CrossFit workouts emphasize functional movement—exercises designed to improve your daily movements during certain activities. For example, squats are the same movements people use when getting out of a chair, while overhead shoulder presses mimic putting carry-on luggage in the overhead bin, explains Mara.
“When you break down the lifts in a workout, you are strengthening the muscles that are used in everyday life. This is a huge benefit for someone participating in the CrossFit workout,” she adds
Not much scientific research has investigated the long-term benefits—or risks—of CrossFit. But a handful of studies have linked CrossFit workouts to potentially improved athletic performance.
According to a review from researchers at the University of Texas, CrossFit athletes demonstrated higher aerobic capacity and more anaerobic power than CrossFit beginners when performing a workout. Meanwhile, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Education and Training Studies also linked CrossFit training to improved strength and jumping ability in wrestlers.
CrossFit can also build camaraderie, says Rochet. CrossFit participants may feel a greater sense of community when compared to other exercise methods, according to one 2018 review, though the researchers say more data is needed.
Potential Risks of CrossFit
While CrossFit might offer a variety of health benefits, it doesn’t come without risk.
“If done with improper form, many CrossFit exercises could lead to significant long-term injuries,” says Rami Hashish, Ph.D., a physical therapist and founder of the National Biomechanics Institute.
According to Mara, common injuries found among CrossFit athletes include:
- Shoulder injuries from overhead lifting exercises like shoulder presses and clean-and-jerks, which entail lifting a barbell from the floor all the way over one’s head.
- Back injuries from activities like deadlifts or heavy squats.
- Knee and ankle injuries from movements like jumping on boxes or running.
However, some research indicates that the inherent risk of injuries from CrossFit isn’t any greater than in other sports. One study of 622 CrossFit athletes in Brazil found that injury rates were comparable to athletes who practiced other sports, including weightlifting, Olympic gymnastics and running.
Additionally, a 2020 study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine suggests that training at an official CrossFit gym might minimize injury risk for participants in CrossFit competitions, though further research is necessary.
How Much Does It Cost to Join CrossFit?
According to data from the CrossFit Journal, the average monthly unlimited CrossFit gym membership ranges from $135 to $168 in the U.S., though membership prices vary based on each specific affiliate location.
It’s also possible to participate in CrossFit for free at home, though some equipment may be necessary, such as a barbell, dumbbells, a pull-up bar or the right pair of shoes. CrossFit also posts the WOD on its website with instructional diagrams and videos for certain exercises.
