Dr. Stacy Ingraham, lecturer in the School of Kinesiology, describes the dangers of a new exercise fad called CrossFit in a University “Health Talk” article.
CrossFit is an exercise program where participants engage in explosive movements that require a great deal of athleticism and movement competency. In the article, “Is CrossFit doing more harm than good? U of M experts weigh in,” Ingraham explains that the program is almost “cult-like and addicting.” She notes that this kind of physical activity can lead to severe injuries, especially if the participant is older.
Ingraham says there is also a danger in who is leading the program. “Just because they have defined deltoids, triceps and biceps that look appealing in a ‘trainer’ t-shirt, these characteristics don’t always mean they have the credentials necessary to teach highly technical movement patterns under stress,” she says.