CrossFit and injuries: occurrence, injury sites and training load

In the research literature, CrossFit is described as a popular, high-intensity, functional strength sport. The sessions combine metabolic conditioning, gymnastics and weightlifting or throwing [1]. The training often takes place in affiliated gyms with daily, standardised workouts, and this sets it apart from many other forms of high-intensity training [1].

A systematic review with meta-analysis found that 30.3 percent of the athletes in the included studies had had an injury. The confidence interval ranged from 25.3 to 35.3 percent [1]. The observation periods varied from eight weeks to twelve months, and some studies asked about injuries at any time in the past. The figure therefore says little about the risk in a specific period [1].

The occurrence per hour of training was estimated at 3.20 injuries per 1,000 hours, with a confidence interval from 2.06 to 4.34 [1]. Other reviews have reported a much wider range, from 0.2 to 18.9 injuries per 1,000 hours [2]. The authors rate the certainty of the evidence as low for the proportion injured and very low for the occurrence per hour of training. The studies are mainly observational and injuries are defined differently [1].

The review found that injuries were most often located in the spine (26.8 percent), the shoulder (25.9 percent) and the knee (15.8 percent) [1]. The authors point out that the distribution and occurrence are similar to those seen in weightlifting and powerlifting. They therefore consider it likely that preventive recommendations do not differ much from those that apply to strength sports in general [1].

The figures describe where athletes have had problems. They say nothing about the cause of an individual injury. Most of the studies are of low quality, and the authors call for better studies [1].

A separate systematic review has looked at risk factors for injury in CrossFit. Only three prospective cohort studies, with a total of 691 participants and 172 injured, could be used [2]. There is limited evidence that frequent switching between prescribed and scaled loads is associated with a higher risk of injury. Longer time in the sport appears to be associated with lower risk, but here too the evidence is limited [2].

The authors consider that beginners and athletes who increase their training load should be followed more closely by coaches. This is the authors' interpretation, and it has not been tested in studies where measures were tried out [2]. The findings describe associations and not causes.

There are no CrossFit-specific figures for this in the reviews above. NHI.no refers to a review of research, mainly on athletes in other sports, in which a sudden increase in training volume is regarded as a significant cause of soft tissue injuries [3]. In a study of Australian football players, an increase of less than 10 percent per week was associated with a low risk of injury, while an increase of around 15 percent was associated with a markedly higher risk [3].

The same source points out that a low training volume can also increase the risk of injury, and that it is difficult to find the right load after an injury [3]. The findings come from other sports and cannot be transferred directly to CrossFit.

If you have developed problems in the back, shoulder or knee in connection with training, a physiotherapist can examine where the pain is and what triggers it. Together you can make a plan for loading and rehabilitation. You can also get training guidance through personal training and physiotherapy, or read more about physiotherapy with us.

Is CrossFit dangerous?

The occurrence of injuries is similar to that described in weightlifting and powerlifting [1]. The evidence base is weak, and the figures vary a lot between studies [1][2].

What are the most common injuries in CrossFit?

In a systematic review, the spine (26.8 percent), the shoulder (25.9 percent) and the knee (15.8 percent) were the most frequently reported injury sites [1].

Should beginners be followed up by a coach?

The authors of a review of risk factors think so, but this is an interpretation and has not been tested in studies where measures were tried out [2].

How much can I increase my training volume per week?

There are no CrossFit-specific figures. In a study of football players, an increase of less than 10 percent per week was associated with a low risk of injury [3].

If you have problems from running alongside other training, you can read about running injuries. You can find more articles in the overview of articles.

This article was written by Dr.Dropin Fysikalske and is based on the sources listed below. It gives general information and does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional.

The websites were accessed and read on 22 October 2026.

1. Hülsmann M, Reinecke K, Barthel T, Reinsberger C. Musculoskeletal Injuries In CrossFit: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Injury Rates and Locations. Dtsch Z Sportmed. 2021;72:351-358. doi:10.5960/dzsm.2021.504. Link

2. Mehrab M, Wagner RK, Vuurberg G, Gouttebarge V, de Vos R-J, Mathijssen NMC. Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Injury in CrossFit: A Systematic Review. Int J Sports Med. 2023;44(4):247-257. doi:10.1055/a-1953-6317. Link

3. Kvam M. Kan økt treningsmengde beskytte mot skader? (Can increased training volume protect against injuries?) NHI.no. Last updated 8 March 2016. Link