CrossFit

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CrossFit is a branded fitness program that blends cardio, weightlifting, gymnastics, and other movements done at high intensity. It started in 2000 by Greg Glassman and Lauren Jenai in Santa Cruz, California. Today there are about 10,000 CrossFit‑affiliated gyms in more than 150 countries, with around 40% in the United States. Gyms are called boxes, and members follow daily workouts called WODs (Workout of the Day). WODs mix movements from different sports and can be scaled to fit any fitness level.

CrossFit trains across ten areas of fitness: endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. Nutrition is encouraged as the foundation of fitness. The workouts are varied to improve overall work capacity and real‑world fitness.

Coaching runs from Level 1 to Level 4 certifications. Opening a CrossFit gym typically requires a Level 1 course, and newer rules added Level 2 for owners. CrossFit runs the Open and the CrossFit Games, and licenses its brand to affiliates while providing trainer certifications and event programs. They also offer CrossFit Affiliate Programming to help gyms plan classes.

CrossFit has been praised for improving fitness and community, but it has faced safety questions and legal disputes. Injury risk is generally similar to other workouts when WODs are scaled properly, though exertional rhabdomyolysis is a concern in extreme training. In 2020 Greg Glassman sold CrossFit to Eric Roza, who became CEO, with Don Faul taking over in 2022. In 2024, a CrossFit athlete died during a Games event, prompting safety debates and responses from the organization. Affiliate numbers have fluctuated, but they’re around 10,000 paying affiliates by 2025.