Even if you’re a fitness junkie, trying CrossFit for the first time is intimidating.
Most CrossFit gyms are full of large, fit males who are grunting, throwing around tires, jumping on boxes, and beating ropes onto the floor.
Lately, however, more women have been enjoying the sport — and dominating it.
Female CrossFit athletes are inspiring women everywhere to ditch the treadmill and hop on a box. Keep reading to find out why and meet some of the top competitors.
Why CrossFit?
High-intensity exercise means serious results, seriously fast.
In a research study, one group exercised at moderate intensity for 45 minutes on an indoor bike, while the other did a series of high-intensity intervals for 20 minutes. The two groups burned the same amount of calories.
Secondly, people love CrossFit because it’s social. If you do something physically intense with a group, you’re building a bond that doesn’t exist elsewhere.
When everyone gives 100% effort, there is a primal connection that makes the entire group go “all out.” It’s the victory of winning as a team that makes CrossFit so appealing.
Finally, you can do CrossFit exercises anywhere. Sure, a lot of CrossFitters incorporate equipment, but you can just as quickly get a killer workout around the house. Instead of boxes at the gym, consider steps or countertops. Lift bags of flour instead of weights. Get it?
Top Female CrossFit Athletes
With the social aspect of the sport, it’s no surprise that women athletes have taken over the CrossFit game.
The following women are strong and proud, thanks to CrossFit:
1. Katrín Davíðsdóttir
Katrin, an athlete from Iceland, held the title of “Fittest Woman on Earth” at the CrossFit games in 2015 and 2016.
The title landed her a gig as the face of Reebok’s “Be More Human” campaign. Within it, she inspires young women with wisdom and advice on self-acceptance and pushing athletic limits.
Katrín is a former gymnast and track athlete that has taken the CrossFit community by storm with renewed focus. She boasts a 120kg squat, 87kg snatch, and 142kg deadlift.
2. Christmas Abbott
Not only is Christmas Abbott a new mom with an awesome name, but she’s also been hitting CrossFit boxes for over 10 years. She owns and coaches at CrossFit Invoke and has since dabbled in changing tires for NASCAR.
She can snatch over 70kg overhead, but also gives followers regular doses of new-mom advice.
She’s an excellent source of motivation for female athletes looking to add CrossFit into their routines.
3. Lauren Fisher
Lauren Fisher ranked ninth overall in the 2014 CrossFit Games when she was only 20 years old.
She’s currently enrolled in San Diego College but fits a good workout routine in between classes, studying, and showcasing her best on Instagram.
When training for the 2018 CrossFit Games, she updated her followers so they could keep tabs on her journey while getting fit, too.
4. Tia-Clair Toomey
Tia-Clar Toomey owns CrossFit.
She’s the reigning 2017, 2018, and 2019 CrossFit Games champion, so it’s safe to say she’s the number one CrossFit woman to watch out for.
From Australia, Tia-Clar made her weight-lifting debut at the 2016 Olympic Games that took place in Rio de Janeiro. She was the first athlete to compete in both the CrossFit Games and the Olympics in one year.
Tia-Clair’s stats include an impressive 150kg back squat, 50 pull-ups, and a 178kg deadlift.
5. Karissa Pearce
Karissa Pearce may not have one, but she’s been active in the CrossFit games every year since 2015.
She did eventually snatch the title of “Fittest American Woman” for a 5-the place finish. She garnered attention after completing 23 rounds of five handstand push-ups, 10 pistol squats, and 15 pull-ups in 20 minutes. She outshone the first male finisher!
6. Emily Schromm
Emily Schromm is from Denver. She’s a certified personal trainer with a love of CrossFit so deep that she coaches it, too.
She’s also the creator of the Superhero Challenge. This nutrition and exercise program has been featured on two MTV shows.
Emily is famous for her badass attitude and motivational quotes.
7. Sam Briggs
This past year, Sam Briggs won both the Dubai CrossFit Championship and the Australian CrossFit Championship. After finishing the Open with the top 20 worldwide champions, she was named England’s National Champion.
And that’s not all. She also won first place at the Reykjavik CrossFit Championship as part of team JST Compete.
Sam Briggs is 37 years old and has a back squat of 125kg and an 82kg snatch. She has also qualified for the Age Group Online Qualifier. With this, she could compete as a CrossFit Masters athlete.
8. Kristin Holte
Kristin Holte, Norway’s national competitor started doing CrossFit in 2012. After taking seventh place at the 2013 Europe Regional, she has qualified for the CrossFit Games every year since.
Kristin is a former gymnast, has incredible endurance, and is a nutritionist in between competitions.
9. Thelma Christoforou
Thelma Christoforou is known for being the Cypriot National Champion. She has a ton of experience under her belt and was ranked within the top 100 CrossFit women worldwide.
Thelma has held the title of “Fittest in Cyprus” yearly since 2016.
10. Sara Sigmundsdóttir
Sara Sigmundsdóttir is another impressive female CrossFitter from Iceland (what’s with Iceland putting out all these incredible athletes, anyway?).
She has only competed in two CrossFit Games but has placed both years. Two years in a row means it was no fluke! She boasts a 90kg snatch and a 155kg deadlift.
CrossFit Isn’t the Only Way to Stay Fit
These female CrossFit athletes have discovered what works for their bodies. Have you?
The journey to fitness is different for everybody. By now, you know the saying “you are what you eat.” And it’s true. Your body not only relies on the nutrition you supply to it but the things you do to it as well!
If you’re interested in improving your health and overall lifestyle, browse the rest of our blog for tips and inspiration.
