Are there differences in maximal strength, flexibility, and body composition in CrossFit® competitors according to their category?

The purpose of this study was to determine performance differences in maximal squat and flat bench strength, flexibility, and body composition in CrossFit (R) competitors according to their category. The study design was non-experimental descriptive in a cross-sectional nature. The participants were 30 subjects (age 26.6 +/- 5.2 years; mass 77 +/- 9.4 kg; height 172.8 +/- 7 cm) who prac-ticed CrossFit (R) at a competitive level in the intermediate, advanced, and elite categories. Maximum strength was determined using the flat bench chest press and squat in the one repetition maximum test; flexibility was determined using the Flexitest; and body composition was determined using bio-impedance. When comparing the competitive categories, statistically significant differences (p < .001) in maximum strength were discovered. These values increase as the competition category progresses. However, there were no differences in mass, of fat, or of muscle mass.