Despite its benefits of fat burning, muscle building, and strength boosting, CrossFit has developed a reputation for injury. The problem? Overusing certain muscles.

One study found that out of 252 subjects, a bit more than half were injured at some point during one year of CrossFit training. Researchers cited overuse as the primary issue that led to injury in the shoulder, knee, and lower back. (1)

You can significantly reduce your risk of overusing a muscle by practicing a few simple steps before, during, and after each CrossFit workout. Let’s review the most common CrossFit injuries from least serious to most serious, and how to prevent them.