Crossfit training is one of the most effective ways to build muscle, increase athleticism, and burn fat. However, if you don’t know what you’re doing or listen to your body, it can also be incredibly dangerous.
Crossfit is an intense style of exercise that comes with amazing benefits and results if you approach it with discipline and respect. The question, then, is how to stay safe doing Crossfit?
We’re here to help. Keep reading for the top five Crossfit safety tips to avoid injuries.
1. Train With an Experienced Crossfit Coach
First, you need to enlist the help of a Crossfit coach to help you get started in your new exercise program. Most Crossfit gyms always have a coach on-hand leading the WOD (workout of the day). You can also opt for one-on-one training sessions.
A coach will show you the proper movements and form of each exercise, which is vital for preventing Crossfit injuries. Bad lifting form is one of the most common causes of injuries for weightlifters, powerlifters, and Crossfit athletes.
2. Start Slow
One of the most important Crossfit safety tips is to take it slow. You must learn how to crawl, then walk, then run.
Crossfit workouts are traditionally fast-paced. However, speeding your way through exercises you’ve little experience with and doing too much weight is a good way to hurt yourself. Perfect your form before you start pushing for more weight or faster times.
3. Warmup and Cool Down Properly
Another common mistake gym-goers of all types make is failing to warm up and cool down properly. They jump right into their workout, cold and vulnerable to injuries.
Working out without warming up is dangerous because your muscles are cold, stiff, and tight. It’s much easier to strain or pull a muscle if you aren’t warm.
Similarly, make sure you cool down after each workout and include some stretching to limit soreness and stiffness. Stretching will also keep you mobile and flexible.
4. Strive to Improve Your Mobility
The most common Crossfit injuries are typically a result of a lack of mobility and flexibility. The tighter your muscles and less mobile your joints are, the more likely you will hurt yourself during workouts. This is especially true in Crossfit, which calls for more athleticism and flexibility than traditional weight lifting alternatives.
Spend time every day doing mobility drills to warm up and cool down. Additionally, invest in a sold stretching or yoga program to improve your overall flexibility and range of motion.
5. Never Sacrifice Form for More Weight
Lastly, one of the most important Crossfit safety tips is to play it safe. Crossfit is a naturally competitive sport. If you’re not competing against others, you’re competing against yourself.
You should also strive to be faster, stronger, or more efficient than the week before. However, never sacrifice good lifting form for more weight or faster times. The second you start lifting with improper form, you put yourself at risk for injury.
Looking for More Crossfit Safety Tips and Other Health Advice?
As stated above, Crossfit can be an incredibly rewarding training system. However, make sure you follow the Crossfit safety tips listed above to learn how to stay safe exercising. You can’t make progress if you’re stuck on the couch recovering from an injury.
And if you’re looking for more exercise tips or health and fitness advice, check out some of our other articles. Our health blog was created to provide people like you with great information!