“All you need in order to become a CrossFit trainer or open an affiliate is a weekend seminar.”
As CrossFit coaches, we’ve heard this criticism before. But pull back the layers and what is often perceived as a criticism is actually something we’re quite proud of here at CrossFit.
Comments on All You Need is a Level 1
Pathetic responses I have to say.
From my perspective, the answers in this video all supported the idea that the L1 is all that is needed to BEGIN COACHING. That answers the first part of the question but not the second; "is the Level 1 all that is needed to open an affiliate"? I agree that the L1 is great. I agree that a lot of other fitness certifications fail to provide practical experience. With that said, in case anyone is watching this video and reading the comments and thinking about opening an affiliate, please consider this: The best way to become a great coach is to go work under a great coach who is willing to mentor you. Do this before opening an affiliate. Not only will you hone your coaching skills, but you'll also get an example of what to do/ what not to do in business. Running an affiliate is a huge undertaking. I've owned my current affiliate for the past 8 years. In that time, I've seen at least 8 other CrossFit gyms in my area close down. The Level 1 does not prepare you for running a business (I don't fault CrossFit for this, that is not the goal of the cert). In addition to first working at a great affiliate, also consider paying a business mentoring group. You'll spend a lot of money up front but you'll end up saving many times that amount by avoiding the many pitfalls of running a gym.
The L1 was the equivalent of the Pilates certification that I did a couple decades ago that required that I observe 100 hours, do 100 hours myself, and instruct 100 hours before I could test out for my certification that was all essay questions, a practical test of me instructing someone on a machine that the test proctor chose, and a performance test. I put in that time in CF the years before I decided to step on the other side of the class and lead. The test was not easy by any stretch, and I have done numerous certifications in fitness, and brought 20 years of fitness experience into my CF coaching. People pursue the L1 because they love the sport and want to inspire others, so they have a few years of CF under their belt. The L1 gives you what they were mentioning; theory, application, and hands on with people at a higher level than you. Coaching is a continuing process of gaining time coaching, experience in continuing education, and experience in your peers' classes.
Yeah!!
Shout out to my CrossFit Lvl 1 and Lvl 2 Instructors
Pablo Cariman and Carlos Andrade
They show me to follow greatness by teaching CrossFit to others
Thanks for posting the link to "comment 20". I wasn't aware of this and it was fascinating to read the thread.
The 2 standout comments for me were Denise (she was one of the coaches at my 1st L1 back in 2013 - I had to take it again to renew my license after I couldn't get a place on a L2 in time)
"... and when we get the right people in the right position to positively affect others, they will do everything they need to do to get themselves in the right place to take care of any population that walks through the door"
and Nicole:
"World-class coaches aren't born, they have to have a development process".
I've been coaching for 3 years (minus Lockdown time) in my box and I'm a much better coach now than I was when I began. I'll also be a much better coach this time next year and so on.
The "development process" never ends and the L1 is a great place to start.
Damn! Joe and Chuck didn't get any love!?
Thank you Joe for the reference to Comment #20.
All You Need Is a Level 1
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