If CrossFit has piqued your interest and you’re about to try it out, take note of these important considerations from Julian Reichman-Israelsohn, owner and head trainer at CrossFit Platinum, before entering your local box.
#1. Are they affiliated?
Always make sure the CrossFit box you’re investigating is a CrossFit Affiliate. There are many charlatans out there trying to jump on the CrossFit bandwagon by using all the great qualities of the training methods, but are not willing to pay their dues to the CrossFit community. They are the ones damaging and diluting the CrossFit brand.
#2. Are the trainers qualified?
Always investigate the qualifications of the owner and the coaches of the box you’re looking to join. Trainers have to be CrossFit Level One certified to be affiliated and use the CrossFit name. Many boxes have opened simply to make a quick buck, so make sure the owners and coaches are correctly qualified, passionate about what they do, and have the best interests of their clients at heart. There are too many unqualified and dangerous trainers out there who think they know everything, but they only end up hurting their clients and damaging the CrossFit name.
#3. What’s their experience and background?
I would suggest making sure that the trainer(s) have also completed some kind of sports or health and fitness qualification, whether it be a degree, diploma, or certificate, or simply something that proves they have an understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Simply having a CrossFit Level One certification, in my opinion, is not sufficient to allow someone to open up and run their own box, never mind programme for and train people who are placing large amounts of trust in their hands. And always get references.
Always do your homework before joining a CrossFit affiliate. This is for your own safety. It also ensures that you’ll get the best out of your training and that your journey with CrossFit is a safe, worthwhile and exciting experience.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
Leave a Reply