Abstract
This investigation examined anthropometric, hormonal, and physiological differences between advanced (ADV; n = 8, 27.8 ± 4.2 years, 170 ± 11 cm, 79.8 ± 13.3 kg) and recreational (REC; n = 8, 33.5 ± 8.1 years, 172 ± 14 cm, 76.3 ± 19.5 kg) CrossFit (CF) trained participants in comparison to physically-active controls (CON; n = 7, 27.5 ± 6.7 years, 171 ± 14 cm, 74.5 ± 14.3 kg). ADV and REC were distinguished by their past competitive success. REC and CON were resistance-trained (>2 years) and exercised on 3–5 days·wk-1 for the past year, but CON utilized traditional resistance and cardiovascular exercise. All participants provided a fasted, resting blood sample and completed assessments of resting metabolic rate, body composition, muscle morphology, isometric mid-thigh pull strength, peak aerobic capacity, and a 3-minute maximal cycle ergometer sprint across two separate occasions (separated by 3–7 days). Blood samples were analyzed for testosterone, cortisol, and insulin-like growth factor-1. Compared to both REC and CON, one-way analysis of variance revealed ADV to possess lower body fat percentage (6.7–8.3%, p = 0.007), greater bone and non-bone lean mass (12.5–26.8%, p ≤ 0.028), muscle morphology characteristics (14.2–59.9%, p < 0.05), isometric strength characteristics (15.4–41.8%, p < 0.05), peak aerobic capacity (18.8–19.1%, p = 0.002), and 3-minute cycling performance (15.4–51.1%, p ≤ 0.023). No differences were seen between REC and CON, or between all groups for resting metabolic rate or hormone concentrations. These data suggest ADV possess several physiological advantages over REC and CON, whereas similar physiological characteristics were present in individuals who have been regularly participating in either CF or resistance and cardiovascular training for the past year.
Highlights
CrossFit1 (CF) is a form of high-intensity functional training that combines resistance exercises, gymnastics, and traditional aerobic modalities into single workouts that vary by day to elicit general physical preparedness [1, 2]
The observed interaction for biceps brachii (BB) fascicle length was primarily driven by a main effect for sex where women were 8.8 times more likely to possess shorter fascicles than men, REC women compared to the men of REC (p = 0.029)
CF-trained participants were required to possess at least two years of experience and they were further divided into ADV and REC based upon evidence of their skill as CF athletes
Summary
CrossFit (CF) is a form of high-intensity functional training that combines resistance exercises, gymnastics, and traditional aerobic modalities (e.g., cycling, rowing, running) into single workouts that vary by day to elicit general physical preparedness [1, 2]. The primary CF competition is the Reebok CrossFit GamesTM (the Games) which awards individual winners the title of “Fittest on EarthTM” This competition has consisted of several stages designed to narrow the initial participant pool down to the top athletes. Little is known about which physiological characteristics of competitors who progress beyond the opening round of the competition
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