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. 2016 Nov 17;8(4):6571.
doi: 10.4081/or.2016.6571.

CrossFit® Instructor Demographics and Practice Trends

Gregory R Waryasz  1 , Vladimir Suric  2 , Alan H Daniels  1 , Joseph A Gil  1 , Craig P Eberson  1
Affiliations

CrossFit® Instructor Demographics and Practice Trends

Gregory R Waryasz et al. Orthop Rev (Pavia). .

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.

Keywords: High intensity power training; Kettlebells; Olympic weightlifting; Stretching.

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Conflict of interest statement

the authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

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