Testing…1…2

CrossFit is based on principles that include the use of goals to improve upon the ten foundations: cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. All of which lead to better health and fitness. Headquarters has been working on improving the health of CrossFit through the betterment of the quality of coaches that they are producing at the Level I and II certification seminars. As of April 2010 all Level I Certifications will require a candidate to pass a written test. Level II certified coaches will also be required to pass the Level I written test before December 2011.

All of this is music to my ears. Anyone can attend a Level I certification. A few people who have never done CrossFit before attended my cert, and left as a Level I certified coach. They were free to start training clients the very next day. Of course if you wanted to use the CrossFit name and advertise CrossFit classes, the Level I coach would have to affiliate. The affiliation process takes about one week and $2000. My point is that a never-before CrossFitter was able to spend a weekend at a Level I certification, and start an affiliate one week later. As horrible as that sounds, Coach Greg Glassman had his hands tied. If he required a Level II certification to become an affiliate, how were the Level I coaches able to gain experience to achieve their Level II cert?

The down side was the production of poor quality of coaches. Many of whom had no idea that they were poor coaches or endangering their clients. I have had new people come into our gym with concerns about other affiliates not addressing injuries, allowing clients to lift much heavier than safety allowed, etc.

This new test requirement is a wonderful step in the right direction. CrossFit’s overall coach quality will improve even if just a little. Hey, we’re stoked about a 5 lb PR, right? Baby steps lead to greatness. Another positive development is the fact that CrossFit, Inc. is working to gain accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). They are shooting for the Level I cert to be accredited by late Spring 2010. The Level II cert has been placed on hold until restructuring to meet accreditation application requirements is complete. Their goal is 6 months.

A couple coaches at CFSB were required to complete the written test at their Level I certs. In doing so, their Level I status will not expire for 5 years.  In the near future Forrest and I will be taking our Level I test. If we do not pass, our affiliation and coach status is in jeopardy. Any volunteers to help us study?

With this improvement my hope is that any affiliate you visit on your travels (remember we are international) will keep you safe and give you a killer workout.

WOD 4/26/2010

A. Overhead Squat Max Effort

B. For time:
18 Push Press
3 Toes to Bar
15 Push Press
6 Toes to Bar
12 Push Press
9 Toes to Bar
9 Push Press
12 Toes to Bar
6 Push Press
15 Toes to Bar
3 Push Press
18 Toes to Bar