How to become A Crossfit Coach

CrossFit Coaches offer the best challenge to clients who wish to carve out and sustain a healthy lifestyle through fun and enjoyable tailormade workout routines that build intensity over time.

• CrossFit Instructor
• CrossFit Trainer

What do CrossFit Coaches do?

A CrossFit Coach would typically need to:

• Conduct an intense and physically demanding set of CrossFit routines to help clients enhance and refine their physical appearance and abilities
• Plan, organise, and lead customised CrossFit classes to suit varying goals, diverse skill levels, and different lengths of time
• Create various routines incorporating a judicious mix of aerobics, weightlifting, gymnastics, and personal defence moves
• Develop a strategic plan that showcases the client’s performance and progression over time; establish a solid foundation and ensure it is well taught
• Implement an appropriate strength-training programme using proper form to help clients realise a tangible improvement in strength and abilities 
• Encourage clients to put in the optimal effort and continue with regular workouts for better health benefits
• Monitor the participants’ performance during routines to help correct form and prevent injuries
• Identify the varying abilities of participants; adapt coaching styles and scale routines according to their level of performance
• Focus on the performance of the larger share of clientele and scale workouts to a reasonable pace
• Avoid rushing with weights, so advanced learners progress while the novices learn at their own pace
• Promote the use of protective devices, such as tape, bandages, and braces, to prevent injuries
• Be on the lookout for and evaluate participants’ injuries; provide first aid or emergency care
• Explain and enforce relevant safety rules and regulations

CrossFit Coaches spend the better part of their day on the gym floor, leading large classes, with a few personal training sessions thrown in. You will work with people of all ages and skill levels. Travel may not be an integral part of the job unless you attend competitions or training events.

Regular eight-hour nine-to-five shifts are rare in CrossFit, with the gyms open from 6 am to 9 pm, as a rule. Whether they are full-time or part-time employees, CrossFit Coaches work scattered hours. 

You could have a busy morning, a period of lull in the afternoon followed by more classes until 9 pm. Your weekends may also tend to be occupied by clients who wish to use the gym outside regular business hours.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. CrossFit Coaches can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Look for related part-time options outside CrossFit to supplement your income because it is tough to sustain long hours doing CrossFit. Self-employment and freelancing are viable options.

CrossFit Coaches are generally employed by:

• Gym Chains
• Fitness Centres
• CrossFit Studios

Professional associations and organisations, such as International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), are crucial for Crossfit Coaches interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• L3 certification, attendant work experience and regular renewal of all certifications essential for good job prospects
• The need to invest significant time and energy to imbibe the most critical coaching skills and tactics
• Grumpy, angry, or frustrated clients who need to be motivated and encouraged to try again
• The unceasing need to market oneself and build/maintain a solid client base 
• Constant conditioning necessary to keep up with the physically and emotionally draining tasks
• High probability of free trials and low membership prices attracting the wrong type of clientele 
• Loss of credibility and clients from failure to personally address the nutrition or lifestyle concerns of clients
• Significant risk of potentially career-ending shoulder joint, shoulder girdle, and spine injuries
• Lack of health and insurance benefits at the workplace

Aspiring CrossFit Coaches must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development), which will allow them to apply for the requisite certifications.

Focus on physical education, anatomy, physiology, physics, maths, English, and computer studies in high school.

Most aspirant CrossFit Coaches acquire Level 1 (L1) and Level 2 (L2) CrossFit certifications to apply for affiliation. Many gyms will pay for their assistant trainers to take the entry-level courses.

L1 offers a two-day introductory course and test that includes CrossFit’s core concepts and methodology and an introduction to its culture and community. 

You will learn how to instruct a class, apply workouts to all ability levels, deliver a high standard of body mechanics to each participant, and help them reach optimal levels of intensity during the activity. Prerequisites include proficiency in CPR and first aid.

L2 helps CrossFit Coaches build on the knowledge acquired in L1 to help students execute workouts and movements correctly and with good form to prevent injuries. L2 certification provides 13 CEUs (continuing education credits) to certified professionals.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

You may also be required to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. 

Many CrossFit Coaches open their own CrossFit gym or training business after acquiring the L2 certificate. Those who are not yet ready to branch out on their own will be able to coach classes or train clients independently after obtaining the Level 3 certification.

Once you earn the Level 4 certification, you can aspire to train semi-pro and professional CrossFit athletes for competitions or join another exclusive professional athletic training programme.

Candidates with L3 certification and excellent marketing and customer service skills have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active CrossFit Coach build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning.

The L3 and L4 CrossFit certifications can increase your chances of advancement and allow you to become an independent consultant. The examination at the end of the L4 course will test your proficiency in programming, coaching, nutrition, and management of classes.

Forward-looking CrossFit Coaches may need to regularly update their CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) training and gain 50 CEUs and 300 coaching hours every three years. In addition, you may have to retake your certification course every three to five years.

Take advantage of the various course curated by CrossFit focusing on workout techniques, strength training, lesson-planning, and nutrition, among other vital topics. You can choose between an in-person or online one-day seminar to equip you with enough knowledge to answer your clients’ concerns.

There are also courses based on law enforcement application, being one’s bodyguard, teaching, and professional competitions. You could also avail of a three-week-long professional development course focused on everything from the mindset of great coaches to tactical execution on the floor.

Also on offer is a nutrition course that trains CrossFit Coaches on habit-based nutrition coaching through a series of video modules, including the science of nutrition, setting up nutrition appointments, motivational interviewing, macronutrient tracking and customised meal plans.

You must also keep abreast of applicable CrossFit rules, techniques, technologies, and philosophies that may have been modified or changed.

Identify your niche target, wield social media skilfully, offer free classes, make use of content marketing (blog posts, videos and images), put up posters in the neighbourhood, and provide exciting meal plans and weekly challenges to ensure your CrossFit classes attract a sizeable section of the target market.

Insure Yourself

CrossFit Coaches must choose an insurance provider who can cover damage to their CrossFit equipment, client injuries, self-injury, loss of earnings, and any lawsuits or claims satisfactorily so they don’t face the unpleasant prospect of declaring themselves bankrupt. Read your policy properly before purchasing insurance.

Equally Essential

Remain humble and commit to continuing education through training videos and workshops. Keep your own fitness at an optimum level while helping clients realise their dreams of fitness and health. Praise them for their progress and address any issues in an encouraging and down-to-earth manner. Avoid pushing them too hard. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills will shape you into a model CrossFit Coach.

Fast Facts

The CrossFit Games are open to all ages. One can burn around 150 calories per workout. Roughly 60% of all CrossFit athletes are women. Currently the largest fitness chain in the world, CrossFit makes most of its money from seminars, affiliate fees, and registration fees. Opening a CrossFit box can cost one USD3,000 per year.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing CrossFit Coaches have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time CrossFit Coach has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The CrossFit brand generates $four billion in revenue worldwide. A growing number of students who seek its ability to burn way more calories than any other fitness routine makes it a popular career choice.

Whether you are helping someone perfect their squat, learning new coaching techniques, or maintaining your own fitness, rest assured you will get to turn your passion into a fulfilling career as an incredible CrossFit Coach who inspires clients to earn amazing bodies, one day at a time.

Your staff can make or break you. Recruit professionals who inspire your clients while remaining responsible and adhering to the rules.