ADVICE FROM THE FIELD
Reporter J.R. Duren interviewed a Portland-based physical therapist, a personal trainer with Jillian Michaels’s Fit Fusion program, a world champion powerlifter and a CrossFit enthusiast from Florida about the inherent dangers of CrossFit workouts. Though they come at it from different perspectives, they all agree on the following precautions a newbie should take before diving in:
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Perfect the proper form
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Physical exhaustion in a high-speed, competitive environment is a recipe for poor form and subsequent injury; master the techniques for all the foundational movements before you do your first CrossFit workout.
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Consult with your doctor to see if your body can take it
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Schedule a physical to rule out any risky preexisting medical conditions, such as a heart condition, bone or joint problem, or hypertension.
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Stop when you feel pain
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Any pain other than delayed onset muscular soreness (DOMS) is your body’s way of telling you it’s time to take a break.
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Leave your ego at the door
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Pride can make you do dumb things, like trying to beat the CrossFitter next to you who has been at it for years.
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Get in shape to get in shape
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If new to exercising, spend six months to a year doing traditional strength training and cardio fitness to prepare for the of rigors of CrossFit workout.
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Read the full article here.
