CrossFit(®) Instructor Demographics and Practice Trends

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.