The Whiteboard: How CrossFit Coaches Build Trust, Track Results, and Create Community

Nicole Christensen (CF-L4), a longtime affiliate owner and CrossFit Seminar Staff member, shares insights on the role of the whiteboard in a CrossFit gym. From its humble beginnings in a garage to becoming an integral part of a thriving gym culture, the whiteboard is more than just a place to list workouts — it’s a tool for education, accountability, and community building.

Why the Whiteboard Matters

Encourages Athlete Engagement

• Writing scores helps athletes connect with their performance over time.
• Reinforces progress tracking and goal setting.

Builds Coaching Awareness

• Coaches get a deeper understanding of each athlete’s capacity.
• Helps in scaling workouts appropriately based on past performances.

Creates Accountability

• Athletes verbalizing their results strengthens memory and progress tracking.
• Promotes consistency and motivation in training.

Strengthens Gym Culture

• Writing names down daily helps coaches remember members, fostering connection.
• Establishes a tradition that reinforces commitment to training.

Using the Whiteboard for Better Coaching

• Whiteboard use ensures that members see progress, and coaches refine their ability to predict time domains and scaling needs.
• The process of writing scored down after every workout solidifies both coach and athlete understanding of strengths, weaknesses, and improvements.

Final Takeaway

While there are many ways to structure a CrossFit class, Nicole argues that using a whiteboard is essential for fostering a results-driven environment where both coaches and athletes can thrive. It’s a simple tool, but when used effectively, it enhances learning, tracking, and community engagement — making a lasting impact on a gym’s culture.

about the author

Eric O’Connor is a Content Developer and Seminar Staff Flowmaster for CrossFit’s Education Department and the co-creator of the former CrossFit Competitor’s Course. He has led over 400 seminars and has more than a decade of experience coaching at a CrossFit affiliate. He is a Certified CrossFit Coach (CF-L4), a former Division 1 collegiate wrestler, and a former CrossFit Games athlete.