CrossFit & Personal Training

CrossFit has transformed over the last decade from a tiny niche for diehard athletes, soldiers and martial artists into a mainstream fitness sensation. As CrossFit gyms appear all over the nation and the popularity of health, fitness and longevity continue to grow, it is important that CrossFit programs are carefully tailored, managed and monitored by a certified personal fitness trainer or professional as many CrossFit exercises involve techniques that could easily result in injury if done incorrectly.

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit was developed in 2000 by Greg Glassman and is the principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies and tactical operations teams, military special operations units, champion martial artists, and hundreds of other elite and professional athletes worldwide.

Typically, a CrossFit program consists of a workout-of-the-day (WOD) that is a short (about five to 15 minute) intense, power lifting or plyometric workout. Many of the exercises involve power lifting or explosive movements that must be done correctly to avoid injury.

In CrossFit, there are ten recognized general physical skills:

• Cardiovascular Endurance
• Respiratory Endurance
• Stamina
• Strength
• Flexibility
• Power
• Coordination
• Agility
• Balance
• Accuracy

Why Do You Need a CrossFit Personal Trainer?

CrossFit encourages the use of a personal trainer to alleviate the concern that injuries, overexertion and improper form may occur. Working with a CrossFit personal trainer provides a one-on-one relationship with a program tailored to the individual. With many CrossFit gyms and programs, the method of providing how-to explanations or videos for exercises increases the likelihood of injury, overexertion and poor form.

Some of the benefits and advantages to working with a CrossFit personal trainer are:

• Individual Plan – The trainer will provide you with a plan that is designed for you and only you, based on your specific goals, desires, needs, and limitations.
• Work At Your Own Pace – Exercising according to your level of fitness instead of working with a class full of other people who urge you to exercise more intensely than you’re able to.
• Proper Technique and Form – A CrossFit personal trainer observes if you are exercising correctly, maintaining good form, holding your posture, breathing right, increasing your strength, reaching target muscles, and maintaining a body/mind connection in all you do.
• More Motivating – They can push you when you need it or slow you down to avoid overtraining.
• Personalized Programs Available – They can offer training that is sport specific, or balanced based on your cardio, endurance, strength, and flexibility goals.
• Health and Safety – They can offer lifestyle counseling like nutrition advice and keep you safe and free from injury during your workout.

How To Become A CrossFit Trainer?

CrossFit trainers or coaches are required to have a minimum of the Level 1 Trainer certification before they can train or work at a CrossFit affiliate gym. CrossFit trainers can also have specialty CrossFit certifications such as rowing, powerlifting and gymnastics, along with basic personal training certifications from outside organizations.