{"id":28548,"date":"2023-07-26T09:46:58","date_gmt":"2023-07-26T16:46:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/?p=28548"},"modified":"2024-04-24T01:14:53","modified_gmt":"2024-04-24T08:14:53","slug":"why-dont-crossfit-gyms-have-mirrors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/why-dont-crossfit-gyms-have-mirrors\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Don&#8217;t CrossFit Gyms Have Mirrors? Discovering the Motive Behind the Mirror-Free Environment!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>CrossFit training is a bit different compared to your regular gym workouts. It focuses on dynamic and high-intensity movements to work on several domains of fitness, including strength, cardio, power, and so on.<\/p>\n<p>Naturally, CrossFit gyms have some unique aspects that make them distinct from commercial fitness centers.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most striking distinctions found in CrossFit gyms is the deliberate absence of mirrors.<\/p>\n<p>Athletes who have alternated between different types of training must have noticed that most CrossFit gyms don\u2019t even have a single mirror.<\/p>\n<p>So, is this a mere coincidence or an intentional decision with some functional benefits?<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s find out.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >What Will I Learn?<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=_-76.html#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #9d24e2;color:#9d24e2\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #9d24e2;color:#9d24e2\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=index-2206.html#Why_Dont_CrossFit_Gyms_Have_Mirrors\" title=\"Why Don\u2019t CrossFit Gyms Have Mirrors?\">Why Don\u2019t CrossFit Gyms Have Mirrors?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=index-2206.html#To_Focus_on_%E2%80%9CReal_Progress%E2%80%9D\" title=\"To Focus on \u201cReal Progress\u201d\">To Focus on \u201cReal Progress\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=index-2206.html#For_Efficient_Space_Optimization\" title=\"For Efficient Space Optimization\">For Efficient Space Optimization<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=index-2206.html#To_Improve_Mind-Body_Connection\" title=\"To Improve Mind-Body Connection\">To Improve Mind-Body Connection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=index-2206.html#For_Maintaining_Proper_Eye_Position\" title=\"For Maintaining Proper Eye Position\">For Maintaining Proper Eye Position<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=index-2206.html#To_Prioritize_Coaches\" title=\"To Prioritize Coaches\">To Prioritize Coaches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=index-2206.html#For_Minimizing_Distraction\" title=\"For Minimizing Distraction\">For Minimizing Distraction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=index-2206.html#To_Prioritize_Safety\" title=\"To Prioritize Safety\">To Prioritize Safety<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=index-2206.html#Winding_Up\" title=\"Winding Up\">Winding Up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Dont_CrossFit_Gyms_Have_Mirrors\"><\/span><strong>Why Don\u2019t CrossFit Gyms Have Mirrors?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-28554 size-full\" title=\"Why Don\u2019t CrossFit Gyms Have Mirrors\" src=_-164.html alt=\"Why Don\u2019t CrossFit Gyms Have Mirrors\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Why-Dont-CrossFit-Gyms-Have-Mirrors.jpg 940w, https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Why-Dont-CrossFit-Gyms-Have-Mirrors-300x251.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Why-Dont-CrossFit-Gyms-Have-Mirrors-768x644.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The decision not to install mirrors inside CrossFit gyms is a conscious and rational one. There are many supposed advantages of doing so. In most cases, this deliberate choice is based on the philosophy and training principles of CrossFit.<\/p>\n<p>So, let\u2019s discuss the primary reasons why you would typically not find any mirrors in CrossFit training gyms:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_Focus_on_%E2%80%9CReal_Progress%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><strong>To Focus on \u201cReal Progress\u201d<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the main reasons why CrossFit gyms don\u2019t have mirrors is that they create a false sense of satisfaction or disappointment while training.<\/p>\n<p>The goal of CrossFit training isn\u2019t to improve how you like. Instead, the focus is building a more rounded, fitter body by improving aspects like endurance, form, strength, agility, balance, and so on.<\/p>\n<p>These are the \u201creal\u201d metrics that should be measured to track one\u2019s progress at the gym. Unfortunately, people tend to judge the effectiveness of their workouts by measuring the thickness of their muscles, especially when there are mirrors around.<\/p>\n<p>So, to shift focus to factors that matter, like running faster, lifting more, or achieving other feats at the gym, CrossFit gyms typically don\u2019t install mirrors inside their facilities.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_Efficient_Space_Optimization\"><\/span><strong>For Efficient Space Optimization <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Unlike in traditional fitness clubs, where all the exercises are mainly performed on the floor, CrossFit gyms require plenty of wall space as well. That is one of the reasons why many CrossFit gyms don\u2019t install mirrors or other artifacts on the wall.<\/p>\n<p>CrossFit training involves a lot of dynamic movements and exercises, some of which require ample space near the walls. For example, two very popular exercises called Handstand Push-Ups (HSPUs) and Wall Balls are part of all major CrossFit routines, and they require a lot of wall space to be performed safely and efficiently.<\/p>\n<p>Without any mirrors, gyms can save a lot of wall space and dedicate it to different exercises, which is what CrossFit training is all about.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_Improve_Mind-Body_Connection\"><\/span><strong>To Improve Mind-Body Connection <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Another objective of CrossFit training is to improve your balance, coordination, and proprioception. A large part of this can be achieved by establishing a better mind-body connection.<\/p>\n<p>In most commercial <a href=_-165.html>gyms<\/a>, athletes and weightlifters are expected to fend for themselves and use external cues like mirrors to see if they are maintaining proper form and posture while exercising.<\/p>\n<p>But in CrossFit gyms, internal cues and feedback from one\u2019s body are prioritized.<\/p>\n<p>With a little help from coaches, athletes can figure out how to improve their technique, body awareness, and proprioception without relying on visual feedback from mirrors.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_Maintaining_Proper_Eye_Position\"><\/span><strong>For Maintaining Proper Eye Position <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the most important (and yet most ignored) aspects of weightlifting and strength training is to maintaining proper eye positioning while working out.<\/p>\n<p>We all know that postural alignment can dictate the efficiency of our form and technique. But contrary to popular belief, our posture is more than just straightening out our backs and puffing up our chests.<\/p>\n<p>Eye positioning is key. When we look upwards, our head and neck will follow. The rest of the spine will align itself accordingly, too. Each exercise comes with a distinct eye position that promotes proper spinal posture, enabling you to generate greater force and exercise with enhanced safety.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, eye positioning is severely compromised when you are working out in front of mirrors. That\u2019s because they compel you to shift your gaze to different positions throughout the exercise.<\/p>\n<p>This is one of the reasons why CrossFit gyms have limited or completely eradicated the use of mirrors.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_Prioritize_Coaches\"><\/span><strong>To Prioritize Coaches <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>All professional athletes have a coach. That\u2019s because the constant presence of a coach can improve the efficiency of a workout far more than a few mirrors on the gym wall.<\/p>\n<p>In CrossFit training, the role of a coach is greater than what you would expect in commercial fitness centers.<\/p>\n<p>Without mirrors, people are more likely to call for help and trust the opinion of the coaches instead of trying to self-improve and work on their own.<\/p>\n<p>The simple advantage of having a certified professional look after your form and technique can do a lot for your fitness goals.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_Minimizing_Distraction\"><\/span><strong>For Minimizing Distraction<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>CrossFit workouts are mentally demanding and physically intense. Mirrors are known to be distracting for athletes, as they can compel people to focus more on their appearance or compare themselves to others during training sessions.<\/p>\n<p>That is why removing mirrors is important for CrossFit training, as they motivate participants to stay focused on the task at hand and push their limits without unnecessary distractions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_Prioritize_Safety\"><\/span><strong>To Prioritize Safety <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>CrossFit workouts involve a lot of high-intensity and complex physical movements. There is also a lot of heavy lifting at each step of the way.<\/p>\n<p>That being said, the presence of mirrors can lead to safety hazards, especially as they risk cracking, shattering, or becoming dislodged during intense workouts.<\/p>\n<p>A lot of CrossFit gyms remove mirrors, especially to mitigate the risk of accidents and potential injuries.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Don&#8217;t miss:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=_-166.html>Do Gym Mirrors Make You Look Bigger<\/a><br \/><a href=_-167.html>High or Low Top Converse: Which is Best for Lifting<\/a><br \/><a href=_-168.html>Vans vs Converse for Lifting<\/a><br \/><a href=_-92.html>Does Shoulder Press Work Traps<\/a><br \/><a href=_-91.html>Not Feeling Bench Press in Chest<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Winding_Up\"><\/span><strong>Winding Up <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The absence of mirrors serves multiple purposes that align with the core principles of CrossFit training.<\/p>\n<p>The simple reason why CrossFit gyms avoid installing mirrors is that they focus more on accomplishing real growth in terms of strength, balance, agility, power, and so on, instead of being fixated on superficial gains.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CrossFit training is a bit different compared to your regular gym workouts. It focuses on dynamic and high-intensity movements to work on several domains of fitness, including strength, cardio, power, and so on. Naturally, CrossFit gyms have some unique aspects that make them distinct from commercial fitness centers. One of the most striking distinctions found [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":28554,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[306],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28548","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-equipment-accessories"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Why-Dont-CrossFit-Gyms-Have-Mirrors.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Anna Steve","author_link":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/about\/writers\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28548"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28548"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28548\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28555,"href":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28548\/revisions\/28555"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28548"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28548"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drworkout.fitness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28548"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}