Have you ever wondered what it’s really like behind the clipped doors of a CrossFit gym? I can give you a candid view. Being a CrossFit coach isn’t just about counting reps or shouting cues. It involves a mix of coaching, community-building, problem-solving, and personal growth. After years in this role, I’ve learned that the day can be long, rewarding, and always unpredictable.
A Typical Day
Many days start in the quiet of the early morning, 15–30 minutes before the first class. I arrive to tidy the workout space. I check the whiteboard for last-minute modifications. I mentally walk through the session I’ll lead. Warm-ups are more than stretching. They prime the body and mind. They reinforce movement patterns and skill work. A few playful drills get everyone engaged.
Classes themselves are a whirlwind of teaching, reinforcing, and tweaking movements for athletes of all levels. Some are learning a squat for the first time. Others are refining Olympic lifts. A few are chasing personal records. Providing feedback in real time is essential. Scaling movements or loads when necessary helps everyone train safely. It also allows them to feel successful.
After the morning sessions wrap, it’s not uncommon to go home, recharge, and prepare for an evening return. Many gyms schedule additional classes later in the day. This requires bringing the same energy, focus, and attention to detail as the morning. Observing technique, breathing, and fatigue for multiple classes can be demanding. However, it’s rewarding to see consistent progress across different groups of athletes.
Core Responsibilities
When I first started coaching, part of my role was helping program workouts for the CrossFit classes. I was involved in planning warm-ups, skill work, strength cycles, and WODs. I ensured each session challenged athletes while supporting their growth. Over time, especially at the last gym I coached at, the structure shifted. Towards the end of my tenure, the gym started using pre-written programs. These were developed by professional and former professional CrossFit athletes. Examples include Tia Toomey and Rich Froning. These programs are carefully designed to optimize performance. Following them allowed me to focus more on coaching athletes during class. This ensured proper technique, scaling movements appropriately, and helping everyone reach their personal goals.
Clear cues and safety always remain at the forefront. Watching someone improve their movement while keeping them safe is one of the most fulfilling parts of the job. Whether athletes are training for competitions, chasing PRs, or improving general fitness, I provide guidance with practical steps. This helps them reach their milestones. Cultivating a supportive community is equally important, from greeting newcomers to pairing partners for workouts so everyone feels included.
Rewards of Coaching
The rewards are immediate and visible. Seeing someone squat deeper, lift heavier, or move more confidently never gets old. CrossFit draws people who show up for one another, and being part of that community is energizing. No two days are the same; every class brings new challenges, new athletes, and new opportunities to refine my approach. Coaching also encourages continuous learning—staying curious about programming, movement mechanics, and strategies that help athletes thrive. The benefits extend beyond the gym, with improved energy, confidence, and health spilling over into everyday life.
Common Challenges
Of course, the job comes with challenges. Demonstrating movements and coaching multiple classes—sometimes in split shifts—can be physically demanding. Balancing encouragement with honest feedback requires patience and emotional awareness, especially when athletes are struggling or frustrated. Each class contains a mix of goals, abilities, and backgrounds. Tailoring guidance is a skill that takes time to master. And because coaching involves both improvement and safety, there’s a constant responsibility to prevent injuries while pushing athletes to grow.
Skills That Make a Great Coach
Strong observation, clear communication, empathy, patience, adaptability, and leadership are essential traits that help me navigate these challenges. Over the years, I’ve learned that success comes from blending these qualities with careful planning. It also involves making real-time adjustments. Additionally, having a genuine enthusiasm for helping others is crucial. For anyone considering coaching, I recommend focusing on fundamentals. Seek mentorship. Refine your own movement and programming skills. Observe different gyms. Always prioritize safety.
Gym Culture
Every CrossFit gym has its own vibe, but most share core values: hard work, community, continuous improvement, and inclusivity. As a coach, I’m not just teaching reps. I’m helping to steward a space where people feel seen and supported. They become capable of more than they imagined.
Final Thought
If you love movement, people, and learning, coaching at a CrossFit gym is deeply rewarding. It challenges you physically and emotionally. Long days with early mornings and evening classes are especially tough. However, it offers meaningful payoffs. These include improved athletes, stronger communities, and the joy of helping others reach their potential.
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