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kawaishi · 09-28-2010, 17:52

I've been working out at a gym since January that does some CF and I've enjoyed it. The gym is run by a former 1st Force Recon Marine who left the Corps, became a pro triathlete, and had been coaching athletes for over a decade before opening the gym. I only mention that because his background in Recon and his own athletic/coaching experience gives him a good knowledge of applying athletic training to a military based goal. Alot of my opinions reflect knowledge that he (and my college judo coach) shared with me. He holds SF Soldiers in very high regard so he's got some grey matter, right?.

I've experienced some great benefits from CF but many of the CF'ers that I know don't do any other kind of resistance training. I think that's wrong.

First, there is no periodization to the training and, while CF produces results, periodization of training programs has been proven to be the best way to develop a solid, all-around athlete. The arguement I've heard by CF'ers is that jobs like firefighting, law enforcement, and military service have "general" and "random" requirements that don't stress max strength or max speed like athletes. What I'm missing is how CF is random. Everything is for time which means that your heart rate is elevated as you race through at your best pace. That's great conditioning but it produces a certain kind of adaptation even if the exercises are varied. Also, your body will adapt and respond to training so why waste that adaptation by doing random programs that don't build on your success with structure?

Second, the circuit training format doesn't allow for true strength training that is so beneficial to athletic performance. While CF will make you somewhat stronger there is no substitute for lifting near max weight. I use CF but in my endurance-conditioning phase after I've focused on Strength and Power. Guess what? Now I'm using heavier weights for the same CF routines....oh, and I'm running alot faster after all those heavy squats!

Some of the best info that I've seen about periodization is by Tudor Bompa. I recommend his books to everyone.

CF is a great conditioning tool and but its one tool in the toolbox. I will continue to use a CF style workout but as a compliment to a progressive and balanced routine.

09-28-2010, 17:52	#5
kawaishi Asset Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: South Louisiana. Posts: 50	I'm discussing athletic training here not selection prep in any way, shape, or form. I've been working out at a gym since January that does some CF and I've enjoyed it. The gym is run by a former 1st Force Recon Marine who left the Corps, became a pro triathlete, and had been coaching athletes for over a decade before opening the gym. I only mention that because his background in Recon and his own athletic/coaching experience gives him a good knowledge of applying athletic training to a military based goal. Alot of my opinions reflect knowledge that he (and my college judo coach) shared with me. He holds SF Soldiers in very high regard so he's got some grey matter, right?. I've experienced some great benefits from CF but many of the CF'ers that I know don't do any other kind of resistance training. I think that's wrong. First, there is no periodization to the training and, while CF produces results, periodization of training programs has been proven to be the best way to develop a solid, all-around athlete. The arguement I've heard by CF'ers is that jobs like firefighting, law enforcement, and military service have "general" and "random" requirements that don't stress max strength or max speed like athletes. What I'm missing is how CF is random. Everything is for time which means that your heart rate is elevated as you race through at your best pace. That's great conditioning but it produces a certain kind of adaptation even if the exercises are varied. Also, your body will adapt and respond to training so why waste that adaptation by doing random programs that don't build on your success with structure? Second, the circuit training format doesn't allow for true strength training that is so beneficial to athletic performance. While CF will make you somewhat stronger there is no substitute for lifting near max weight. I use CF but in my endurance-conditioning phase after I've focused on Strength and Power. Guess what? Now I'm using heavier weights for the same CF routines....oh, and I'm running alot faster after all those heavy squats! Some of the best info that I've seen about periodization is by Tudor Bompa. I recommend his books to everyone. CF is a great conditioning tool and but its one tool in the toolbox. I will continue to use a CF style workout but as a compliment to a progressive and balanced routine.
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