CrossFit® instructor demographics and practice trends

Abstract

CrossFit® is an increasingly popular exercise modality that uses high intensity power training. The literature to date regarding CrossFit® has focused on its benefits to VO2 Max, body composition and the motivational variables of participants of CrossFit®. A computerized survey was distributed to CrossFit® instructors using Survey Monkey® (Palo Alto, CA, USA). One hundred and ninety-three CrossFit® instructors responded to the survey. Of these 86.6% (155/179) reported being a certified CrossFit® instructor with 26.7% (48/180) having a bachelor’s degree in an exercise-related field. Instructors with a CrossFit® certification have less bachelor’s (P=0.04) or master’s (P=0.0001) degrees compared to those without a CrossFit® certification, more utilization of Olympic weightlifting (P=0.03), one-on-one teaching (P=0.0001), 1-RM max on snatch (P=0.004), 1-RM on clean and jerk or hang clean (P=0.0003), kettlebell use (P=0.0001) and one-on-one training (P=0.0001). Instructors report differences in their education and differences in use of weightlifting platforms and various types of footwear. Non-certified instructors differ from CrossFit® certified instructors in regards to teaching of Olympic weightlifting and exercise programming.

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT): Definition and Research Implications for Improved Fitness

“…The level of experience and training of HIFT coaches was recently investigated by Waryasz et al [ 72 ] and Maxwell and colleagues [ 73 ]. A survey evaluating CrossFit instructor credentials and exercise programming practices found significant variability in training methods and education/certifications of 193 instructors [ 72 ].…”

“…The level of experience and training of HIFT coaches was recently investigated by Waryasz et al [ 72 ] and Maxwell and colleagues [ 73 ]. A survey evaluating CrossFit instructor credentials and exercise programming practices found significant variability in training methods and education/certifications of 193 instructors [ 72 ]. Even though the vast majority of coaches interviewed had a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and had completed a CrossFit Level 1 certification course [ 72 , 73 ], 26% of those interviewed by Maxwell had an associate’s degree or less and 48.8% of those in Waryasz’s study did not have another personal training certification of any type.…”

“…A survey evaluating CrossFit instructor credentials and exercise programming practices found significant variability in training methods and education/certifications of 193 instructors [ 72 ]. Even though the vast majority of coaches interviewed had a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and had completed a CrossFit Level 1 certification course [ 72 , 73 ], 26% of those interviewed by Maxwell had an associate’s degree or less and 48.8% of those in Waryasz’s study did not have another personal training certification of any type. In addition, large variations were observed in the level of experience reported by Waryasz and colleagues [ 72 ], as the mean years of experience was 8.5 years, with a standard deviation of 8.5 years, which suggest some of those interviewed were recently starting in the field.…”

“…Even though the vast majority of coaches interviewed had a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and had completed a CrossFit Level 1 certification course [ 72 , 73 ], 26% of those interviewed by Maxwell had an associate’s degree or less and 48.8% of those in Waryasz’s study did not have another personal training certification of any type. In addition, large variations were observed in the level of experience reported by Waryasz and colleagues [ 72 ], as the mean years of experience was 8.5 years, with a standard deviation of 8.5 years, which suggest some of those interviewed were recently starting in the field. As such, it has been suggested that some coaches at HIFT facilities may not have the requisite exercise science degree, training, or experience to adequately protect their members from injury risks, particularly those from high repetition high-stress movements [ 74 ].…”

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“…We must admit that the experts say that all exercises are performed quickly, in certain series with a time limit or without any recovery time between the series. Specialists report quite significant improvements in the level of functional readiness of people using crossfit in their training sessions (Waryasz, et al, 2016). In view of the above, good indicators of muscle mass gain, increased bone density, significant myocardial dilatation were also revealed (Eremin, Volkov, & Seluyanov, 2014).…”