Why Your Endurance Still Isn’t Improving—And How CrossFit Group Classes Can Fix That
When it comes to getting fitter and feeling more energized, “better endurance” is one of the most common goals we hear. Whether it’s running without gasping for air, finishing workouts stronger, or simply having more energy to get through the day, endurance plays a big role in overall health and performance.
And the great news? CrossFit is built to improve your endurance. But here’s the honest truth: just working out regularly isn’t always enough.
If you've been training consistently for months—or even years—and your engine still feels stuck in first gear, there may be a few key things you're overlooking.
1. You Might Be Missing the Intended Stimulus
Every workout at Eureka CrossFit is designed with a specific intended stimulus in mind. Sometimes that means light and fast. Other days it’s grindy and moderate. Occasionally, it's long and grueling.
Let’s say a workout is meant to be a sprint-style or 8-minute burner—but it takes you 14 minutes to complete. That’s not just going “over time,” that’s missing the entire point of the workout. And when you miss the stimulus, you miss the adaptation. We program variety throughout the week so that’s why we encourage attending 4+ days each week so you get a bit of everything.
Why It Matters:
If your effort doesn’t match the intended time domain or intensity, your body adapts in the wrong direction. Over time, this limits endurance growth and stalls overall progress.
2. Scaling Is a Tool, Not a Sign of Weakness
Scaling is how we ensure every athlete gets the right dose of work. Whether it’s adjusting reps, modifying movements, or lightening the load, it’s not about doing less—it’s about doing what’s appropriate for you to hit the intended stimulus.
CrossFit works when it’s done with purpose and precision. That’s why our coaches spend time every class helping you choose the right version of the workout.
For Example: If the workout calls for 50 wall balls but you struggle to hit more than 10 at a time, reducing the reps to 30 might allow you to keep moving, stay in the target time frame, and build actual stamina instead of simply surviving.
Common Misstep:
Trying to "Rx" every workout at the expense of intensity. Endurance builds when you train your energy systems appropriately—not when you drag through a workout with too much weight or too many reps.
Coach Tip: We want you breathing hard, not standing around. If you're spending more time recovering than moving, it's time to scale down and go faster.
3. Pacing and Strategy Need Practice
These are trainable skills. Another reason endurance may be stalling is poor pacing. Sprinting the first few minutes of a 20-minute AMRAP only to crash halfway through won’t help your stamina. It teaches your body to spike and burn out—not to stay steady and efficient.
We coach members in Group Class how to break up reps, manage their breathing, and stay consistent—because that’s what builds long-term engine capacity.
Pro Tip: Listening to your coach's advice on pacing is just as important as hitting the prescribed movements. Your ego might want to race; your engine needs strategy.
4. Recovery, Nutrition, and Breathing Still Matter
You can’t expect to improve endurance if your body’s still under-recovered from yesterday’s workout, running on poor nutrition, or constantly breathing like you're in a panic.
Ask Yourself:
Am I sleeping enough to recover between workouts?
Am I eating enough to fuel longer efforts?
Am I practicing controlled breathing during workouts?
Sometimes it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing the basics better.
You don’t have to do it alone! What’s great about a nutrition coaching program like ours — you get the accountability along with the information to guide you. And it’s not just about what you eat. How are other parts of your life affecting your results? Learn more with a Free Consult!
5. Trust the Program—And the Process
At Eureka CrossFit, we program intentionally to build strength, speed, power, and endurance and overall fitness over time. Each week’s workouts are designed to hit different energy systems and movement patterns. When you show up consistently and train with the right intensity, progress follows.
If you’re not seeing the results you expect, it might not be your effort—it could be your approach. That’s where your coaches come in. We’re here to help you scale, pace, and push appropriately—so you get stronger, faster, and fitter the right way.
Bottom Line: Intensity with Purpose = Results
Improving endurance isn’t just about showing up and doing hard work. It’s about doing the right work in the right way.
Hit the intended stimulus. Scale when necessary. Recover well. And most of all—be patient and consistent.
Your engine is already being built. We’re just here to fine-tune it.
Need help dialing in your workouts for endurance?
Talk to your coach before class or schedule a quick goal review with us. We’re here to help you get the most out of every workout—and every breath along the way.