BEST PRACTICES

CrossFit isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s a space for emotional growth, where members often bring baggage tied to self-worth, body image, or past failures. As coaches, our role is to help them channel their ego constructively, transforming it into a tool for resilience and growth. By recognizing ego as a vital part of the journey, we can create a safe, inclusive environment that empowers members to thrive both in and out of the gym.

The coach-athlete relationship is fundamental to an athlete's progress in CrossFit, going beyond technique and programming to encompass emotional, mental, and motivational support. This connection can greatly enhance an athlete’s performance and satisfaction, with leadership style playing a crucial role. Coaches balance styles — autocratic, consultive, delegative, and participative — to meet each athlete's unique needs, creating a supportive and empowering environment. Four key elements — closeness, commitment, complementarity, and co-orientation — strengthen this relationship. Through trust, shared goals, tailored feedback, and clear communication, coaches foster a partnership that supports athletes’ growth and long-term success.

At CrossFit BloNo, exceptional coaching is driven by the Certified CrossFit Trainer (CCFT) credential, which ensures coaches are highly skilled in areas like screening, programming, education, and leadership. With only 33 Level 3 trainers in Illinois, this rare certification allows their coaches to deliver top-tier instruction, creating a holistic, growth-oriented environment for athletes. CrossFit BloNo fosters a collaborative culture where coaches mentor and challenge each other to continuously improve. Friendly competition further drives performance, ensuring each class delivers an outstanding experience. CrossFit BloNo is committed to cultivating world-class coaches and maintaining excellence in every class.

At CrossFit Roots, the whiteboard routine is a foundational element that begins and ends every class, playing a crucial role in communication, class efficiency, athlete progress, and community building. It helps coaches establish leadership, provide clear scaling options, and set expectations, creating an environment where athletes feel supported and confident. This practice promotes class cohesion, accountability, and personal connection between athletes and coaches. The routine, refined over 15+ years, also encourages athletes to engage more deeply with their performance, fostering a strong, trusting, and goal-oriented community.

The decision to wear a weightlifting belt in CrossFit depends on your goals, experience, and training approach. A belt can enhance core stability and performance during heavy lifts, offering support for both recreational and competitive athletes. However, overreliance on a belt can hinder natural core strength development and limit mobility during dynamic movements. For recreational athletes, focusing on proper technique and core strength is crucial, while competitors often reserve belts for max-effort lifts. Ultimately, a belt is a useful tool but should not replace mastering foundational lifting techniques.

Hiring a great coach involves more than luck; it’s about identifying raw talent and fostering growth. At CrossFit Roots, a professional hiring process includes clear job descriptions, setting expectations, and seeking feedback from the coaching team. Key traits include professionalism, strong communication, and alignment with the gym's values. Candidates should be evaluated based on their experience, preparation, and potential, with a focus on how they handle feedback and interact with athletes. Involving the team in interviews helps ensure the new hire fits the gym’s culture and contributes to long-term success.

Coaching in CrossFit is a continuous journey of growth and development, where success relies on fostering critical thinking, lifelong learning, and giving constructive feedback. Elite coaches like Nicole Christensen exemplify the importance of always evolving, understanding that even with years of experience, there is more to learn. Structured feedback, ongoing education, and embracing responsibility are key components in developing great coaches who not only improve their own skills but also enhance the gym experience for members. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, CrossFit gyms can ensure long-term success and stronger athlete-coach relationships.

In December 2023, I fulfilled a long-time goal of joining CrossFit’s Seminar Staff, a journey that began after taking my first Level 2 Course in June 2021. Recognizing the need for expert feedback, I sought guidance from five experienced Red Shirt coaches, including Lisa Ray, who generously helped me refine my coaching skills. Their insights were invaluable in accelerating my growth. I encourage coaches to seek regular feedback, retake the Level 1 Course to master foundational movements, and consider CrossFit’s Mentor Program to further their development and prepare for Seminar Staff opportunities.

Hosting a one-day, member-only competition is a powerful way to strengthen your gym’s community while offering a fun, shared experience for athletes, judges, and volunteers. Plan two to three months in advance, promote the event across social platforms and classes, and clearly outline competition categories like First-Timers, Scaled, Rx’d, and Masters. Organize roles, assign team leaders, and release the event workouts a week before the competition. On the day of the event, set up the space, review roles with volunteers, and enjoy the experience. Afterward, gather feedback to refine future competitions and consider a post-event celebration to acknowledge everyone’s contributions.

The importance of building relationships between medical professionals and CrossFit coaches.