Crossfit is intense. I did it for a summer and saw huge improvements in my functional fitness. They seem to develop a more all-around athlete with focus on body weight exercises, olympic/powerlifts and short, intense sessions. It's a bit hard to incorporate into tri training if you are following a plan because all of the runs are intervals and some of the lifts don't exactly complement triathlon training. If you aren't as dedicated to a training program and want to become a physical beast, then incorporate crossfit into your training. My roommates and close friends have started up in the past couple of months as we prepare for our Officer Basic Courses. It has a huge military and law enforcement following. I'm planning on starting it back up in June after Worlds, so I can develop a bit more strength and functional fitness before Infantry OBC and everything that follows that.

I did Crossfit once....and it completely ruined the rest of my workouts for the week I was so sore. I think it's great if you want to develop explosive movements and a lot of strength without bulking up....it's the perfect thing to do if you're a wrestler/kickboxer, etc. However, I think yoga and basic core exercises (planks, crunches, back exercises, etc.) are really all that a triathlete needs. My biggest concern w/Crossfit is that it's way too easy to overexert yourself and tear a calf or a hamstring or god knows what else.....could ruin a season if you're not careful.