CrossFit has been around long enough, you’ve probably heard of it.
Maybe you’ve seen that neighbor walking down the road balancing an odd object on their shoulders. Maybe someone you work with has told you about their fitness routine that they promise “isn’t a cult”. You might even have friends that keep inviting you to try it out.
It’s piqued your interest, and now you’re ready to see what it’s all about.
But before you just Google “CrossFit gyms near me” and head off to the closest one, here are four things to consider when searching:
Number 1: Consider more than just price and location in your decision.
Price and location are usually two of the deciding factors when choosing a gym. But when looking for that special something that comes from great coaching and a community that is closer to a family than your own blood, it’s worth the extra 10 or 15 minute drive.
CrossFit sets itself apart as a social place, and each gym will have their own culture. When looking for a new place, find somewhere you feel like you connect to the other clients and the coaches. Find the place that makes you excited to go back and see those faces everyday, even if they make you do burpees! And if the first one doesn’t quite fit, keep checking them out.
When you decide to sign up, some places might be fairly expensive while others will be relatively cheap.
As with a lot of things, you get what you pay for. When cost comparing, think about what you are looking to get out of the experience. Is access to equipment and open gym space all you need? Do you want to have active coaching and feedback? For newer athletes, we always recommend finding quality coaches that can introduce you to complex movements in a safe manner.
At Refuge, we set ourselves apart through our client service. We focus on providing valuable one-on-one personal training and small-group coaching. While it comes at a higher price point, it can deliver results faster than traditional, large format group classes.
Number 2: Ask, “Do the CrossFit gyms near me understand my goals?”
The best gyms focus on what their clients actually need, want, and desire.
The best gyms understand that they are results driven. The worst find people that are willing to pay without actually showing up.
So we start this path to results with a “No Sweat Intro” when you first walk in the door. We ask what your goals are. Do you want to lose weight? Get toned? Be able to keep up with your kids?
Then we link this to your WHY. Knowing the why behind the what is powerful. Why does losing weight matter? Does your family have a history of chronic disease related to obesity? Do you want to be stronger so you can summit Denali? Do you want to use your fitness to pack out that moose, kayak Prince William Sound, or hike Crow Pass? Do you want to get strong so you can compete at the local Highland Games or build your own remote Alaska cabin?
If you’re never asked your “why”, then that gym doesn’t truly understand you. As Dale Carnegie said, “the deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.”
So you deserve to find a place that appreciates you!
Number 3: Ask, “Do the CrossFit gyms near me offer nutrition coaching?”
What does fitness have to do with nutrition? Everything! And the best gyms should offer nutrition coaching.
CrossFit isn’t just about getting jacked and lifting heavy weights. It’s about improving your fitness. The founder, Greg Glassman, defined fitness as:
“Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat. Practice and train major lifts: deadlift, clean, squat, presses, clean-and-jerk and snatch.
“Similarly, master the basics of gymnastics; Pull-ups, dips, rope climbs, push-ups, sit-ups, presses to handstands, pirouettes, flips, splits and holds. Bike, run, swim, row, etc. hard and fast. Five or six days per week, mix these elements in as many combinations and patterns as creativity will allow. Routine is the enemy. Keep workouts short and intense. Regularly learn and play new sports.”
The first piece of the puzzle: nutrition.
You’ve probably heard the adage: abs aren’t made in the kitchen. Or maybe: you can’t out train a bad diet. In any health and fitness routine, nutrition is a key piece to achieving the results you want. And our clients that put a focus on nutrition alongside their fitness see outstanding results, faster.
If you want to see the fastest results, then you need to look at nutrition as well as exercise. So why not find a place that can offer you both?
Number 4: Ask yourself whether you’re searching for a “CrossFit gym near me” or a “CrossFit personal trainer near me.”
For anyone new to CrossFit, we highly encourage starting with a one-on-one “On-Ramp” process. This lowers the intimidation factor and sets you up with a coach that can work with you wherever you’re at. You might feel like you have no idea what you’re doing. And while they might not seem like it now, trust me, your coach was there once. Don’t get lost in the overwhelm of terms and equipment you don’t understand, let the coach guide you through the process at your pace!
A CrossFit gym near you that offers this personal touch is the ideal place to start. And if you find you want to keep the one-on-one experience, then you’re already set!
CrossFit is the method, and it can be delivered both in the group setting (which is what most people know) and one-on-one (which is how it started!). At Refuge, we offer both so that you can find what works best for you. We’ve found that personal training is often the best for the following situations:
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Clients that have pre-existing injuries
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Clients that are to CrossFit
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Older clients
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Clients wanting to make sure they’re doing everything correctly every time
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Clients who prefer a smaller setting
With these four things in mind, do your due diligence to find the right gym for you! Your health and fitness is worth it!