Thread by @BStulberg

No, CROSS-FIT IS NOT THE BEST WORKOUT PROGRAM. The best workout program is the one you can stick to. That can be fast-walking, hiking, lifting weights, running, swimming, gardening, cycling, yoga, dance, team-sports, you name it.

(A thread on CrossFit and what actually works.)

Something I think about often is what I call "Guru Syndrome," when someone becomes an untouchable expert with an inability to even consider how they might be wrong. Run the opposite way!

Here, a fascinating profile of @CrossFit CEO in @outsidemagazine.

outsideonline.com/2407671/greg-g…

-On people who dislike him: "They’re fucking idiots. Obvious idiots.”
-On efficacy of his program: “I don’t need a study. It’s my freak show.”
-On success of others: “I take credit like I chiseled them from stone myself...my name should be on the bottom of their fucking foot.”

CrossFit has taken something that can benefit everyone—physical activity—and tried to make it proprietary. This requires all kinds of nonsense and the need to be contrarian, stoke distrust of expertise, and put down other healthy ways of being and doing. This is dangerous.

Here, an overview of highly effective strength training— without the swearing, slamming weights, and cult-like tribalism—that anyone can do anywhere.

-Goblet squats (3x6-10)
-Lunges (3x6-10)
-Pull-ups (3x1-10)
-Single-leg hinges (3x6-10)
-Push-ups (3x4-15)outsideonline.com/2243691/absolu…

Here, an overview of how for health and longevity walking gets you most, if not all, of the way there.
-Load bearing
-Aerobically challenging
-Low risk of injury
-Easy to start and stick to
outsideonline.com/2342346/walkin…

This isn't to say that all CrossFit gyms are bad. I know of some very good ones. Some have already separated themselves from the brand and those that haven't perhaps should soon.

When movements and leaders lose humility bad things generally tend to follow in their wake.