In May 2010, the U.S. Army published a 69-page study evaluating the CrossFit program and its effects on combat fitness. This document summarizes the findings of a comprehensive evaluation of 14 military athletes over an eight-week period.
The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of the CrossFit fitness program and methodology to increase the physical fitness of U.S. Army soldiers. Over the past several years, the CrossFit fitness program has gained popularity among U.S. Army soldiers and leaders. In units across the U.S. Army, CrossFit is replacing or augmenting traditional physical-training methods. CrossFit’s growing popularity in the U.S. Army begs the question, “Is CrossFit an effective program and does it match the U.S. Army’s physical-training requirements?”
Currently there exists a host of anecdotal evidence claiming that the CrossFit program is effective. However, to date, only one formal study within the U.S. Army has attempted to add empirical evidence to these claims. Our study seeks to contribute to the discussion by adding further analytical research on the CrossFit program in hopes of helping U.S. Army leaders make well-informed decisions regarding the future of U.S. Army physical-fitness training.