Doing CrossFit? Get a chiropractor!!

The American Council on Exercise defines CrossFit as “an intense exercise program featuring dynamic exercises like plyometric jumps, and Olympic lifts while using non-traditional weightlifting equipment such as kettlebells, sandbags, suspension systems or water-filled implements”. While most of us do not know this exact definition, many of us know what CrossFit is. The big knock against CrossFit by exercise experts, coaches and trainers is that it sacrifices technique for speed, as the emphasis is on getting the workout done as quickly as possible. This obviously can lead to a greater number of injuries, and this is part of the reason that it is so important to have a chiropractor if you are engaging in any type of fitness routine, but especially CrossFit. 

The importance of chiropractic to those engaging in CrossFit is twofold. One is that of prevention, the other is that of treating injuries. “Crossfitters” are an intense group, and most do not like to be out for long when hurt. This is where the preventive use of chiropractic is so important. It's almost like paying it forward to your body. Obviously, those who do CrossFit frequently get injuries to their back, knees, shoulders, etc, and this is where the injury treatment aspect comes in. “Crossfitters” tend to develop muscle tightness and lack of joint range of motion more rapidly than other sports, this makes them high risk candidates for injury. Chiropractors can utilize soft tissue therapies which releases stress and decreases recovery time, which allows the athlete to again perform at an elite level. 

Anyone involved in a high intensity, high impact exercise routine should be under the care of a chiropractor, both for musculoskeletal and muscular therapies. CrossFit is no exception. Athletes should utilize both the preventative and injury treatment aspects in order to be the most efficient and healthy when performing their workouts. Call your chiropractor today!