An Uncertain Future: CrossFit Injuries

CrossFit, like any intensive kind of training, can come with a lot of risk. The more active you are, the more likely you are to get injured. At the same time, the more active you are, you will improve your fitness, minimize previous injuries, and improve your overall health. I am thankful enough to never have experienced a serious injury. Until today.

Earlier today I was working on my deadlifts for an upcoming competition. I was lifting 305lbs, a weight that I've lifted at least 100 times. I have a leg heavy deadlift, and rarely ever, if at all, experience pain in my back. But this time was different. In the video, it looked identical to lifts that I consider to have "good form."

 I felt a sharp pain through my lower back and legs and immediately dropped the bar. I laid down on the ground thinking I needed to stretch. That didn't seem to help. I couldn't get up, at all. So I laid there in tears for about 20 minutes, and it was one of the scariest experiences of my life. I wasn't near my phone, so I knew I would have to get up eventually. I found my way to my feet and called my parents. Once I was up, I felt better, but I still couldn't stand completely straight.

Once word got around to my family, that I had what potentially could have been a serious injury, I heard the opinions of how "dangerous" lifting heavy weights can be. But honestly, that thought never crossed my mind. Did I think that my core could have been a little tighter? Of course. Did it cross my mind that I shouldn't lift alone? For a second. But at the end of the day, it's not the sport that makes it dangerous, it always comes down to form.

I don't know what's wrong with my back yet, I'm not sure what the doctors will say, or how my back will look, but I do know, that I will be back doing what I love. Maybe I won't be lifting as much or maybe I'll still chase down my goal of a 400lbs deadlift. Who knows...

All I know is that if I had one dream, other than reaching my goal weight and pursuing a career in criminal justice, it would be to be a professional powerlifter, and I'm not ready to give that up. Lifting heavy is my passion, no matter what people think.