Abstract
Competition anxiety has been demonstrated to decrease sports performance while increasing burnout risk. To date, its degree in CrossFit (CF) is unknown. The present study, therefore, examines competition fear and relevant coping skills as well as potential correlates of both in individuals participating in CF events. A total of n = 79 athletes answered a battery of three questionnaires (competition fear index, athletic coping skills inventory, mindfulness attention awareness scale). Substantial levels of anxiety, particularly regarding the somatic dimension of the competition fear index, were reported. The most pronounced coping skill was freedom of worry. While age or level of competition showed no/very small associations with survey data, sex was correlated to the psychological characteristics: women reported higher competition fears and lower coping skill levels (p > 0.05). Competition fears are highly prevalent in CF athletes and the preventive value of population-specific interventions, particularly in females, should be investigated in future trials.
Highlights
CrossFit (CF) is a highly popular conditioning program combining elements of strength, coordination, balance and mobility [1,2]
Besides improving health and fitness, competition represents a key motivation for a substantial share of CF athletes [7]
When considering the sub-dimensions of competition fear, the greatest values were registered for the somatic aspect, which is characterized by bodily reactions such as palpitations, perspiring hands or an upset stomach
Summary
CrossFit (CF) is a highly popular conditioning program combining elements of strength, coordination, balance and mobility [1,2]. It represents one of the most common examples of high-intensity interval training, which has recently been ranked second in surveys of both worldwide and European exercise trends [3,4]. CF grows faster than the world’s largest fitness franchise [1]. Besides improving health and fitness, competition represents a key motivation for a substantial share of CF athletes [7]. In a variety of sports (running, skiing, track and field, swimming, basketball, tennis, football), considerable levels of competition anxiety have been demonstrated [8,9,10]
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