I just read the summary of the interview Crossfit radio had with Strength Coach Mike Boyle, who up to this point I have had great respect for.
Mike Boyle's work, along with other prominent strength coaches, I was taught in college, is the only way to produce increased performance in athletes.
As I own a crossfit affiliate, it should be obvious that I have gone in a different direction. The one factor that was consistently missing with the athletes that I trained in this manner, was a total lack of perseverance, and mental toughness.
When one walks into a conditioning facility, regardless of the level of athletics, and you already know each set will be fully rested, perfectly timed and laid out, it doesn't take much mental fortitude to persevere.
On the other hand, if you are a little scared at the prospect of what is coming from a workout, you have to "man-up" to walk in the room.
Now other strength coaches, Mr. Boyle included will probably read this and cry foul. What about periodization, what about tapering of endurance athletes/swimmers?
I would say to that, to all but the absolute cream of the crop athletes will any of those things matter. I have had the honor of working with a number of very good athletes, maybe not the cream of the crop, but some very good athletes at the college and Olympic levels. For them, I would say a little more mental toughness was and is, the limiting factor to their continued success.
We have gone from irresponsibly over training our athletes, to severely under-training them, especially concerning the mental aspects of athletics.
I believe the multi faceted variance of Crossfit allows for this mental training, as well as kick ass total athletic development regardless of sport, in a responsible manner.
