Should I begin Crossfit? (sorry if wrong section)

[MCGU]

I am currently a freshman midshipman doing NROTC, and will one day (if everything goes correctly!) be a 2nd Lieutenant in the USMC. I hope to commission and to go Infantry, one of the most physically demanding MOS's (jobs) that the USMC has to offer. On top of this, I really hope to one day go into Marine Force Recon, or maybe even MARSOC (for those civilians who don't know, Marine Recon and, more recently, MARSOC, are the "special forces" of the USMC) I have been weightlifting for years now, and running distance for about a year, and have come to realize that it just isn't going to cut it anymore as far as my fitness goals are concerned. Even so, I am currently performing a PFT around 285 out of 300 on a good day. (The USMC Physical Fitness Test is a test consisting of a max score of 300, in the three categories of dead hang pull ups (20), curl ups (100), and a 3 mile run (18 min)). My deficiences on the last official PFT were the pull ups (15) and the run (19:00 flat), but that test was about 2 months ago. Currently I am doing PT consisting of either a 5-8 mile run, or a crossfit-type USMC issued workout with my unit on MWF, and I am weightlifting 4 times a week (the idea is to replace the weight lifting with crossfit). I am also in college, so my time and resources are somewhat limited in regard to being able to do both freeweight training and running in a timed workout, as I have noticed that most crossfit workouts combine (my free collegiate gym has free weights, but they have a designated room).

Sorry for all of the prior info, I just didn't want to leave anything out. My overall question is: Would it be a good idea for me to begin crossfit, or would perhaps SEALfit be a better choice? If I begin crossfit, should I do the WOD or is there a better workout choice? Also, if I am to begin my routine, what day cycle would be the best combination with my required PT training? I apologize for the wall of text, but I know how important prior info is to fitness questions. Any answers would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!

 

[PLB_old]

Sorry, I don't have an answer for you on this one. I'm unfamiliar with requirements of the Marines and I haven't done Crossfit myself. Just wanted to bump this thread so that someone out there who knows might see it!

 

[J Gelino]

Hey man, how it going. I havent personally done crossfit, m uncle will be starting it soon, i could let you know. I am a former p90x graduate and am now doing a new one called Body Beast. I have also dabbled with one I think is right up your alley called Insanity or the newer one Asylum. I'm not sure what your options really are but I dont care what marine requirements are, either one of those two would get you there in 90 days or under. Sounds like you need a little endurance AND weight training for a little bit to get that little bit more push to pass the test. How's your eating?

 

[bladysh]

MCGU:
Great question. If you want to choose the correct workouts to be applicable to Marine training than you want to do the most athletic training possible. Bodybuilding, negative.....strongman/power lifting, negative. CrossFit would be my choice hands down. Cross fit consists of training for all the athletic forms possible. endurance, strength, power, speed, balance etc. Since crossfit can mean a plethora of different types of workouts just make sure you cover everything. Example: a 1/2 - 1 mile run leading directly into some kettlebell work or push ups and pullups with a short rest and repeat for a few sets.
We included some major endurance, some strength and power stuff....Get what I am saying?
Lastly many high profile military teams use it..... Swat comes to mind.

 

[PaleoDan]

I don't personally do Crossfit, but am very familiar with it. Crossfit does a decent job of getting a person most of the way there. The general concept, high intensity interval training aka circuit training, is generally a much more optimal way of getting your cardio and muscle building in more effectively than separating the two with significant breaks. Personally, I feel one of the basic principles behind Crossfit is extremely flawed, namely the "time standard".

IMO, I feel having a set time standard is not realistic for people of a wide range of physiques and fitness levels. People should be more concerned with QUALITY of their workout. Take something like a snatch pull. Depending on a person's current fitness level, the time standard or repetition standard may be completely unrealistic for them. They may end up pushing themselves a bit too hard and too fast to hit that standard, and start sacrificing proper form, potentially even risking injury. Standards are good to have for maintaining some type of performance measurement to hold one's self accountable to. That being said, standards are going to differ for EVERYONE. You want proper form and good quality reps to make sure you are getting the most from that workout and not hurting yourself in the process. I think more realistic standards need to take that into account.

MCGU, I would definitely recommend trying to add some bodyweight training, and possibly some kettle bell exercises to your workout plan. There two types of being in shape and looking good. There's "look good" strength, and then there's functional strength. When it comes to the military, you definitely want to go for functional strength, hands down. A lot of guys look great, are cut, have a low BF level, etc. Do they really have the functional strength, though, to be doing things like a "snatch pull" to pick up their buddy that just took fire, hoist themselves up over something to take cover while having a full combat loadout on, etc. Here are some links from several people that know their stuff when it comes to these things:






Also, it may be hard to find him offering one of these classes, as I think he only does a few times per year, and I believe they are usually mainly in North Carolina. His name is Pat McNamara, and he is a former member of 1SFOD-D. The dude is an animal, and in damn good shape for his age. If you're already pretty knowledgeable about units like MARSOC, MCGU, I'm guessing you know what 1SFOD-D is. Pat offers a course called Combat Strength Training. While I haven't attended it, judging by some reviews I've read, it sounds like a pretty good course for teaching you how to come up with a program for yourself to give you good functional strength. Anyways, figured this might be right up your alley, especially if you're looking to join the SF/special operations community.