CrossFit (photo via Flickr/ CrossFit Fever)

A new trend has taken over the exercise culture. CrossFit, a new and intense conditioning program, has become a fascination among work-out fanatics, athletes, and military forces. This competitive and highly intense work-out sensation has grown popular, despite it’s high price and reputation for being extremely difficult. Many people have seen exceptional results, but others have experienced serious side-effects.

“CrossFit is nearly synonymous with overexertion,” says Heather Havrilesky in a recent article discussing American’s fascination with extreme fitness. Hundreds of thousands of people are testing the waters in extreme fitness, but many forget to examine the risks involved. So in a society where obesity is a constant battle, is CrossFit or any other intense exercise program the answer? Or is there a less-risky way to achieve a healthier life and a slimmer physique? I believe other options are worth exploring.