All it takes is a google search to find that everyone and their mom has an intense pro/anti opinion about CrossFit and CrossFit Endurance (which is typically also associated with adopting the Pose running technique...yet another controversial topic). However, the number of moderate reviews appear to be few and far between, so I thought I would share a few thoughts from a moderate perspective on CrossFit:
1) Compared to the cost of most gym memberships, it is quite pricy. However, compared to the cost of most gym memberships + personal training, it is a bargain. Plus, I will say that undoubtedly the majority of people I've met at CrossFit are much more fun to workout with than some of the sketchy creepers at my previous gym (yeah Captain Stare-and-Smile...I'm talking about you...ain't no connection to be missed here!)
2) Just like there are a LOT (and I mean a LOOOOT) of completely incompetent and uneducated meatheads that call themselves personal trainers in gyms, results will vary from one CrossFit location to another based on the quality and expertise of the coaches. However, I think the CrossFit movement gets a lot more visible negative press because it provides one big target for folks to take their anectodal evidence (from bad experiences with dumb coaches) to slam the entire movement, rather than an individual trainer or gym. So, choose your gym and coaches wisely.
3) Just because there are WODs (workout of the day) does not mean you should check your brain at the door and blindly do everything without thinking about it or paying attention to your body. It's the same concept as exercising portion control when you eat out (I mean, think about how much food goes on your plate at a typical Chinese restaurant). Be observant, be smart, do your research, and set realistic goals for yourself. Ultimately, you are in charge of your fitness, not your CrossFit coach, and certainly not the angry Chinese lady handing you a 3lb plate of General Tso's Chicken.
4) Take it for what it is, and regardless of any of Greg Glassman's ridiculous claims (that would be the overweight-looking founder of CrossFit), don't expect it to magically qualify you for the Olympics without any extra work, experience and sport-specific training, or genetics already in your favor. CrossFit is a great way to get a diversified workout for general fitness. Chances are you won't suddenly be able to land a triple axel at the ice rink, but you'll definitely feel the difference when you're shoveling dirt around in the yard, or helping your friend move that old couch that feels like it was made out of fossilized dinosaur bones and stuffed with pure lead.
5) Treat it as a tool in your training arsenal. During the off-season, it will keep you moving and keep you focused on fitness (especially during those winter months when all you really want to do is skip those outdoor runs and eat chocolate chip cookies). During training season (whether a marathon, 8K, triathlon, etc), with appropriate rest planned in between sessions, it can be a great complementary workout.
6) Regarding the claims that it or CFE (CrossFit Endurance) is sufficient training to do marathons, ironman tris or ultra-marathons...as an endurance pseudo-athlete, I'm of the philosophy that an all-out HIIT training model with no slow-burner endurance sessions (kinda like CF and CFE) MAY be sufficient to finish the race, but barring at least some degree of natural ability, it will likely be a miserable experience for you...and honestly, who likes to be miserable for 3+ hours? So why not throw in a mix of the two types of workouts to derive the greatest possible fitness level for your event as well as to be able to enjoy it! I, for one, am neither a Kenyan, nor am I genetically gifted for athleticism, so I throw in some of the classic long runs and log spinning sessions (wassup slow-twitch muscle fibers!?) to help me mentally and physically prepare for longer races in addition to CrossFit WODs during the week (hi-five to the fast-twitch muscle fibers!).
