CrossFit Instructor Demographics and Practice Trends.

CrossFit is an increasingly popular exercise modality that uses high intensity power training. The literature to date regarding CrossFit has focused on its benefits to VO2 Max, body composition and the motivational variables of participants of CrossFit. A computerized survey was distributed to CrossFit instructors using Survey Monkey (Palo Alto, CA, USA). One hundred and ninety-three CrossFit instructors responded to the survey. Of these 86.6% (155/179) reported being a certified CrossFit instructor with 26.7% (48/180) having a bachelor's degree in an exercise-related field. Instructors with a CrossFit certification have less bachelor's (P=0.04) or master's (P=0.0001) degrees compared to those without a CrossFit certification, more utilization of Olympic weightlifting (P=0.03), one-on-one teaching (P=0.0001), 1-RM max on snatch (P=0.004), 1-RM on clean and jerk or hang clean (P=0.0003), kettlebell use (P=0.0001) and one-on-one training (P=0.0001). Instructors report differences in their education and differences in use of weightlifting platforms and various types of footwear. Non-certified instructors differ from CrossFit certified instructors in regards to teaching of Olympic weightlifting and exercise programming.