In less than a year (the last Open was in February), CrossFit has lost more than a third of its participants. In money terms, that’s a loss of over 2.5 million in revenue for CrossFit Inc. Open registrations peaked in 2018 when 415,000+ athletes participated.
They oversold themselves in the 2010s and projected their long-term success based on the "Golden Years" (2015-2018). Everyone can do CrossFit, but CrossFit is not for everyone. The question is, how many people will. In the last decade, they’ve overestimated that number and are now correcting.
Financial Aspects & Athlete Earnings
The average CrossFit gym makes about $40,000 in profit per year. This profit is based off of the average, 150-member gym. Under the previous owner, beyond making money, the goal appeared to be changing the world, e.g. taking on big soda and big pharma. It is challenging to fit the decisions made into anything approaching a standard business model.
So, how exactly do CrossFit athletes make money? CrossFit athletes often secure sponsorships from fitness-related companies, such as supplement brands, clothing companies, or equipment manufacturers. These partnerships provide financial support in exchange for the athlete promoting and endorsing their products. The top athletes in these events receive cash prizes based on their performance, with the winners often receiving substantial sums. Some successful CrossFit athletes open their own gyms and coaching facilities.
Is CrossFit Worth the Investment?
YES – CrossFit is worth the money if you use it regularly. With a bill of one hundred dollars and up per month for CrossFit, you will probably want to use it pretty regularly. So to make it worth the money, you will want to use it at least ten times per month, or two to three days per week. This means it’s about ten bucks a session, which is a fair price to keep yourself healthy and in great shape.
To understand why, you must first understand where CrossFit came from and what makes it so different. The owner and founder of CrossFit, Greg Glassman, was a trainer in the club fitness industry for years, working at an assortment of Gold’s Gym chains. After being kicked out of numerous gyms for being too disruptive with his constantly varied, functional movements executed at a high intensity, one of his clients suggested that he get his own place to train.
Gym Equipment & Setting
When it comes to CrossFit gyms/boxes you aren’t going to get a ton of fancy equipment to use. CrossFit gyms will have barbells, rigs, kettlebells, ropes, and maybe some rowing machines and air bikes. That’s pretty much it, and if we are being honest, that’s really all you need.