literacy review 2 comments
TRANSCRIPT
The implications of Crossfit on personal health and fitness.
The implications of Crossfit on personal health and fitness. Andrew Her
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
08 Fall
Andrew Her� 3/23/14 6:18 PMComment [1]: Fix APA formatting, there needs to be a cover page and running head. You also don't need your name and date etc. on every page, just the running head as a header.
Andrew Her� 3/23/14 6:20 PMComment [2]: Topic is good and is relevant to everyone
Andrew Her English 1102-010 March 18, 2014
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Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Many times we see fit, beach body
guys and girls at the gym and when you compare them to yourself, you lose motivation.
You know you need to change but lack that drive to become what you’ve always wanted
to be. Many times I have felt the stares and giggles from wandering eyes on my physical
attributions and one thing came to mind, I’m not doing this to be your motivation, but to
compete with myself and love myself. Many obese and overweight Americans tend to be
scared of entering a gym to be criticized and laughed at but why must we react to their
need for change. Crossfits environment has no discrimination towards anyone young or
old, skinny or obese. We go to train our mind, body, and soul. But I believe it is essential
to discuss the benefits of crossfit’s intensive training and how it can decline obesity, the
most common health disorder in America. We will also discuss the differences of crossfit
and traditional anaerobic exercises. Not only does it have its benefits, we will also be
discussing the drawbacks of crossfit and how it can impact muscle growth.
Terms:
Crossfit: Kuhn, Steven, (2013), describes crossfit as a diet and exercise program that
follows our old paleo way meaning that how our ancestors relied on fresh meat, nuts and
vegetables is the principal of eating clean. He describes how Greg Glassman, a former
gymnastic coach and high intensity trainer, formed crossfit in1995. CrossFit incorporates
high-intensity interval training, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, gymnastics,
strongman exercises and other disciplines.
Paleo: Short for Paleolithic is a healthy lifestyle, which mimics the way our ancestors
once ate and lived. The paleo diet relies on lean meat, nuts and seeds, seafood, and fruits
and vegetables.
Andrew Her� 3/23/14 9:09 PMComment [3]: I enjoyed your introduction but I would elaborate more on it, this will help with you reach 2500 words
Andrew Her� 3/23/14 6:17 PMComment [4]: Capitalization of "CrossFit" differs a lot throughout, keep it unanimous
Andrew Her� 3/23/14 6:16 PMComment [5]: Add what anaerobic is.
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ENGL 1102-010
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WOD (Work Out of the Day): The WOD is usually after a warm up to get the blood
flowing and approximately 15-minute strength conditioning. The strength conditioning
can consist of anything to improve your max Olympic lift. Lifts such as front squats, back
squats, power cleans, push jerks, shoulder to overhead, and many more. Then comes the
WOD, which can consist of high intensity training. WOD’s can be up from 12 minutes to
25 minutes of AMRAP’s (as many reps as possible) or EMOM’s (every minute on the
minute). WODS are designed to improve your endurance and skill.
AMRAP: As many reputations as possible. During the WOD you can do
anything from wall balls, box jumps and 100 meter run. During this workout you have a
set time, such as 12 minutes, and within that 12 minutes you have to do as many reps as
possible, thus calling it an AMRAP.
EMOM: Every minute on the minute. This workout can consist of 3 power cleans
and a 100 meter run. On odd number minutes you do 3 power cleans and even number
you run 100 meters. This set time frame is usually around 20 minutes depending on the
exercise.
Burpee: The burpee is also referred to as the squat thrust. It is used in an anaerobic
exercise and strength conditioning. The movement is a four step movement consisting of
standing position, squat position with your hands on the ground, kicking your feet back
while your hands extend, and then immediately returning to the squat position. For
crossfit they use the push-up technique following the plank position, this is called the
burpee push up.
Literacy Review
Andrew Her� 3/23/14 9:09 PMComment [6]: Be a little more specific with your headings, it was hard for me to decide which one was your literature review and your "entering the conversation"
Andrew Her English 1102-010 March 18, 2014
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Crossfit and other high intensity training can be beneficial to a healthier state of mind and
physical well-being. Patel, Pratik, (2008) had stated that 2/3 of Americans are obese or
from being overweight. The author has also stated that many of these people suffer from
type 2 diabetes and that with high intensity training it can improve an individual’s insulin
sensitivity and improve blood glucose control. The article further went into depth on how
crossfit can improve blood flow, decrease in body fat percentage, and insulin sensitivity.
From joining Crossfit Northlake, I have witness massive changes in participants whether
it is less body fat percentage or building stronger bodies. It not only changes your
physical outlook but your mental state as well. Through the coach’s motivation and the
individual’s drive, they have exceeded their own expectations. The motivation each
participation receives to the friendliness the environment has to offer. Although some
people might disagree with crossfit, I believe it has its advantages. Castillo, A., (2013)
describes why we should chose crossfit to lose fat fast. In his article he describes it as
“balanced and a holistic way of attaining fitness and health”. In his article he tells us how
crossfit can influence all the muscle groups rather then focusing on one in particular. In
my experience with crossfit, I have felt my whole body shiver from pain rather then
going to a gym where I would only focus on muscle to “get bigger”. Gillio, Sarah M.,
(2013) took on that doing crossfit would be beneficial for women in their state of mind.
For her study, she wanted to understand how crossfit can improve a women’s integrity,
anxiety, and depression. That with crossfits environment, the friendliness and motivation
can improve their mental state of mind. In an article written by Michael M. Smith, Allan
J. Sommer, Brooke E. Starkoff, and Steven T. Devor (November 2013) they concluded
that the high intensity program had improved both genders body composition. The article
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had stated that the high intensity program was more sufficient then the regular interval
exercizes.
Downside of Crossfit
Like many exercise programs, crossfit has its dark little secrets as well. One article
identifies this subject as crossfits dirty little secret. Eric Robertson wrote in article about a
rare condition called Rhabdomyolysis. This condition is the breakdown of muscle tissue
that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents into the blood. These substances are
harmful to the kidney and often cause kidney damage. He states in the article that the
participant who had attended a crossfit class suffered from rhabdomyolsis and had lost
her muscle tissue. The sad part was that the coach knew all about the rare condition.
Preparing to be a warrior?
So how can someone who is not physically active prepare for crossfit or be a crossfitter?
Arnold Schwarzenegger once gave a speech on the 6 rules for success. Not only do I
believe they pertain to life but in a crossfit setting as well. In his speech he tells us that
you have to trust yourself, break the rules, don't be afraid to fail, don't listen to the
naysayers, work your butt off, and give back. So why do I believe this is necessary for
change? First and foremost to change and be better, you have to believe in yourself. In
life there will be people who tell you that you wont be able to accomplish something or
be someone but like Arnold said you have to dig deep down and find yourself and be
yourself, not what others expect you to be. Next I believe it is necessary to get out of your
comfort zone. You wont get anywhere by following what society expects you to be and
how you should feel. There are too many times in life that people are afraid of change or
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are scared of the possibilities but I say be different, be you. In crossfit you cant be afraid
to fail. There are so many times you will fail but that's the best part because you get to
see what needs to change or what needs to improve. Being a crossfitter doesn't mean you
have to be perfect at everything but the willingness to fail and learn. Don't listen to the
naysayers, the ones that say you cant do it or the ones who hold you back. With that
being sad you have to follow your goals and drive to achieve more. You can’t listen to
those who look down upon you and make you feel less because we are all create equal
regardless of the situations. The next phase is to work your butt off; with everything we
do we must always work our best to achieve our dreams and goals. Nothing comes easy
and so we must continue to strive for better and to continue learning. The final step is to
give back, give back to those who have started, be a mentor or coach so that others can
achieve their dreams and goals. I believe these are some of the steps at being a crossfitter
as well as life. (Arnold Schwarzenegger USC commencement speech 2009) So is that all
you need to do to become a crossfitter? If you prepare by giving it your all and never
doubting yourself you can achieve and be anything you set your mind to. You have to
keep trying no matter how tough it may be or how difficult it becomes. To be a crossfitter
you have to be eager to learn and to not be ashamed that you finished last but to
understand you made it through.
My Crossfit trial
Before beginning I was hesitant about trying something new and so high paced. I had no
idea what I was in for or what I would be putting my body through. The things I thought I
could never do and the health I wanted to achieve seemed to be out of reach. As the first
day arrives I became nervous and I had begun to doubt my ability to finish. I saw the pain
Andrew Her� 3/23/14 9:10 PMComment [7]: I'm not sure if you mentioned this in your paper, but why did you decide to do crossfit?
Andrew Her
ENGL 1102-010
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in everyone’s eyes that had previously did the WOD but I saw a glint of happiness
because they all finished. I had thought to myself, “can I really do it?” So I gave it my all,
heart beating rapidly, sweat dripping over my eyes, the roar of the coaches as they
motivated us to beat the pain. At last, it was over, I had completed my first WOD and fell
in love with crossfit. Throughout my time at Crossfit Northlake I had seen participants
drive their bodies past the max, I have seen people change from the shy lonely guy to the
one cheering their teammates during competitions. Crossfit has changed me for the better,
I am more aware of healthy eating and staying active. But most importantly I am aware
that we need to change for the better. To change the lives of others in a healthy lifestyle
and introducing other alternatives then relying on binge eating to relieve stress.
So why is obesity an important topic?
Obesity affects 2 out of 3 Americans, which in turn causes an insulin resistance within
the body and type 2 diabetes. These problems become serious issues that can lead to high
blood pressure and death. So we tell ourselves, “so what?” If we don't fix the problem
now, how will our future generations live their lifes? Will they be even more obese then
how it is today? We need to change our views on becoming healthier, not because society
has told us to but for the ones we love and especially for ourselves. To be able to see our
kids grow into fine young men and women, and to spend quality time without worrying
when the obesity will be too much. It is better the future and how we can promote a
healthier lifestyle rather then focus on technology.
Andrew Her� 3/23/14 6:18 PMComment [8]: I think your so what is really great, definitely a good way to wrap up the paper.
Andrew Her� 3/23/14 9:15 PMComment [9]: Go thru paper and add missing words and fix all necessary parts
Andrew Her English 1102-010 March 18, 2014
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Work Cited
Kuhn, Steven, (2013) The Culture of CrossFit: A Lifestyle Prescription for Optimal
Health and Fitness. Senior Theses - Anthropology. Paper 1.
(http://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/sta/1)
Patel, Pratik, (2008) The Influence Of A Crossfit Exercise Intervention On Glucose
Control In Overweight And Obese Adults
(http://krex.kstate.edu/dspace/bitstream/handle/2097/14961/PratikPatel2012.pdf?sequenc
e=3)
Castillo, A., (2013) Crossfit to drop fat fast: A Beginners Guide To Crossfit Training To
Drop Fat Fast
(http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=yYuvAQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&d
q=crossfit+benefits&ots=iegvwypvyB&sig=H6QvqtErk4Ci6F4a2H4NUO2dKYA#v=on
Andrew Her� 3/23/14 9:13 PMComment [10]: Fix the format to make the paper more even
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ENGL 1102-010
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epage&q=crossfit%20benefits&f=false)
Gillio, Sarah M., (2013) Socially supported exercise: implications for improving mental
health in women
(https://dspace.smith.edu/bitstream/handle/11020/24206/S%20Gillio%20Thesis%20Text
%20for%20PDF%20REAL%20FINAL.pdf?sequence=1)
Smith Michael M., Sommer Allan J., Starkoff Brooke E., Devor Steven T., November
2013 Volume 7 Issue 11 Crossfit-based high intensity power training improves maximal
aerobic fitness and body composition
(http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/CFJ_Devor_CrossFit_Publication_1.pdf)