CrossFit participants' experiences of balancing family, work, and fitness in a South African context.

INTRODUCTION

Balancing family, work, and fitness is essential for overall well-being, yet navigating these competing demands presents a significant daily challenge. While work-family dynamics are well-documented, limited attention has been given to the integration of physical fitness into a balanced lifestyle. This study explored the experiences of CrossFit participants in balancing family, work, and fitness within a South African context.

METHODS

A qualitative, explorative-descriptive design was utilized. Purposive sampling was used to recruit eight participants of diverse ages, genders, and employment statuses from CrossFit boxes in Johannesburg, South Africa, with data collected via semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Analysis yielded five main themes: intentional planning and routine; maintaining mental and physical well-being; flexibility and adaptability; consequences of imbalance; and systems of support.

DISCUSSION: The findings emphasize the key role of strategies such as planning, adaptability, and support in maintaining equilibrium across domains. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on work-family balance and underscore the need for targeted interventions that facilitate holistic balance.