‘CrossFit is Dangerous’: How Junk Science Sabotages Public Health (EP. 035)

Zach Long, DPT, better known as The Barbell Physio, joins Jocelyn Rylee to dig into the myths and realities around CrossFit injuries, mobility, programming, and long-term health. They unpack the latest research, expose scientific bias, and share practical strategies for athletes, coaches, and affiliate owners. Read Zach’s point-by-point refutation of misleading CrossFit research here. Zach brings his perspective as a physical therapist and longtime member of the CrossFit community to explain how to train through injury, why less is often more in mobility and programming, and how CrossFit has and continues to evolve. Topics Covered Is CrossFit dangerous? Injury data vs. public perception How mobility training should actually work Scientific integrity and fighting back against biased research Training through injury vs. taking time off Building medical-professional networks around affiliates Programming pitfalls: volume vs. intensity and coaching time Why complex skills (like the snatch) belong in CrossFit Older adults as a critical growth area for affiliates Zach’s advice for athletes, coaches, and the future of CrossFit Resources Mentioned Zach’s website: thebarbellphysio.com Zach on Instagram/Facebook: @thebarbellphysio CrossFit.com – Scientific Integrity Under Fire article Zach’s YouTube channel: The Barbell Physio Community Highlight Trevor Pogue started CrossFit in 2020 with no lifting background and no plans to stick around. But it flipped everything. He was working in medical research at the University of Florida, first in cancer, then anesthesiology, when he realized something: many of the problems hospitals treat could be prevented through lifestyle.⠀ In 2023, he bought CrossFit 1088, a small affiliate in Ocala, Florida that was about to shut down. The name comes from the gym’s youngest and oldest original members: 10 and 88. That spirit — CrossFit for everyone — is what Trevor is rebuilding.⠀ He took over with 32 members. A year later, they’re at 120 and growing.⠀ At their last anniversary party, Trevor watched 88-year-old Martha climb a massive water slide and fly down it while younger members stood by saying, “No way.”⠀ “That’s why we do CrossFit,” he said. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here.