THE PROFESSIONAL COACH

Struggling to correct form without disrupting your class flow? Learn how experienced coaches efficiently identify, prioritize, and address movement faults while maintaining a positive training environment. These proven techniques will help you deliver personalized coaching to every athlete, from beginners to veterans, without missing a beat.

Coaching CrossFit athletes over 55? This guide reveals essential strategies for adapting each class component—from extended warm-ups to smart workout modifications, while honoring their unique recovery needs and motivations. Discover practical approaches that respect limitations without underestimating capabilities, creating an environment where mature athletes continue to thrive and find value in their fitness journey.

While percentage-based programming has its place in CrossFit, it comes with significant limitations. Focus instead on achieving the intended stimulus for each workout, using percentages as flexible guidelines rather than rigid rules. Save strict percentage work for competitors, while using this approach sparingly with your general membership to create the best training environment for all athletes.

Stephane Rochet (CF-L3) and Joe Alexander (CF-L4) discuss an often-debated distinction in CrossFit programming: targeting weaknesses versus biasing training. In this discussion, you'll learn how to distinguish between strategically addressing gaps in your athletes' fitness and accidentally undermining their overall capacity by overemphasizing one area. Rochet and Alexander share practical strategies for proper targeting, from smart scaling approaches to accessory work that won't compromise your general physical preparedness.

From Army barracks to CrossFit boxes: discover how military leadership principles can transform your coaching career. Drawing from the battle-tested “Three Pillars of Army Leadership Development,” this article reveals the powerful parallels between developing soldiers and athletes, offering practical strategies to elevate your coaching presence, command respect, and increase your value. Whether you're a CF-L1 rookie or a seasoned veteran, these tactical insights will help you stand out to both members and management, because in fitness and in battle, exceptional leadership is what truly changes lives.

CrossFit’s broad, general, and inclusive fitness methodology is more than enough to prepare athletes for a Hyrox event due to its focus on developing general physical preparedness (GPP) across all energy systems and movement patterns. While Hyrox is a fixed event requiring specific preparation to excel, CrossFit builds a strong foundation of mechanics, consistency, and intensity that enables athletes to tackle such challenges. For athletes aiming to complete Hyrox, regular CrossFit training with added running volume is sufficient. However, for those seeking peak performance, a combination of maintaining CrossFit, identifying weaknesses, and gradually increasing event-specific training in the weeks leading up to the event will deliver the best results.

The AbMat is a powerful tool that transforms a basic movement into a complete abdominal workout. Filling the natural gap between the lower back and the floor allows the abs to work dynamically through a full range of motion instead of relying on hip flexors to do the heavy lifting. Learn a simple test that proves its effectiveness, and learn when to modify the technique for different workout goals.

The 2025 CrossFit Community Cup is fast approaching so highlighting these key elements and tailoring your coaching approach to your specific community's values, you can create excitement that motivates members to register and go all in.

As CrossFit expands globally, coaches must be prepared to communicate effectively with athletes from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Learn the key principles for coaching in a multicultural setting, including prioritizing safety, using nonverbal and visual cues, and fostering a welcoming community. By embracing cultural awareness and adaptability, CrossFit coaches can enhance their ability to connect with athletes and create an inclusive training environment.

At CrossFit Riverfront, we’re proud to share the story of Mark Peters — a masters athlete, coach, and quiet leader whose journey through CrossFit is defined not by medals but by meaning. From elite rowing to top finishes at the CrossFit Games, Peters’ achievements are impressive, but his unwavering commitment to family, mentorship, and community truly sets him apart. He reminds us all that the true purpose of fitness is to live fully and to lead with heart.