Is Crossfit Dangerous???

I have read many articles that point to the fact that doing high rep, heavy weights when you are tired or are pushing a time limit can be very dangerous. This is a major factor when talking to strength coaches about the use of Crossfit. This week while completing WOD 12.4 of the Crossfit Open I had an experience with that danger.

I completed the 150 wall balls around the 8 minute mark. I then finished the 90 double unders with about 1:45 left on the 12 minute clock. I took a few secs rest while walking over to the rings. On my first muscle up attempt the rings got behind be somehow. It all happened so fast and I wish I had a video of it. When the rings got behind me somehow my legs also went up behind me and I got parallel to the ground. I lost my grip at that point and fell to the concrete. With my hands behind me I was not able to catch myself at all. I landed directly on my hip and face. It sounded pretty cool actually. I knew immediately I had most likely done something to my teeth as they hit directly on the concrete. I sat up and realized I was bleeding all over the place, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. I looked up to see that I still had 15 seconds on the clock and told myself I wouldn't let that fall stop me from getting at least 1 muscle up during this workout. I went ahead and knocked out that muscle up before time ran out.

I have had many thoughts in the last couple days on that fall, and I have come to the conclusion that while Crossfit can be dangerous, I cannot blame anyone for that fall except for myself. I have been able to do muscle-ups for at least 9 months. I can string multiple muscle-ups together and perform strict muscle-ups, so I can't say I was attempting them for the first time. I just got into a bad position and tried to hang in the rings to complete the movement because of my competitive nature.

So, what has this taught me? I will definitely be very careful about putting anyone on rings ever, even just for ring dips. I do not have a concern about ring pushups because the rings are so low anyways. I would not ever force someone onto the rings. They are very challenging and tough on the body, even when you don't fall. For the everyday person completing a move on the rings is not necessary to increase their fitness level.

Would I do it again? Of course!!! I chose to get on the rings and I will get back on them this week at some point. But, it is a personal choice. I was fortunate to play competitive sports from the time I was 4 throughout college. Injuries are a part of athletics and you get used to that. I love the challenge and a couple bruises, a busted lip and broken tooth can all be fixed. Here's some great pics of the massacre. Please be smart when programming "dangerous" exercises for the everyday fitness client.

-BM