CHOOSING
A CROSSFIT GYM
(AKA "BOX")
(AKA "BOX")
CrossFit®’s mission is “to fuel a
revolution in fitness, based on the pursuit of function.”
We love how our friends at CrossFit
Headquarters,in Santa Cruz, describe this revolution:
“We
believe that where you train is less important than how you train, and whom you
train with matters more than what gear you have. We know this can be done
anywhere. We’ve proven that the back yard to the garage to the warehouse is as
good an environment as any for forging elite fitness.”
Caveat
Emptor! (Let the buyer beware!)
Before you decide to join a CrossFit gym,
or “box,” you need to make certain that box is a “true” affiliate, ensuring the
trainers have completed the necessary levels of certification. The good news is
there are currently over 3,500 affiliates around the world, so it is likely you
will find one near you. The bad news is that not every place that says
“CrossFit” is a true affiliate. Check the list of
affiliates here: http://map.crossfit.com/. If the owner of
CrossFitFredFlintsone says her gym is affiliated: Caveat Emptor! Not only is this person misrepresenting her gym, she is placing her
clientele in danger. You want the people teaching CrossFit movements to be
endorsed by CrossFit.
Take
off your Coat and Stay Awhile
Once you have narrowed down the (official)
affiliates you want to try, take the time to visit. Talk with the
trainers, talk with the members. Spend time observing a morning class and an
afternoon class. By just being in the space you’ll learn a lot about class
structure and trainers’ personalities. If the trainer is wearing spandex pants
talking on his cellphone while demonstrating a muscle up, best to walk
away. If the entire class is sporting a Washington Redskins t-shirt and
you are a Cowboys’ fan, you should probably run. (We joke.)
The
Same but Different
Although the fundamentals of CrossFit are
the same wherever one goes, it’s safe to say no two boxes look the same. What
matters most is that you feel comfortable in the space. Is it clean? Is the
equipment easily accessed? Is there room to move around in? Don’t ignore a
small gym: some boxes are tiny but very well organized, and a smaller box
equates to smaller class size. Most boxes don’t have a wall of mirrors (if any
at all); there may be a stationary bike or some rowers, but no machines. Decide
for yourself if it’s the environment for you. Trust your gut!
It’s
the People, People!
At most big box gyms there is no need or
desire to get to know the people next to you on the elliptical trainer or
Stairmaster®. In any case, they’re probably too busy watching TV or
reading US magazine. CrossFit, on the other hand, is
one hundred percent all about the people you “throw down with” every day. As
CrossFit increasingly becomes a bigger part of your life, so, too, will your
fellow CrossFitters. You don’t have to like everyone, but don’t be surprised if
it turns out you do