One suggestion is meeting with a personal trainer before starting a workout program for a fitness assessment. This will help pinpoint any problem areas and help focus on where improvements are needed to participate in a strenuous CrossFit program.

Given the national problem of excessive obesity, why is CrossFit under fire? Here are some of the criticisms.

1)    The Paleo Diet – Sometimes referred to as the “Caveman Diet,” the Paleo program concentrates on meat and vegetables as its staples. While giving up potato chips and white bread seems like a good idea, the controversial diet has been attacked by some nutritionists as misleading because our bodies have evolved since caveman days. Plus, caveman life was short, brutal and often had poor health, with many of the same problems modern man faces, including heart disease. In a U.S. News & World Report ranking of proper diets, the Paleo diet finished last. It lacked sufficient nutrition, that report claimed.

2)    High injury rates – The non-stop pace and high-intensity workouts have some safety issues. As noted, many people get off the couch and jump right in, a sure-fire formula for injuries. The trainers may be certified, but in some cases, that means they attended a weekend course. By pushing people to their limits, some may exceed them, causing serious problems. For people who are already fit, they may be able to sustain the pace. Others may have difficulty but are forced to keep up by the relentless encouragement of others.

3)    The workout health benefits are not necessarily clear – CrossFit founder Greg Glassman made a good point during his appearance on television’s “60 Minutes” profile – if you’re afraid of getting off your chair and being injured, then sit in your chair and be one of the 300,000 people whose sedentary lifestyle leads to death. But some studies have shown that intense workouts may, in fact, cause as many problems as they cure. Moderate exercise is best, but that isn’t the CrossFit philosophy.