What's more dangerous: Crossfit, Powerlifting, Olympic Lifting, or Bodybuilding?

I was asked this question earlier in the week and wanted to share my thoughts on these strength sports. I'll share from personal experience and from personal expertise.

Crossfit

I can honestly say I did Crossfit for several months before I dedicated full time to Olympic lifting. Here's what I have to say about Crossfit. I didn't like it. The reps are too high for my liking to gain any marked benefit. The workouts were too random. I enjoyed the strength lifts the most. Did I get hurt? Well, let's just say that in a workout we did walking lunges for far too long. I wasn't able to recover for a month and that was the day I quit!!! In brief, Crossfit has mounted lawsuits against it and has sought legal protection because of it.

Powerlifting

First off, I love Powerlifting! It's simple to do and it doesn't require much technique. When you develop your technique you can apply the pedal to the medal and lift heavy weights!!! I personally do the squat, bench and deadlifts on a regular basis and enjoy it very much. I have never been hurt doing Powerlifting. The loads placed on Powerlifters are very, very, very high and risky. When a successful lift is made it's safe. When a lifter misses a lift it can be very costly. So potentially it can be dangerous but hardly.



Olympic Lifting

Olympic lifters learn from day one how to safely miss a lift. The weights are rubber bumpers making it safe to drop from the lifter. You miss a snatch or clean and jerk no problem. You just dump it either in front of you or behind and walk away safely. I've never been hurt doing snatches or clean and jerks. Injuries are usually minor but the most serious injuries are to the back usually from squats. Why? Going too heavy while fatigued. Other than that, it's safe. Very safe.

Bodybuilding
Can't say I have much if any experience in bodybuilding. I'm not the one to ask about Bodybuilding injuries.

Final thoughts
All the strength sports have their risks but I believe that the injuries are much less frequent and much less severe than other sports such as Football, soccer, and other sports. When executed with the optimum technique, you get maximum effectiveness and you minimize injury. Powerlifting and Olympic lifting are very, very safe. Crossfit can be safe but has too much volume and has sidelined far too many people.

Coach Cap