Coaching is about effective communication, which becomes more challenging when a language barrier occurs. As CrossFit expands globally, we must be prepared to work with athletes who speak different languages. Coaching across cultural barriers requires creativity, patience, and empathy. In this article, I will explore coaching principles in a culturally diverse setting and provide practical advice on overcoming language barriers.
While coaching at Panama City CrossFit in Florida, a group of athletes who only spoke Spanish walked into the gym. I only spoke English, though I remembered some Spanish from high school. The language barrier initially presented a challenge, but I was creative in instructing the athletes, and we all worked together to overcome our language limitations. What could have been a deal-breaking situation turned into an opportunity for growth for the new athletes, myself, and the community. Most importantly, the new athletes felt comfortable enough with our attempts to bridge the divide to become members of our community. This experience highlights the importance of being open to learning and adapting in a culturally diverse setting.
Principle 1: Safety First
Safety remains paramount in CrossFit, especially when working with multilingual athletes. You must ensure all participants understand safety protocols and can follow critical directions during workouts. Mastering clear “stop,” “go,” and “move” commands is essential while also staying attuned to body language that signals when someone is struggling. In my experience, many athletes facing language barriers often hesitate to seek help because they can’t articulate their difficulties or feel embarrassed drawing attention to themselves.
Principle 2: Creativity in Your Cues
As coaches, we often rely on verbal cues to communicate with our athletes, which can be challenging when coaching across language barriers. Verbal cues are fast and can be yelled across a room, but with a language barrier, you must rely on nonverbal cues. We need to use creativity in our cues to help athletes understand the workout and proper technique. We can use tactile cues to move the athlete into the desired position or visual cues to show proper reps. For example, we can use hand signals or demonstrations to show an athlete proper depth in a squat. Cultural norms are even more critical when implementing tactile cues to ensure we don’t cause unintended discomfort or disrespect when touching the athlete. For instance, a pat on the back can be a sign of encouragement in some cultures, but it can be seen as intrusive in others.
Principle 3: Community and Trust
Creating a sense of community and trust is critical when coaching across language barriers. Our goal should be to create a welcoming culture for new members, regardless of their language abilities. We should work to learn the basics of the other language: “Hello,” “How are you,” “Goodbye,” etc. This simple effort can make a significant difference in how our athletes feel welcomed and included in our community.
The next step is to learn introductory phrases such as, “My name is” and “How are you?” You will be surprised by how quickly people can let their guard down and build relationships when they see you are willing to make the extra effort to include them in your community.
Just as we expect our athletes to improve their language abilities and skills in CrossFit, we must demonstrate that we’re also continually growing. We can show this growth by being willing to adapt and develop in our interactions with others. Our openness to others also models the behavior we expect of all athletes at the gym, making us not just coaches but also influencers of a positive and inclusive training environment.
Acknowledging that language is just one aspect of cultural diversity is also essential. We should educate ourselves on various cultural differences to better serve our athletes. Cultural differences can include different communication styles, values, and beliefs. Understanding these differences can help us avoid misunderstandings and build stronger relationships with our athletes.
As a coach, you may also work with athletes from globo gyms, boot camps, and collegiate sports teams. While they may understand the basic vocabulary of fitness, most are not fluent in the language of CrossFit. Without appropriate context and body awareness, our coaching cues may cause confusion, leading to frustration over time. The situation I encountered with that group of Spanish-speaking athletes initially caused me some discomfort. Still, the experience was a blessing because it led to growth.
In summary, coaching across cultural barriers can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Communicating effectively with athletes who speak a different language requires creativity, patience, and cultural awareness. We must prioritize safety, use creative cues, and foster a welcoming community to facilitate effective communication and create a positive and inclusive training environment.
As CrossFit continues to grow as a global fitness community, we must be prepared to work with athletes from diverse cultural backgrounds. With an open-minded approach and a willingness to learn and adapt, we can help break down language barriers and facilitate effective communication, ultimately improving the training experience for all athletes involved.
About the Author
Michael Nettis (CF-L3) started CrossFit in 2011 in Montgomery, Alabama, and currently coaches at Bombers CrossFit in Dayton, Ohio. He has been coaching full-time since 2021. Before CrossFit, Michael was an officer in the United States Air Force. He lives in Beavercreek, Ohio, with his wife Kimber and son Donny, and they spend their time outside the gym rock climbing and mountain biking.
Breaking Language Barriers in CrossFit: A Coach’s Guide to Cross-Cultural Communication