CrossFit uses three primary tenets to evaluate the success of the program:
1 – Safety: Evaluates the risk of the program
2 – Efficacy: Evaluates the results that are attained from the program
3 – Efficiency: Evaluates how quickly results are experienced
A successful program will be low-risk and deliver results in a reasonable amount of time. The CrossFit program has consistently proven that we deliver on these tenets. At the CrossFit Level 1 Course, we discuss managing safety in terms of following our mechanics, consistency, and intensity charter; evaluating an athlete’s technique; and effectively scaling and programming workouts.
However, the safety of the classes you teach begins long before the class even starts. Several factors should be considered to minimize safety risks, including conducting a pre-class assessment and effectively planning for the best class setup and organization.
Pre-Class Risk Assessment
Before the class, several variables can be accounted for to increase safety. Most of these factors involve knowing who will be in your class and taking into account variables of the workout that may pose a problem, such as specific movements or loading demands.
Assess Your Athletes
Many affiliates offer tools that enable athletes to sign up for classes. This is helpful for a variety of reasons, such as viewing membership details, taking attendance notes, and many options even allow for notes to be included, such as injury history or current ailments. Consider taking a few minutes before each class to review the following:
Injury History and/or Current Restrictions
Consider known injuries when scaling or modifying workouts to avoid aggravating existing conditions. For example, if an athlete has a hamstring injury from sprinting, reduce squat depth, decrease load, or prescribe a slower tempo.
Athlete Experience Level
Anticipate each athlete’s needs to streamline your coaching.
New athletes typically require guidance on proper loading, safety concerns (grip fatigue, hanging movements), equipment setup, squat rack use, and scaling options. Planning ahead allows you to provide this support efficiently.
Don’t overlook experienced athletes; they face different risks. Consider scenarios such as performing a handstand push-up descent when fatigued or maintaining form during heavy deadlifts near threshold.
Recent Attendance
Review attendance records to identify athletes who may need reduced volume. If an experienced athlete returns after a two-week absence (vacation, illness), they should scale more than usual for a smooth reintegration. Check in to confirm whether they trained during their time away.
Without a tracking system, you can rely on staff communication about injuries, new athletes, and notable concerns. Assess athletes through quick check-ins as they arrive or during the warm-up.
Assess the Workout
Beyond taking the time to assess the intended stimulus of the workout, scaling options, and timeline, be mindful of the potential safety issues that may arise.
Movement Demands
Take a moment to review each workout and consider the demands of the movement, as well as potential safety considerations to avoid and safety measures to implement. For example, before performing a heavy back squat session, instruct athletes on how to use the rack and spot the movement correctly, or how to “bail” with the weight. Also consider how you will manage your athlete’s weight. Additionally, a movement like a handstand push-up will require ample time to assess whether athletes can lower their head safely to the floor or to determine if additional scaling or safety measures are necessary.
Equipment Demands
Base your setup on the number of athletes, types of equipment, spacing, traffic patterns, and athlete positioning. Key safety considerations:
- Minimum of three steps between barbells
- Clear space behind athletes during box jumps or similar movements
- Extra plates positioned where weights can be safely dropped
- Floor work (push-ups, burpees) placed away from bouncing barbells
- Safe pathways between workout stations
If the workout cannot meet your safety standards due to the available space and equipment, modify accordingly.
High-quality coaching takes into account variables beyond simply having athletes achieve the intended stimulus of your workout and considers the appropriate and necessary steps to foster a safe environment. Luckily, there are simple things we can do before the workout to prepare for potential issues that may arise.
