{"id":1312,"date":"2022-06-17T17:18:53","date_gmt":"2022-06-17T16:18:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bestgymhacks.com\/?p=1312"},"modified":"2022-08-30T09:06:04","modified_gmt":"2022-08-30T08:06:04","slug":"is-crossfit-a-cult-heres-the-truth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestgymhacks.com\/is-crossfit-a-cult-heres-the-truth\/","title":{"rendered":"Is CrossFit A Cult? Here’s The Truth."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Its been described as a cult, a fad or a passing craze – among many other things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But is CrossFit actually a Cult?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CrossFit is a systematic approach to training that is highly inclusive and extremely diverse. It follows a methodology that any person ages 3 to 93 can follow, the aim of which is to create a fitter more rounded human. There is no one figure of veneration which is worshipped, and there is no open religious and\/or dogmatic agenda being asserted upon its members. Therefore, in a religious sense, CrossFit is not a cult.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Worshipping the omnipotent Wall Ball <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

What Is The Definition Of A ‘Cult’?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the Oxford dictionary, a cult is a system of religious beliefs and devotions directed towards a particular figure or object. Merriam-Websters<\/a>‘ formal meaning is something very similar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second meaning in the Oxford dictionary is noted to be a person <\/em>or something<\/em> that is popular or fashionable among a particular group or section of society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This however does not mean that something which is popular means that it’s a de facto cult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another more simpler way of viewing this is a cult being newer age religion<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A religion is a worship of something metaphysical, or omnipotent for example, chiefly a God or set of gods. This is underpinned or working in tandem with faith. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So What Exactly Is CrossFit, If Its Not a Cult?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Simply put, CrossFit is just a training methodology which seeks to make you fitter working within 10 domains of fitness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using constantly varied movements over broad time domains, the main goal of CrossFit is to help you be a fitter human. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is nothing religious or dogmatic in its approach, however, it does have a linchpin philosophy which is administered throughout its training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pretty culty, huh?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guidance not gospel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All affiliate owners have some loose guidelines to follow such as what logos to put on the website the name of your CrossFit gym, expectations and qualifications for coaches etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On balance, it’s not the same as a traditional franchise, whereby they carry much tighter restrictions on how the business is perceived by following a set of non-negotiable parameters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nor does CrossFit meddle in how it’s run, or how it’s managed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CrossFit affiliate owners have freedom of choice to do what they like with their gym, so it is far more generous in its freedom than I traditional franchise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article<\/a> breaks down data from our affiliates as to why our members train with us.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Elements that can resemble a cult <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is founding – according to the dictionary’s meaning of a movement or idea being a cult phenomenon<\/em> – that parts of CrossFit fall into those realms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similar to the cult of Star Trek or cult of celebrity.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Used loosely, the term cult could be applied with regard to the new way of doing things, i.e. it’s a movement<\/strong> within the fitness industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Other Reasons Show That CrossFit Is Not A Religious Cult?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a large number of markers when trying to identify a religious cult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a list of reasons which CrossFit falls outside of qualifying it as a cult:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. There is no indoctrination process, only inductions.<\/li>
  2. It does not contain codes of strict behaviour and ethical practice. Unless you’re that clown not using collars on a barbell<\/li>
  3. There is no uniform dress. Gentlemen, wear knee-high pink socks and sweatpants if you want<\/li>
  4. There is no brainwashing or mind control around the kettle bell rack<\/li>
  5. Generally speaking, members do not make unwarranted massive donations of their life savings to the brand<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The culture <\/em>within CrossFit is unique compared with other sports. It’s unique in its ability to draw huge arrays of different people into the room to exercise.<\/p>Best Gym Hacks<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    No Different To Other Sports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    When looking at CrossFit on a level playing field with other sports such as basketball, yoga, swimming or golf, none of those are considered to be cult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The culture <\/em>within CrossFit is unique compared with other sports. It’s unique in its ability to draw huge arrays of different people into the room to exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You do not get this in other sports quite so pronounced, or pluralistic and diverse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For example, if you wanted to attend your local five-a-side football club the general demographic will be predominantly male and between age 20 and 35. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Or maybe your local boxfit is of interest? There would be a slight bias on men, aged between 18 – 45.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Admittedly, many people did look up to Greg Glassman is some form of genius, creating some uncomfortable god-like insinuations. <\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Typical class appearance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In a CrossFit gym a normal class would be people from ages 22 to 62 on any given evening of the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you’re wondering if CrossFit is for you, consider the question: do I like team sports and exercise?<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If the answer is yes to both, it’s likely a good indicator of being a good fit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Greg Glassman – The Illustrious Leader and Founder?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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    Ohmmmmm<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Some people state CrossFit is a cult due to Greg Glassman<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Glassman is (was) a polarising figure who founded the Sport over 20 years ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He recently stepped down from his role as CEO and sold the company to Eric Roza in a high-profile fall from grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can read more about this in this Best Gym Hacks article here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Indications of a cult<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    One prevalent indicator of a cult is that there’s one character of veneration <\/em>to which its members are subservient and support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Said character that could fit that charge – Greg Glassman – no longer exists in within the realms of the brand, sport and community. In fact, he was largely disliked by a huge portion of the community, following his fall from grace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yet the sport is still thriving to this day without its so-called cult-like illustrious leader. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ousting the leader by boycott <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This element alone helps remove any suspicion that CrossFit is a religious cult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I.e. if CrossFit was<\/em> a cult, with the sudden evaporation of Glassman, the cult should disappear with him, into a wisp of smoke; or disintegrate into a million pieces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Admittedly, many people did look up to Greg Glassman is some form of genius, creating some uncomfortable god-like insinuations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, he is more so a maverick – a disruptor of the norm – which is completely different the leader of a cult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He had contrarian views on fitness that disrupted the scene, giving birth to a multi-billion dollar beast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He is clearly a clever man, taking a simple methodology and philosophy from $0 to a $4 billion turnover in approximately 20 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There’s not many people in the world that can lay claim to founding a unicorn company<\/a> in a reasonably short space of time such as Glassman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Is There Anything Cult-like about CrossFit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Some things can appear cult-like from the outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Things like the bubbly non-stop talker of CrossFit and how it’s amazing and for everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Or dude that looks like WIT Fitness threw up on him. The wearing of all the latest and greatest NoBull, Nike Training, Reebok Nanos or Rogue gear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Merch is merch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    But again, this is no different than someone enjoying Formula One wearing a Red Bull T-shirt, a Ferrari cap and encouraging their friends to watch the Grand Prix on Sunday ‘cos its amazing’.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    All the gear<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    It’s easy to see how people would get frustrated listening to CrossFit confabbing if they don’t do it themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I’m also acutely aware that CrossFit is not everyone’s cup of tea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I’d get annoyed with someone going on about football every day at work because I’m not into football particularly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Football itself has been likened to being cult-like, come to think of it…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Can I Expect In A CrossFit Gym?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There are many things we could talk about in what to expect when you go to a CrossFit gym. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, here is a list of some of the most standout things to be aware of: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Members between 18 to 68 in adult classes working out in harmony (with no inaudible chants).<\/li>
    2. Sweaty-looking people following a workout – tick.<\/li>
    3. A loud environment with banging workout tunes and rumbly basslines <\/li>
    4. Barbells been lifted overhead and dropped on a regular basis, plus grunts in all hertz of the spectrum.<\/li>
    5. People doing unusual movements (not karma sutra or anything weird).<\/li>
    6. Doing exercises you’ve not done since being at primary school – such as handstands.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      What Are The Common Objections To CrossFit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      To those who label it a cult (on Reddit and Quora) and generally have no time for it, here are some objections commonly heard:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. You need to be fit to do it<\/li>
      2. It’s for young people only<\/li>
      3. It’s really dangerous and bad for you<\/li>
      4. You must do what’s on the board or you get in trouble<\/li>
      5. It’s full of sweaty men with their tops off<\/li>
      6. It’s too expensive<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n
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        West facing Friday ‘prayers’ at the box<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        Too unfit and too old?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        All of these objections are worthy of challenge, and many just incorrect conjecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        This article here<\/a> shows you that you do not need to be fit to try CrossFit, and you can be any age. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The two CrossFit affiliate’s that I co-own has ages 5 to 75 on the membership books. All adult classes have a huge range of ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        It’s not more dangerous <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Studies<\/a> have shown that CrossFit is no more dangerous than a conventional gym. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Conversely, this article here<\/a> shows that normal gym going<\/a> is actually more dangerous than CrossFit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        There are many other sports out there which are also more dangerous when reviewing the statistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Scale the WOD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        You can scale any movement you would not like to do or cannot do due to injury. The board has a strength and work out for the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        You can substitute anything and everything should you need to. This article<\/a> breaks down what that means. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Topless CrossFit men<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        There is no arguing that yes topless men do frequent sweaty CrossFit gyms. This is part of the culture and is more prevalent in some CrossFit gyms and others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What this demonstrates is that CrossFit gyms are more laid-back than mainstream gyms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        It’s actually a place to let your hair down, and grind out exercise that you don’t <\/em>hate doing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Topless men equals men enjoying themselves\u2026and the women probably are too.<\/p>\n\n\n

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        Price point<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Generally speaking, yes, a CrossFit gym is more expensive than a conventional gym. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The difference is that every class is coached by certified trainer, and akin to semi personal-training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Furthermore, all the programming is done for every class, from start to finish – warm up to cool down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        So you do not need to figure out what to do how to do it or when. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The programming is based upon building blocks and is always entirely driven by improvement of all the exercises you are carrying out, be that a Snatch, Kettlebell Swings, Ring Dips, Running or Back Squats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Attending CrossFit, Religiously. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        You can become addicted and attend ‘religiously’ and this is something you need to keep in check. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Do not idolise the sport. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        But remember, the devil makes work for idol thumbs. Balance is key. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Everything good in moderation<\/strong>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        You can easily over-train which invariably can end up with an injury. There are worse addictions out there. One’s such as the 40-a-day fag habit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        CrossFit is known for its addiction and high retention rates in part due to the social and physiological improvements, not to mention mental health benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        So if you’re going to work out at CrossFit 4 to 5 times per week – which many do – ensure you do this safely, and not just for the sake of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Endorphins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        It is well known that CrossFit is the ‘best out of someone’s day’ <\/em>after a horrible day at work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        It provides stress relief, anxiety reduction, and friendships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Just be sure to use CrossFit in the right way, and to make sure you’re enjoying it at all times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        If you stop having fun or you’re finding it is having a negative impact on your life take a break and come back to it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        CrossFit And Christianity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Most CrossFit gyms reside in America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        America is a hugely Christian nation, with some states more concentrated than others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        For instance, Bible Belt towns and cities). Therefore, inevitably there is a strong Christian presence within CrossFit gyms.<\/p>\n\n\n

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        Many of the worlds best CrossFit athletes are open about their faith in following Christianity. Most notably is 4x Fittest on Earth Rich Froning Jr who openly proclaims his sole<\/a> reliance on his faith in Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        With a notable populous of Christian membership in the US and throughout the world, this further debunks the myth that CrossFit is a cult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The law of non-contradiction states one cannot be a follower of two opposing views; or that two things to opposing things cannot both be right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        To that end, you could not be a true<\/em> follower of the Christian faith, as well as a follower of any other religion or cult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        To read Froning’s book you can grab it here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Its been described as a cult, a fad or a passing craze – among many other things. But is CrossFit actually a Cult? CrossFit is a systematic approach to training<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":797,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestgymhacks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1312"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestgymhacks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestgymhacks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestgymhacks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestgymhacks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1312"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/bestgymhacks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1312\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2096,"href":"https:\/\/bestgymhacks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1312\/revisions\/2096"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestgymhacks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/797"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestgymhacks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1312"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestgymhacks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1312"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestgymhacks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1312"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}