Rally Point Endeavors — Local services in Northfield Township

I was open to the idea of Crossfit, even when friends recommended against the trend. The major criticism was the proneness to injury and the attraction to a community that pushes you through workout and, thus, through life as well. The aura generated here is addictive and it was such a high to go to the box each day, get a workout in, and share a few laughs with the members.

Once the injuries start coming in, that's when the feelings wear off. See, as I pushed forward through Crossfit, apparently I had started developing a latent shoulder injury that would go on to hurt me nearly indefinitely. This came primarily from repeated movements with the Overhead Snatch, which you are meant to do multiple times. It started with some pain during the workouts, then after visiting my doctor, I was told my ligaments were incredibly weak and working that arm would make you prone to near-debilitating circumstances. This put me out of commission for at least six months until I could visit a gym again.

Was this helped at Crossfit? Well, yes and no. Coaches there legitimately care about your well-being, but are not trained in exercise science or orthopedics so their best suggestion is probably, "switch your workout to this movement in the meantime". The other issue comes from the fact that you have to sign a waiver form from the beginning saying Crossfit Illumine isn't responsible for any injury incurred or the condition known as "Rhabdo", which basically means muscle death that could result from their workouts.

But not all is bad from a membership for a small period of time. The coaches at Crossfit teach you good form for many of their movements during the "On-Ramp" course, emphasizing pushups, pullups, ring-rows, etc. That was beneficial even at the $200 price point for the month. But I am happy that I built that muscle memory of proper form. The problem is that they have single coaches for up to 20 members per class and cannot monitor your form always. This is why you can simply look to your right and observe someone doing the form for any particular workout terribly. Then it's no shocker that they come back in a few weeks complaining about some pains in their body.

Despite this, I was always a stickler for form. I am now a member with Planet Fitness and am able to apply many of the things I've learned during my time at Crossfit to my workouts there. I'm able to still work to a very intense degree using designed WOD's combined with strength workouts (minus much of the stupid movements that got me injured in the first place) and, in only three months time, I have built significant lean mass all over my body.

Honestly, most anything that gets you out of the house and moving is okay for you. But understand that the movements and intensity to these workouts are not based in any scientific fact for how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These workouts have the potentially to irreversibly damage you body which would counter the health benefits you receive.

My best recommendation is to do the "On-Ramp" program with Crossfit Illumine and maybe stay on for a few months to build that muscle memory of the form. During that later period, maintain significant caution with any workouts involving a barbell as these are very harmful. By the time those two months are over, drop your membership and apply and/or modify those movements at a local gym like X-Sport or Planet Fitness. If you build that mental toughness, you will save more money as well as excel further as an athlete. The "aura" of false camaraderie will be very tempting when you join Illumine, but understand that that is the centerpiece to the Crossfit business model == "the illusion of camaraderie and community with a bad fitness paradigm". Resist the temptation and you will be...

I was introduced to Crossfit a little over 5 years ago. I have been a part of multiple gyms and have experienced the "good" and "bad" ones throughout the Chicagoland area. I can say all of the crossfit gyms offer the same workout. Meaning the WOD and strength programs are usually the same. To me, what makes the difference is the community and the range of experience members at the gym have. Crossfit gyms where everyone thinks they are "regional" athletes, can be unwelcoming to the new members and the coaches only pay attention to the better athletes. The best gyms are those that have people who are brand new to Crossfit and those who have been doing it since this started. Crossfit Illumine is the best gym I have ever been to. The community, coaches, and level of commitment from every member keep me coming back, ready to take on whatever workout is thrown at me. If you are new to Crossfit or might be "intimidated" by what you "think" Crossfit is... give this gym a shot. The workouts are tough but tough enough for everyone to participate. Oh, they also have the best equipment too :) Do not pass this one up. You will not be...

Great coaches. Great culture. Great athletes. Crossfit Illumine is a great place to create a better you. I began with their New You on-ramp class. It was 6 weeks and basically an introductory to Crossfit. I wasn’t sure what to expect but Brian, Donny, Heather and Kai made it a great experience. Workouts are tough and rewarding. Emphasis is placed on form and function over just lifting heavy weights and injuring yourself. You build up and before you know it, you used to scale and now you an go at the RX weight. Well, I made it through that 6 weeks and haven’t looked back.

If you are looking for a variety of workouts, something different every day, and a workout for all ages (members are 17-mid-70’s), this is your place! Come...