Jillian Michaels, founder of the 30-Day Shred, says CrossFit doesn't allow enough time for recovery from its intense workouts
- Celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels has spoken out against the popular workout style CrossFit once again, arguing that the fast pace and intensity may lead to injury, especially with inconsistent coaching.
- Michaels has previously critiqued CrossFit, calling certain exercises "cheating." The sport has been controversial among other fitness experts as well.
- Top athletes and gym owners have defended CrossFit's methodology, citing its precise definition of fitness as a combination of strength, endurance, power, and a variety of skills.
Celebrity personal trainer Jillian Michaels has reignited her feud with the popular fitness brand CrossFit, saying that she doesn't "understand the logic" of the program, and that she believes the fast-paced, high-intensity workouts may do more harm than good.
Michaels made the comments in a video posted her Instagram and YouTube pages in response to questions from fans and users of her app.
"I really don't understand the trainer logic," she said. "To me, it seems like beating after beating after beating."
It is not the first time Michaels has voiced concerns about CrossFit's intense, rapid-fire workout style for years, calling the sport "cheating."
In her latest critique, Michaels said she believes that CrossFit risks injury for less advanced athletes who attempt Olympic-style weight-lifting exercises - a common concern among the sport's critics.
Michaels, founder of her own 30 Day Shred regimen, also said she doesn't think the program allows enough time for recovery, and recommends doing CrossFit just twice a week.
CrossFit athletes and gym owners were quick to defend the sport, explaining the methods behind CrossFit's complex programming and arguing that with proper training, it can be done safely even for beginners.
CrossFit trainers can vary in experience level, although many are highly qualified
Michaels said she believes CrossFit isn't consistent in its level of expertise. It's a common concern voiced by fitness experts (including within the CrossFit community).
"Not to say you can't be a CrossFitter and be in great shape, but it depends on the quality of your coach," Michaels said.
The minimum requirement for CrossFit trainers (a Level One Certificate) is a two-day weekend training course followed by a test. Some of the coaches are highly qualified or even renowned masters in specializations like weight lifting and gymnastics. However, it's not required that instructors have a degree in exercise science, previous teaching experience or other coaching certifications, although many CrossFit instructors do have those qualifications.
Training expertise is important because CrossFit workouts often include advanced weight lifting and gymnastics movements that can be challenging for everyday athletes to learn, including barbell snatches, ring muscle-ups, and handstand push-ups.
Michaels said that despite her years of experience in fitness, including more than a dozen specialist trainings in weight lifting, she "would never in my wildest dreams go out and try to teach an Olympic lift. I wouldn't even dare attempt to teach it because it's so technical."
CrossFit is fast-paced with uniquely intense moves, and critics say that risks injury
Michaels' other contention about CrossFit is that its need for speed could lead to injury or bad form. CrossFit workouts are scored based on the number of repetitions in a set time period, meaning athletes rank better if they complete the exercises more quickly.
She argues that it can be risky if athletes rush through the movement or attempt to keep pace when they're exhausted.
"These are really dangerous things to be doing for time," Michaels said.
Michaels and other fitness experts have previously taken issue with CrossFit's kipping pull-up, in which athletes swing themselves up to the bar rather than lifting from a dead hang. The momentum of the movement can be risky for the shoulders and the spine for inexperienced athletes, and can make it less effective for building certain muscles.
CrossFit proponents argue the exercises are designed to be as efficient as possible, allowing for the most work in the shortest time. Four-time CrossFit Games champion Rich Froning rebutted these criticisms in an article for Shape, explaining that sport focuses on functional movements designed to improve athletes' overall performance by training "the 10 pillar of fitness", including speed, flexibility, endurance, and power.
Too much exercise can lead to burnout and stall progress
Michaels said she does not agree with doing such intense workouts so many days a week.
"When you train as hard as you do in a CrossFit workout, you need time to recover," she said.
"I love that people love CrossFit, I love that they love working out, but I wouldn't even want someone doing a yoga workout every day," she said. "If you love it, great, find an unbelievable coach ... and don't do it more than twice a week."
It's true that recovery is a crucial part of successful workout programs, according to extensive research - that includes adequate sleep and good nutrition, as well as rest days.
That means any program that involves similar exercises day after day (including circuit-style plans like Michaels' 30 Day Shred) could lead to fatigue and stymie progress and performance.
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