further their endurance and improve personal records. Looking
further into these boxes has given me an increased knowledge to form my opinion on the CrossFit
“cult”.
Gregory, Sean. “Five Things You Need To Know About CrossFit.” Time.com. 10 January 2014. Web. 2
April 2014.
Summary: This article from Sean Gregory spells out five need-to-know facts of the CrossFit culture and
just how it works in the business sense. It’s a shorter article that stays on the side that the risks and
business tactics are pretty harsh to keep a gym running successfully. The main topics include: Its Most
Intense Workouts Are Named after People Who Died in Wars, Its Mascot is a Vomiting Clown, Another
Mascot is a Bloody Clown, It Takes on the Government over Twitter, and They’re like Jehovah’s
Witnesses.
Rhetorical Analysis: Sean Gregory is a senior sports writer for Time Magazine. He covers in this article
some things that the average Joe may not know about CrossFit gyms that are growing in popularity and
number across the world. He names the mascots that represent the crazed goers with a bloody clown
named Pukie and a bloodied clown named Uncle Rhabdo. The significance of these two cartoon
characters is that many believe the owner of CrossFit, Greg Glassman, doesn’t take the risks of
Rhabdomyolysis very seriously and may cause further research into the company. He even quotes
Glassman in an interview saying, “Remove everything between you and your success that isn’t
essential”. He pins these accusations on the company to try and raise awareness of the “cult” that
comes with CrossFit and aims to warn the public. He successfully uses quotes direct from the big man
himself to prove his opinion that there are indeed large risks to joining. Gregory has taken information
from the company itself and twisted it to show the bad parts of the company and by that, I was basically
convinced with this as my first article with information to judge from.
Reflection: Looking at much of what Gregory states in his article, it draws points to which place a large
argument to what I believe to be a successful company that is helping America to be better and fit. I do
believe that some things he has can be turned to be used for my advantage by twisting his evidence to
prove that the business pushes to help not hinder those box members.
Gregory, Sean. “Left Squat Repeat”. Time 183.2. 20 January 2014. Web. 2 April 2014.
Summary: Another negative article that is from Sean Gregory continues to name risks of the CrossFit
way to get fit or get hurt. He begins with how criticism has come left and right but they embrace it and
keep moving forward. Gregory also gives a statistic that 50% of clients from the Grand Forks, North
Dakota location quit after three months because “people get weeded out pretty quick” according to the
owner, Tom Harmon. The accusation of the culture being too aggressive comes into play in the article
along with pointing out that health professionals are raising questions on the safety. A positive note
found here though, is that many people believe “Anything that creates real human interaction is a big
plus for civilization.” And Glassman realized that “training methods worked for cops, couch potatoes,
and Olympic-level athletes alike”. Firing back, Gregory, gives reason that each box has little control and
each is run to its preference of the box owner. With the example of a woman named Jenifer Green, the
risk spells itself out from the over exertion from CrossFit training leaving her in the hospital from a
disease called Rhabdomyolysis. She said “That in-your-face, keep-going mentality—sometimes you
wonder, Are you serious?” And serious CrossFit is. Even though “half of 733 person survey reports an
injury from the workouts, 85% were mild.” It goes to show, that even through injuries and criticism, the
Glassman will continue to expand his CrossFit world.
Rhetorical Analysis: With a second article from senior sports writer, Sean Gregory, his article has a more
neutral on his views of CrossFit. Many statistics report injuries all over caused from workouts but his
overall purpose is to inform the public on the risks and benefits. Another tactic Gregory uses is a story of
an extreme injury case that does have a pull for the negative. But many benefits are pointed out with
quotes from health professionals that may make up the balance for a neutral point of view. Gregory
uses his resources well to present the topic of his work; with reputable sources it makes for a good
source to help decipher your own viewpoint on CrossFit.
Reflection: Compared to Gregory’s last essay, this is a much larger help for my work. He offers pros and
cons throughout his work to help but more of a balance of points. Not being extreme to either side is a
great way to simply inform. I furthered my opinion to the benefit side of CrossFit with this article. Whilst
the story of a Rhabdo case, many health professionals dealing with similar cases, or less life-threatening,
give reason that being healthy is sometimes worth the risk of injury. Gregory concedes also, “CrossFit
isn’t the only hyper-intense exercise program out there”, giving a valid point that not just Glassman is to
blame for issues arisen.
Harshman, Marissa. “Kids get CrossFit”. The Columbian. 16 December 2013. Newspaper. 9 April 2014.
Summary: Harshman introduces the idea that CrossFit has adopted a workout regime for kids. They
have the opportunity, instead of just watching mom and dad, to do what they do but scaled back to fit
the needs of their age group. The program is up and coming but so far widely popular just as the adult
version has been. The children get the chance to do the workout but then learn about what they just did
and muscles they are using to accomplish it. Trainers also have games that “reward” the kids for their
efforts during their training times. She also interviewed some children in the program and saw how
much they enjoyed their time.
Rhetorical Analysis: Marissa Harshman is a writer for the Columbian, a newspaper in Vancouver
Washington. She uses a language appropriate for all ages to address the “CrossFit Craze” that is
spreading to kids around the world. Simply put, she is informative and knowledgeable of the changes
that are starting in the gym world to make the program of CrossFit adapted to younger clients.
Harshman uses interviews to get a direct knowledge from those involved to allow others to see the hype
gathered from the changes. The simplified wordage used makes for a straight forward opinion and a
light read also.
Reflection: Reading this article gives a very easy advantage to my view of why CrossFit is a good rather
than negative thing for the world. Harshman offers easy points to adults that would worry about how
CrossFit culture adapts to children. The benefits will help teach young how to be healthy but also know
what parts of the body are affected by each workout and enjoying the reward of being active but also
throwing in a game to make it even better.
Lee, Janet. “Reach your peak”. Shape. October 2012, Vol. 32 Issue 2. Web. 2 April 2014.
Summary: Janet Lee introduces her topic of CrossFit with the basics of the culture and lifestyle
associated. The layout of the program is well explained beginning with the WOD (Workout of the Day)
and that the whole CrossFit has the same workouts to base off of and keeps it regimented. Lee gets
insight from members to tell of the big benefits that come with the program. She explains the “safety
check” that is the personal responsibility of each member but also has a tie back to the trainers teaching
the programs. With each class, Lee explains, challenge is there, no matter what level you are at. Even
though many people have exercised, CrossFit introduces a full body workout to incorporate everyday
moves. At the end of the article, some workouts are also explained individually to give you a taste of
what the day in a CrossFit box would be like. Lee allows the knowledge that you are able to push your
previous results and see improvement which explains the hype of the boxes of CrossFit.
Rhetorical Analysis: Janet Lee, a fitness writer for Shape Magazine, gives an inside look to what the
craze is about CrossFit. Catching an audience quick with statistics of how fast the boxes are popping up
all over the nation. Lee breaks up her article in sections to address various topics of why so many people
are loving this new workout plan. With descriptive details of the Workout of the Day, we are able to see
how the overall system is the same no matter where you go. With sources of people that have been
involved for years, Lee takes control of how her information is a positive source for the benefits of
CrossFit. Another thing to help her opinion further, is using negative points to argue but come out on
top by the end of her work. Using specific information from direct CrossFit sources adds validaty to
various points though out.
Reflection: Janet Lee’s article is one more paper to help support my thesis of the benefits of CrossFit
workouts. With straightforward and easy to follow information, positive statements line her article. The
fact that she is very knowledgeable in her topic, adds to the usefulness. Unlike other works, Lee does
take a dab in all aspects of the culture that CrossFit has all to its own. To gain a look into what so many
active-goers in the program helps giving facts about the pluses. With Lee’s knowledge, I am able to put
more positive points to why CrossFit works.
Conclusion: My thesis began by viewing the negative effects of the up-and-coming CrossFit workout
company. The few things I had heard were purely about the negative effects this highly intensive
workout regimen can bring to those participants. Furthering my research uncovered a few negative
articles to support my original thoughts. However, the more I read, the more I came to realize that the
benefits outweigh the risks involved. Seeing that a lot of trainers in the program do have an awareness
of my main concern of Rhabdomyolysis, makes me realize that the risk is pretty minimal. It’s true, the
hype of competition in some athletes takes over, but overall, control is the key in any workout program.
With Sean Gregory’s articles alone, I learned a lot about how Greg Glassman (owner of CrossFit) wants
people to be healthy but still pushes to see the results many want and need. Marissa Harshman also
gives a big push to the benefits to show the kid-friendly version has been created to give kids the
opportunity to not only work out, but to learn what they are doing to make it successful and fun.
Another insider’s point is given from Janet Lee’s informative article. She takes information straight from
CrossFitter’s to show the benefits of a full body workout offered at the individually owned but planned
from the original plans from Glassman. Lee gives insightful knowledge of why CrossFit is such a great
company. Just like any other workout plan, risks will be there but usually subside when you know more
of what you are doing and have a knowledgeable trainer to guide you. With the information from these
texts, I have gained a new look at CrossFit. Not one of being a negative force in society but that of a
successful and help to the ever increasing size of the American people.