CrossFit is an exciting and demanding sport that involves a wide range of movements and exercises. However, when it comes to watching CrossFit athletes performing workouts on just machines, it can become quite boring for fans. Here’s why:
Lack of Variety: CrossFit is known for its constantly varied functional movements. Watching athletes simply perform the same repetitive movement on a machine can become tedious and monotonous. It lacks the excitement and intrigue that comes with the diverse range of movements that CrossFit athletes are capable of.
Limited Spectator Engagement: Fans love to get involved in the action, cheering on their favorite athletes and feeling the thrill of the competition. However, with just machine workouts, it can be difficult for fans to engage and connect with the athletes. It can leave them feeling detached and uninterested in the event.
Missing the Excitement of Real-Life Movements: CrossFit workouts are designed to mimic real-life movements, such as lifting, jumping, running, and throwing. Machine workouts, while still effective, lack the same level of excitement and engagement that comes with performing these real-life movements. Watching someone pedal a stationary bike or row on a rowing machine can only hold the attention for so long.
However, there are times when machine workouts are necessary to determine the fittest in the field. For example, in the CrossFit Open, an online competition held worldwide, there are workouts that involve only a machine, such as the Assault Bike or the Ski Erg. These workouts test an athlete’s ability to push their limits and perform at a high level, even on just one piece of equipment.
So, what can CrossFit do to make machine workouts more exciting for fans? Here are a few options:
Integrate Real-Life Movements: While the workout may involve a machine, there are often ways to integrate real-life movements into the routine. For example, adding burpees or jumping jacks in between machine intervals can add an element of excitement and engagement for fans.
Add a Team Element: Team competitions in CrossFit can be incredibly exciting, as fans cheer on their favorite team and feel the energy of the competition. Introducing a team element to machine workouts can help increase engagement and excitement.
Use Technology: With advances in technology, it’s now possible to provide real-time data on an athlete’s performance during a machine workout. This can help fans feel more engaged and connected to the competition, as they can see the metrics and data in real-time. For instance the can use the Whoop band on the athletes and post it on the screen like that did in the 2020 CrossFit games. Or have a small camera or sensor that can track the miles or meters and post that on a screen so all of the data driven fans can get more information about the athletes.
In conclusion, while machine workouts are sometimes necessary to determine the fittest in the field, they can become boring for fans to watch. However, by integrating real-life movements, adding a team element, or using technology, CrossFit can make machine workouts more exciting and engaging for fans. Ultimately, it’s important to remember that CrossFit is about constantly varied functional movements, and the more diverse the movements, the more exciting and engaging the competition will be for fans.