Exploring the social side of CrossFit: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore and describe the social environment of CrossFit®. Design/methodology/approach A total of 6 focus groups (n = 48) and 16 interviews were held with CrossFit® participants, coaches and owners. Each focus group or interview was facilitated by trained members of the research team. After data collection was complete, four trained researchers analyzed transcriptions using an open coding method to derive themes from responses, followed by inter-rater reliability checks to ensure consistency in data analysis. Findings Five themes emerged including: support (the social capital community members received from others through CrossFit®, including encouragement, coaching and accountability); culture (describes how CrossFit® as a community embraces a variety of skill levels and members experience a sense of camaraderie, acceptance and shared goals); social aspect (ways CrossFit® incorporates and extends community through a welcoming environment and fostering relationships building); competition (competing with others and oneself at CrossFit® is key to motivation and success at the gym); and barriers to community (ways CrossFit® can at times be intimidating). Practical implications Although exploratory, this study suggests the importance of CrossFit®’s social environment for a participant’s experience. Future research could determine how relationships within CrossFit® relate to health outcomes. Originality/value This research is original and important to the field of mental health as it explores how CrossFit® can be leveraged as a strategy to promote social inclusion. CrossFit® provides an environment that promotes healthy habits such as community involvement and exercise.

Network Analysis of the Social Environment Relative to Preference for and Tolerance of Exercise Intensity in CrossFit Gyms

“…These results support the social selection hypothesis as a likely reason for tolerance homophily, given the higher likelihood of two people with similar tolerance scores having a connection (i.e., selecting one another due to shared tolerance levels), while also having a lower likelihood of receiving many nominations, thus limiting their potential influence on others due to a smaller in-degree [70,71]. Qualitative studies indicate people have a tendency to be intimidated by CrossFit and high-intensity exercise, especially when they are newer to HIFT [15,19]. This could explain why those who demonstrate higher tolerance might receive less social connections-they could be intimidating due to their ability to tolerate higher intensity workouts.…”

“…CrossFit members participate in a "workout of the day" (WOD) in a class-based format, where coaches explain the WOD and attend to participants throughout the workout, with opportunities to modify or scale exercises accordingly to fitness and skill level [16]. Previous research suggests group-exercise environments are often more effective in delivering health benefits, such as enhanced mental health [17,18], improved sense of community and belonging [15], and greater enjoyment and adherence to exercise [19,20] when compared to independent exercise. Studies show similar effects among CrossFit participants, with evidence that CrossFit can be a supportive social environment for its members, providing them social capital and support that facilitates physical and mental health benefits [15,21].…”

“…Studies show similar effects among CrossFit participants, with evidence that CrossFit can be a supportive social environment for its members, providing them social capital and support that facilitates physical and mental health benefits [15,21]. For example, a recent qualitative study on CrossFit members and coaches showed people who are initially intimidated by CrossFit-style workouts overcome their initial fears and develop greater enjoyment of HIFT over time, in large part due to the supportive social environment and ability to self-select their intensity during workouts [19].…”

“…Finally, social context refers to the simultaneous development of similar characteristics due to the influence of the shared environment [32]. Given the evidence that the social environment of group-based HIFT programs yields similar outcomes for participants as preference and tolerance (i.e., enjoyment, adherence) [10,19,21], we wondered if the preference and tolerance scores of CrossFit participants might be associated with social selection, social influence, and/or social context.…”

Muscular Strength, Power, and Endurance Adaptations after Two Different University Fitness Classes

“…CrossFit ® (CF), a form of high-intensity functional training (HIFT), emphasizes functional, multijoint movements via both aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises that improve multiple fitness domains [ 15 , 16 ]. CF adds competition to the attainment of multidimensional fitness, which may help explain its rise in popularity [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. CF workouts attempt to maximize the amount of work done in the shortest amount of time, making them a time-efficient, high-intensity exercise option that can improve aerobic fitness as well as muscular strength [ 15 ].…”