If you’re on Facebook, there’s probably someone in your friend list who’s a CrossFitter. This workout lifestyle has become more than a fad over the past 10 years, with almost 10,000 gyms (or “boxes,” as they are called) opening across the country.
The kind of workout CrossFit espouses is a cross between Calisthenics, Olympic weight lifting and gymnastics. The workout promotes 10 basic skills: cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, flexibility, stamina, strength, speed, coordination, power, accuracy, balance and agility.
The result for the average CrossFitter, according to a recent study, is weight loss, muscle development and improved cardiovascular endurance. Men burn almost 21 calories a minute, and women burn slightly more than 12.
But hidden behind the bravado and competitive atmosphere of CrossFit, lies some real dangers to both your health and life. Gym owners and coaches are only required to have a two-day CrossFit certification. Many are personal trainers who have a wealth of fitness experience and certifications, but some are merely people who are jumping on the bandwagon. Message board discussions abound with people who joined CrossFit, only to become injured in some way by too strenuous workouts or inexperienced instructors.
And then there’s the life-threatening condition CrossFitters call “Uncle Rhabdo.” Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially fatal condition where muscle cells explode from overuse, leaching proteins into the blood stream. Your kidneys aren’t capable of clearing those proteins from the blood, causing injury to part or all of the kidneys in extreme cases, and kidney failure.
So what should you do if you’ve received injuries from inexperienced trainers or experienced rhabdomyolysis as a result of extensive training? You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.
Call us today at 816-842-7100 to speak with an attorney. Or you can click here to email us and schedule your free consultation. We don’t get paid unless you win.
