The question of whether or not CrossFit is “dangerous” has existed almost as long as CrossFit itself. It has served as the basis for reports by The New York Times and 60 Minutes, along with countless other articles, op-eds, online videos, and academic studies.
- A 2013 National Strength and Conditioning Association study falsely claimed a 16% injury dropout rate for CrossFit, but the NSCA later retracted the findings after a successful lawsuit by CrossFit.
Every so often, CrossFit HQ releases a new summary of recent data on the topic, including earlier this month.
The new video, “Clearing Up Misconceptions in CrossFit Injury Data,” featuring Dr. Amy West, clarifies common misconceptions about injury rates in CrossFit, providing coaches with a clear, data-backed understanding of actual injury statistics among practitioners.
- West is a member of the CrossFit Games medical team and a physician at Northwell Health in New York.
Key Takeaways:
- The injury rate for CrossFit is consistent with other types of training.
- The most common injuries in CrossFit are to the spine, shoulder, knee, or wrist and often result from weightlifting.
- People should educate themselves on the origin of data and understand that author bias is a possibility.
Some Details
West explains several specific studies related to injuries, risk factors, and how to help people understand the data.
One example West shared, which is a common topic in CrossFit conversations, is rhabdomyolysis. Commonly referred to as “rhabdo,” it is a muscle injury in which muscle tissue begins to break down.
- “[Rhabdo] has been talked about ad nauseum, and it’s super rare in general and it’s super rare in CrossFit, at least in the literature,” West said. “These are case reports, again repetitively referenced, that often involve very non-traditional CrossFit workouts.”
West goes on to share examples of case reports where rhabdo was diagnosed. While the examples listed include CrossFit movement patterns in the literature, they were performed at an extreme level.
- “If you do any of these things, whether you’re at a CrossFit or a Crunch Fitness, you’re going to hurt yourself,” West said.
The presentation continues with a similar tone, defending the sport of CrossFit and its principles as effective injury prevention.
West cites scientific studies and personal experiences that support the claim that CrossFit creates metabolically healthier individuals and yields better outcomes after illness or injury.
Some Data
West said injury rates range from 0.27 to 3.6 injuries per 1,000 hours of training, which is lower than rates for running, soccer, or football. Less than 10% of those injuries require surgical intervention.
- “When I see doctors telling people not to CrossFit, it really makes me angry for this reason alone,” West said. “I often find these people don’t have a very good understanding of what CrossFit is, and so when we look at the principles of CrossFit, all of these things are essentially focal points of rehab.”
“If someone tells you not to CrossFit,” West continued, “ask what they recommend instead. If they don’t have an answer, that’s not a good sign.”
Caution about CrossFit has long been common in fitness discussions; however, the tragic death of Lazar Ðukić at the 2024 CrossFit Games raised alarm among fans, athletes, spectators, and the broader public.
The Bottom Line
The claim that CrossFit is uniquely risky isn’t supported by data, as CrossFit’s new video with Dr. West clearly shows.
CrossFit is a functional, scalable, and metabolically effective method, making it a valuable tool for health and injury prevention, especially when practiced under proper coaching.
And when it comes to common aches, pains, and minor injuries associated with any physical activity, West reminds viewers that “CrossFitters are more resilient, more committed to rehab, and in better shape to begin with.”
More CrossFit Stories
- Brent Fikowski Talks New Standards Database and Safety Push on Froning Podcast
- After Tragedy Struck During Their Rookie Years in 2024, These 3 Returning CrossFit Games Athletes Hope for Normalcy in Albany
- Could the Current U.S. Travel Bans Affect the 2025 CrossFit Games?
Featured Image: @welcome_to_the_mill / Instagram
