Mapping Coaches' Views of Participation in CrossFit to the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change and Sense of Community

Abstract

Group-based training through CrossFit has recently exploded in popularity. Anecdotally, participants often make lifestyle changes and experience improved fitness. Participation factors were mapped to the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change and “sense of community” constructs. Key informant interviews were conducted with 6 CrossFit gym owners/coaches. Data were thematically coded with NVivo 10. Results revealed key factors that both facilitated and restricted participation in CrossFit. Findings provide implications for future theory application and highlight how to improve initiation and adherence by capitalizing on community building and taking steps to reduce intimidation and cost, facilitate realistic goals, and ensure social support.

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

“…When HIFT uses the group exercise model and group induction process, greater social capital and community belongingness occur, but it is possible that people more open to social interaction are attracted to HIFT in the first place [ 61 ]. CrossFit training participants establish identity through shared norms, named workouts, attire, and shared language [ 20 , 60 ]. Involvement in CrossFit training is thought to go beyond the gym where through this “reinventive” institution, individuals can better their lives overall–becoming the “best possible versions of themselves” [ 60 ].…”

“…Perhaps the nature of HIFT environments provide unique opportunities for participants to build meaningful relationships and social networks (e.g., working out in groups, tracking and sharing workout results, social activities outside the gym, etc.). Recent evidence from Heinrich and colleagues [ 20 ] examined key factors that may affect participation in HIFT from the viewpoint of coaches. Findings suggest that key elements, such as environmental and social factors, along with physical and psychological changes experienced by the participants are thought to influence and promote exercise adherence [ 20 ].…”

“…Recent evidence from Heinrich and colleagues [ 20 ] examined key factors that may affect participation in HIFT from the viewpoint of coaches. Findings suggest that key elements, such as environmental and social factors, along with physical and psychological changes experienced by the participants are thought to influence and promote exercise adherence [ 20 ]. Moreover, a focus on community building, reducing intimidation and cost, goal setting, monitoring progress, and social support were key factors for facilitating participation [ 20 ].…”

“…Recently, several investigators have examined the effects HIFT-based programs after multiple weeks of training, and have shown significant improvements in maximal oxygen consumption (~12%) [ 11 , 12 ], decreases in body fat (~8%) [ 11 , 16 ], as well as improvements in bone mineral content (~1%) [ 16 ] after 16-weeks of HIFT. In addition investigators have reported higher levels of enjoyment [ 14 , 17 ], between HIFT participants and those engaged in more traditional resistance training programs, as well as a greater sense of community [ 18 , 19 ], which facilitates initiation and adherence to exercise training [ 20 ].…”

An Investigation Into How Motivational Factors Differed Among Individuals Engaging in CrossFit Training

“…These findings provide novel and significant insight regarding important motives for individuals engaging in different frequencies of CFT. The variety of workouts, the scalability, and the camaraderie make CFT an intriguing form of physical activity that can promote the benefits of an active lifestyle (Heinrich et al, 2017). Because CFT workouts are constantly varied, they allow for new and exciting forms of daily exercise, which in turn reinforces motivational factors for exercise adherence.…”