by Mike Luque

Created on: July 21, 2010   Last Updated: July 23, 2010

I would have preferred there to be a third option besides just "yes" and "no" for this question, because in my mind the answer is "maybe".

Inherently, every exercise system is safe and every exercise system has the potential for injury. When discussing an exercise system that is class based and led by a teacher, the answer to the question resides 100% in the aptitude and skill of the teacher. If the teacher is attentive, educated, and free of ego, the chance of harming yourself in the class is low. But very importantly, risk is always there.

The idea of a Crossfit workout is high intensity interval training. Just putting the words "high intensity" into a description should raise the client's alertness level. Increasing the intensity of any physical activity increases the risk of injury. However, that does not make Crossfit, or any other type of high intensity interval training inherently dangerous. Part of the risk in Crossfit is the different levels of fitness, coordination, stability and core strength among the members of the class. Noting that this is my opinion, the wisest and safest way to begin a regular Crossfit program would not be to do Crossfit. What should happen first is a series of private sessions with a trainer in order for the client to learn the proper techniques used, especially in the power lifting aspects (clean and jerk, kettlebell swings) and for the trainer to assess the client's stability and core strength. This, in my opinion, should be mandatory across all Crossfit certified trainers and centers. Throwing a new client directly into the mix of a class without this preparatory work is irresponsible.

On an individual aspect, the skills and attentiveness of the trainer in a high intensity interval training class cannot be understated. I have seen Crossfit classes and watched the trainers ignore proper lifting protocols just to push their clients harder. One of the key rules for any skilled, responsible trainer is, as soon as form breaks down, stop the set. End of story. This can still be done in a group setting without affecting the flow of the overall class. The trainer has to be sharp and know when to tap a client out of a particular group of exercises. I did not see this happening and as far as I know, it is not considered standard protocol in Crossfit certification.

And this is where I personally find the greatest threat to client health in the Crossfit system. Attitude. The idea that it is intelligent or responsible to push clients

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