The relationship of aerobic capacity, anaerobic peak power and experience to performance in CrossFit exercise

Abstract

CrossFit is becoming increasingly popular as a method to increase fitness and as a competitive sport in both the Unites States and Europe. However, little research on this mode of exercise has been performed to date. The purpose of the present investigation involving experienced CrossFit athletes and naïve healthy young men was to investigate the relationship of aerobic capacity and anaerobic power to performance in two representative CrossFit workouts: the first workout was 12 minutes in duration, and the second was based on the total time to complete the prescribed exercise. The participants were 32 healthy adult males, who were either naïve to CrossFit exercise or had competed in CrossFit competitions. Linear regression was undertaken to predict performance on the first workout (time) with age, group (naïve or CrossFit athlete), VO2max and anaerobic power, which were all significant predictors (p < 0.05) in the model. The second workout (repetitions), when examined similarly using regression, only resulted in CrossFit experience as a significant predictor (p < 0.05). The results of the study suggest that a history of participation in CrossFit competition is a key component of performance in CrossFit workouts which are representative of those performed in CrossFit, and that, in at least one these workouts, aerobic capacity and anaerobic power are associated with success.

Keywords: Wingate test; aerobic capacity; exercise testing; high intensity exercise.

FIG. 1

Scatterplot of maximum aerobic capacity (ml O₂ · kg^-1 · min^-1) versus repetitions on WOD 1 by CrossFit Experience

FIG. 2

Scatterplot of peak power (Watts) versus repetitions on WOD 1 by CrossFit Experience.

FIG. 3

Scatterplot of maximum aerobic capacity (ml O₂ · kg^-1 · min^-1) versus time (s) on WOD 2 by CrossFit Experience.

FIG. 4

Scatterplot of peak power (Watts) versus time (s) on WOD 2 by CrossFit Experience.