Fitness trends have come and gone. In the 1970s, everyone jogged. Then came aerobics, promoted by Jane Fonda, then machine-resistance exercises like Nautilus, then programs like Pilates and Zumba and finally, recent entries such as Bootcamp, P90X and Body Combat. But nothing compares to CrossFit, which truly excels in physically and mentally transforming the average person. Benefits include fat reduction, increased muscle mass and, especially, a psyched-up enthusiasm for the workouts.

Coach Greg Glassman established the CrossFit strength and conditioning program in 2000, and it has exploded in the last few years. CrossFit usually consists of a warm up, a skill development session and a workout of the day (WOD) and also blends in a diet philosophy and a positive-attitude culture. Exercises might include Olympic weightlifting moves like deadlifts, cleans and squats; calisthenics and gymnastics such as pull-ups, rowing, or rings; or a mix of odd exercises, such as the "Turkish Get Up," which is where you move from a lying-down position to a standing position with one arm holding weight over the head at all times.

All exercises are scaled to meet the individuals fitness level, and most are performed in high-intensity intervals, a training technique that is exactly what the American College of Sports Medicines recent poll predicted would be the biggest trend in the exercise world for 2014.

People of all ages participate, and they seem to get hooked on the WODs, the peer-group motivation and the social culture. I am not a CrossFitter myself, but I write this as an experienced sports medicine doctor who provides care to CrossFit athletes of every level. My observation is that higher-level CrossFitters are every bit as conditioned as Olympic athletes.

But, what about the much-touted risk of injury? Any high-intensity training program will likely lead to some strain or injury. In a recent, small survey study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, the authors found CrossFit injury incidence to be similar to that of Olympic weight-lifting, power-lifting and gymnastics, and lower than competitive contact sports such as rugby.

In another study of U.S. Army soldiers in a high-intensity training program that included CrossFit training, soldiers participating in the program showed injury rates comparable to those of non-participating soldiers. Ive provided care at CrossFit competitions and, so far, have not seen any serious injuries. Compare this with risky sports like mens football, womens basketball, gymnastics, or snowboarding, where there are bound to be concussions, sprains and fractures.

Sit-ups are unsafe, done at CrossFit or anywhere else. Also, while a quality personal trainer at a gym is the best medicine for some people, it, too, can lead to injury. When performing any sport CrossFit included you risk injury. The best advice is to seek out a CrossFit facility with coaches who meticulously monitor good form, don't push you past your limit and allow you to modify or avoid exercises that cause you problems.

CrossFit is a unique newcomer to the exercise scene. Evidence suggests that the CrossFit program is a viable fast track to improved body composition and cardiovascular fitness, with tremendous benefits. The risks surely outweigh those of a sedentary lifestyle.

Beauty or beast? Just ask a CrossFitter.

Scott Gillman is a doctor of chiropractic in Natick, Mass., in practice since 1991. He is also a chiropractic sports medicine specialist with a diplomate from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. He can be reached at 508-650-1091 or through http://www.drgillman.com.

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Dr. Scott Gillman: CrossFit: Beauty or beast