The effectiveness of crossfit elements in enhancing the physical fitness of university students

Abstract

General physical fitness is the foundation for effective learning and successful professional activity, yet traditional physical education methods don't always meet the modern needs of youth. This creates a need to find and test innovative methods, one of which is CrossFit—a training system that includes elements from various sports: weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardio. The purpose of this article is to investigate the effectiveness of applying a CrossFit training program to improve general physical fitness indicators in university students and to justify its feasibility as an alternative method in the educational process. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the development and experimental confirmation of the effectiveness of a specific CrossFit methodology for students, considering their age, fitness level, and the specifics of the educational process. To achieve this goal, the following methods were used. The study involved 60 second-year students, divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG) that followed the developed CrossFit program, and a control group (CG) that continued with the traditional physical education program. The experiment lasted for one academic year. To assess physical fitness, tests were used to determine endurance (Cooper test), muscular endurance (push-ups for boys, sit-ups for girls), and speed-strength qualities (standing long jump). Mathematical statistics methods, particularly the Student's t-test, were used to process the data and compare mean values before and after the experiment. Results. After the experiment, a statistically significant (p < 0,05) improvement in all studied indicators was found in the EG compared to the CG. Specifically, in the EG, Cooper test scores increased by an average of 15%, muscular endurance exercise results by 20-25%, and the long jump by 10%. The CG showed a slight increase in scores that was not statistically significant. This confirms the hypothesis that CrossFit is more effective than traditional physical education methods for improving comprehensive physical fitness. Conclusions. The developed and tested CrossFit program is an effective means of improving students' general physical fitness. Its use promotes the harmonious development of key physical qualities and increases students' motivation for regular physical activity. The results of the study provide a basis for the further integration of innovative sports and wellness technologies into the physical education system of higher education institutions.