In the early days, the CrossFit journey looked a lot like this:
- You discover CrossFit, quickly start drinking the Kool-Aid, and then you sign up for the CrossFit Level 1 seminar, led by CrossFit founder Greg Glassman.
In the days before 2010, taking your CrossFit Level 1 wasn’t necessarily associated with becoming a CrossFit Level 1 coach. It was more of a rite of passage for the average CrossFit enthusiast who wanted to further entrench themselves in the community. In fact, most people who attended a Level 1 Seminar in the early days had no intention of ever being a CrossFit coach.
Somewhere along the way, though, the CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course arguably became largely associated with becoming a coach.
Going Back to Its Roots
Today, CrossFit LLC has launched a campaign that presents the Level 1 Certificate Course as being all about what Glassman intended it to be when he began hosting seminars in 2006: Designed for the everyday person to become fitter and healthier.
Recently, CrossFit released a video explaining the Level 1. It says:
- “Driven to empower you toward a longer, happier, and healthier life.”
- “You’ll learn to move with purpose, live with vitality, and truly thrive.”
- “This isn’t just a fitness course. It’s an initiation into a life of intentional health.”
- “Whether you’re a seasoned CrossFit athlete or new to the journey, this course equips you to take command of your life and shape a healthier future.”
- “Own your health. We’ll show you how.”
CrossFit Explains
“This campaign is about making that path to an effective CrossFit experience more visible,” CrossFit’s Chief Marketing Officer Jenna Hauca told the Morning Chalk Up.
- She added: “The message, ‘Own your health, we’ll show you how,’ is about empowering any and all of our athletes, whether you are just interested in learning more about CrossFit or seriously considering becoming a coach, to take the first step. Show up to the course, and we’ll teach you the fundamentals of the CrossFit methodology, along with the foundational movements and tools needed to unlock a better, healthier life, not just in the gym, but everywhere.”
Although the language in CrossFit’s current efforts sounds a bit different than years gone by — such as in the forging elite fitness days — director of sport Dave Castro says the ultimate goal of the Level 1 is the same as it has always been: “To educate and inspire thousands of people in the methodology of CrossFit.”
- “We invite anyone who wants to try CrossFit to join our community: newcomers, first-timers, and true believers,” he continued.
One Big Thing
One significant change to the Level 1 in recent months has been the removal of the Level 1 test at the end of the course.
CrossFit introduced the test in 2010 after accrediting the course with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and it remained in place for 15 years.
- Eventually, though, Castro said he realized that “forcing participants to take a multi-hour test after two long days of training caused mixed emotions about taking the L1 course.”
So today, thanks to online test-taking capabilities, participants can take the test at home the week after the course, Castro explained.
- “Not only was this more convenient for participants, but this permitted a more hands-on demonstration at the course and allowed participants to focus on the course education and exercise,” he said, adding that the course is still accredited with ANSI.
The Big Picture
The new Level 1 campaign is an attempt to show that CrossFit isn’t just about forging elite fitness; it’s for anyone who wants to improve their overall health and fitness.
It goes without saying that, should the campaign’s efforts succeed, the demand for the Level 1 seminar has the potential to increase exponentially.
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