Behind the Rapid Rise of Adaptive Fitness: An Interview with Adaptive Training Academy’s Alec Zirkenbach

Adaptive fitness isn’t new, but it has gained popularity as events like HYROX and Spartan have gained traction. 

• However, with this growth comes questions such as: Who determines the adaptive division classifications? How do these events ensure fairness? 

The quick rise of adaptive athlete participation in competitions has brought these questions to the forefront. 

We interviewed Alec Zirkenbach, the board president of the Adaptive Training Academy (ATA), to gain a deeper understanding of how the adaptive fitness landscape is evolving and the importance of accurate classification. 

• The ATA offers adaptive fitness training and was established in 2012.

Remind me: The first time the adaptive division was introduced to the CrossFit season was in 2021. Three divisions were invited to compete at the CrossFit Games that year, and a total of 16 divisions competed in the Open. 

In that first year, the version of the classification rulebook was based on a self-selection model, where athletes chose their own divisions using broad guidance. 

• “The goal at the time was maximum inclusion, which helped launch the divisions and open the door to a wide range of athletes,” Zirkenbach told the Morning Chalk Up.

“However, this approach also led to challenges, he continued, “particularly with individuals registering for the adaptive divisions despite having temporary injuries or conditions that did not meet the intent of adaptive competition.” 

In 2022, the classification system was updated to match the standards of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). 

• And then it was changed again in 2023, with the introduction of Minimum Impairment Criteria (MIC) for each eligible impairment type, which is used by every established parasport. 

In 2024, the adaptive division, age division, and teens were handed over to third-party organizers, and WheelWOD took over the management of the adaptive division. 

These yearly changes highlight the complexity of the classification system for adaptive divisions and the challenge event organizers face in ensuring inclusivity and fairness. 

The Current State of Play 

HYROX, the popular fitness race, introduced an adaptive division for its 2024/25 season, offering six categories. Their classification system is based on functional ability, such as lower limb impairment, short stature, and neurological impairment. 

However, similar to CrossFit, its classification system relies on vague terms like “minor” and “moderate” effects in neuromuscular divisions. 

• “Neither system currently uses clear MIC, a standard in all Paralympic sports that provides objective benchmarks for determining whether an athlete has a qualifying impairment. Without MIC, eligibility remains subjective, leading to inconsistent and potentially unfair placements,” says Zirkenbach. 

He adds that without MIC, eligibility decisions become subjective and often depend on a comparison model where a new athlete is evaluated against others who were previously approved to see if they appear “similar enough.” 

Nevertheless, this type of approach can lead to inconsistent decisions and confusion about eligibility. Zirkenbach admits that setting these boundaries is challenging, but says “it’s a necessary responsibility for any competition aiming to maintain fairness and integrity in adaptive divisions.” 

Other sports, such as Olympic weightlifting, running races, and Spartan races, also offer adaptive divisions. However, similar to CrossFit and HYROX, each sport has its own classification system, which creates a lack of unity across the sports. 

• “Designing adaptive classification systems is one of the most difficult, and often thankless, jobs in inclusive sport,” says Zirkenbach. “Organizers and classifiers are tasked with walking a tightrope: creating space for broad participation while also ensuring fair competition among athletes with comparable functional ability. That balance is tricky, and you can’t please everyone in the process.” 

The bottom line: While classification remains an ongoing challenge, watching these incredible athletes compete is highly inspiring and continues to motivate event leaders to improve classification solutions.

With the WheelWod Adaptive CrossFit Games in September and more than 100 HYROX races scheduled for the upcoming season, there are numerous opportunities to see these amazing athletes compete.

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Featured Image: @adaptivetraining / Instagram