Adaptive CrossFit is flipping the fitness world on its head by making CrossFit accessible for athletes with physical disabilities. The movement is growing—powered by sweat, perseverance, and community. And it’s redefining what it means to be an athlete. 

What Is Adaptive CrossFit? 

Adaptive CrossFit takes the foundational principles of CrossFit—functional movements performed at high intensity—and adapts them to fit each athlete’s unique abilities. Whether seated or standing, experienced or brand-new, athletes of all abilities work on building strength, mobility, and confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

The modifications are personalized and purposeful, allowing every participant to work toward their own goals at their own pace. The result? A total-body workout that improves performance inside the gym and translates directly into everyday life. 

The Origins of Adaptive CrossFit in San Francisco 

Max Conserva was just eight years old when a car accident left him with a permanent leg injury. Years later, after attending the 2014 Working Wounded Games—a CrossFit-style competition for athletes with physical disabilities—he was inspired to bring that empowering environment back to his community. 

With support from San Francisco CrossFit and a physical therapist partner, Max launched a free, weekly Adaptive CrossFit class in March of 2015. The mission was simple: remove barriers to entry and offer a safe, supportive space to train. 

At first, only a few athletes showed up. But word spread quickly. Soon, 3–5 participants were attending regularly, and a community began to form. Today, the Saturday morning class has become a Bay Area tradition, with 10–20 athletes training together each week—including several Team CAF NorCal athletes. 

Training for Life, Not Just the Gym 

Every movement practiced in Adaptive CrossFit—squatting, lifting, pulling—serves a purpose beyond the workout. 

“The things we practice in class are the things our athletes need to help live an independent life,” Max explains. “We make a safe space to practice everyday movements like picking up a package, loading a suitcase, or tossing your nephew in the air.” 

Max’s personal experience with physical disability gives him a unique perspective as a coach. He knows how easy it is to underestimate your abilities when you’re living with a barrier or challenge.

“This class helps people find out what their real limitations are, not their perceived ones. Training in a room of people with similar challenges helps everyone understand their potential,” says Max.

Equipment & Modifications 

Just like in traditional CrossFit, equipment plays a key role—but in Adaptive CrossFit, it’s often modified or supplemented so every athlete can participate fully. Coaches adjust tools and techniques to match an athlete’s abilities while keeping workouts safe, challenging, and effective. 

• Seated Frames and Straps: Athletes who train from a chair may use specialized frames or straps to keep their body secure during lifting or pulling movements. This adds both safety and stability. 

• Modified Bars and Dumbbells: Grip adaptations, lighter bars, or resistance bands allow athletes with limited hand function to perform presses, pulls, and lifts. 

• Boxes, Bands, and Medicine Balls: Standard CrossFit tools can be scaled with height changes, elastic bands, or lighter weights so that movements like squats or throws stay functional and accessible. 

• Ergometers and Rowers: Cardio equipment is adapted with hand cranks or modified handles so athletes can train endurance and power no matter their level of mobility. 

These adjustments aren’t about lowering expectations—they’re about giving every athlete the right tools to push their limits and grow stronger. 

The Power of Community 

CAF board member, cyclist, triathlete, and amputee Alan Shanken first met Max at the Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge, then reconnected back home in San Francisco. He immediately saw the impact of Adaptive CrossFit—not just as a workout, but as a unifier. 

“People of all levels and backgrounds come to the class—a gunshot wound victim, a polio survivor, an amputee like myself,” Alan shares. “We’ve created a great community. We’ve opened the eyes of able-bodied athletes, too. At the end of the day, we’re all just people getting a great workout.” 

Another regular in the class is Diane Ngo, a polio survivor who had never participated in intense physical activity before joining. In just a year and a half, she’s found fulfillment, strength, and confidence. 

“There’s often a stigma that comes with CrossFit,” Diane says. “But everything we do in the gym translates into our everyday lives. We don’t focus on reps or time limits—we focus on making every posture safe.” 

Competing on a Bigger Stage 

On October 7, 2017, ten athletes from this Adaptive CrossFit community—including eight CAF grant recipients—traveled to Washington, D.C. to compete in the Working Wounded Games. 

For Max, it was a full-circle moment. 

“It’s exciting to see everything come together. Competing at the event that inspired me to start this class, alongside the athletes I’ve trained with—it’s incredibly rewarding.” 

Why Inclusive Fitness Matters 

Adaptive CrossFit is about more than just fitness. It’s about empowerment, community, and possibility. It challenges stereotypes, builds independence, and creates space for athletes of all abilities to grow stronger—physically and mentally. 

With the right support and inclusive tools, every athlete and every body is capable of extraordinary things. One workout—and one day—at a time. 

Everybody deserves to find their inner athlete. 

How to Get Involved 

• Athletes: Interested in joining? Look for Adaptive CrossFit classes in your area or apply for a CAF grant to help fund your training. 

• Coaches and Gyms: Partner with CAF to host inclusive fitness clinics or add adaptive programming to your offerings. 

• Supporters: Your donations help fund coaching, training, and equipment for athletes who are ready to discover their potential.