CrossFit is a branded fitness regimen that involves constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity.[1] The method was developed by Greg Glassman,[2] who founded CrossFit with Lauren Jenai in 2000,[3][4][5] with CrossFit its registered trademark.[6] The company forms what has been described as the biggest fitness chain in the world,[7][8] with around 12,000 affiliated gyms in over 150 countries as of 2022, under half of which are located in the United States.[9][10]
Studies indicate that CrossFit can have positive effects on a number of physical fitness parameters and body composition, as well as on the mental state and social life of its participants.[16][17] CrossFit, however, has been criticized for causing more injuries than other sporting activities such as weightlifting; although a review article in the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation found that "the risk of injury from participation in CrossFit is comparable to or lower than some common forms of exercise or strength training".[18] Its health benefits and injury rates are determined to be similar to other exercise programs.[19] There are also concerns that its methodology may cause exertional rhabdomyolysis, a possible life-threatening condition also found in other sports,[20][21][22] resulting from a breakdown of muscle from extreme exertion.[23][24]
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^Gianzina, E.A.; Kassotaki, O.A. (2019). "The benefits and risks of the high-intensity CrossFit training". Sport Sci Health. 15: 21–33. doi:10.1007/s11332-018-0521-7. S2CID57428207.
^Cite error: The named reference injury review was invoked but never defined (see the help page).