Top 6 Things To Look For In a CrossFit Gym
Choosing the right CrossFit gym to call home is an important decision, so we’ve put together this list of important factors for you to consider to help make a more informed choice. Each of following categories are important and every gym has their strengths and weaknesses. Try to evaluate each gym on their merits as well as what you personally value and prioritize. Lastly, remember that it takes time, research, and in-person experience (drop in!) to really get a good feel for a place and find the right long term fit.
1. The Coaching Staff
The CrossFit methodology can be an extremely potent agent of change when it comes to overhauling one’s fitness, heath, and overall wellbeing. However, the efficacy of the program entirely rests in the dose and implementation. Much like medicine, there is absolutely a therapeutic dose and a mess you up bad dose. Experienced and knowledgeable coaches will ensure you learn the correct techniques, progress slowly, train appropriately based on your goals and abilities, and stay safe throughout the process. All coaches are not created equal. A quality coach is lifelong learner who constantly invests in their craft and professional development. They also have ample real-world experience training a broad range of clients, from individuals to mixed ability level classes. Great coaches are also master communicators, able to clearly convey their message in a way that is easy to understand and audience appropriate. They can break down complex topics into manageable chunks, understand progressions and scaling, and provide the corrections and feedback necessary to improve. Lastly, they are personable and empathetic, able to relate to their clients and adjust their approach when necessary.
2. The Environment / “Vibe”
The environment and vibe of a CrossFit gym can have a huge impact on your overall experience. It is subjective and will likely require some time to assess fully. Pay attention to how the gym feels when you step in. Are the people friendly and welcoming? Do you feel comfortable and included, or do you feel like an outsider? Are the coaches engaged with the other members and actively coaching their classes? What’s the process for new athletes, i.e. do they take the time to get to know you before throwing you into a workout?
A positive and supportive community can enhance your motivation, enjoyment, and long-term adherence to CrossFit and connection to your gym. Like most things, you get out what you put in, so being present and outgoing yourself can go a long way to making new connections and integrating into a new tribe. With that in mind, it’s important to trust your instincts when forming your impressions and assessing whether it feels a like a good potential long term fit. Look for a gym where you feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie among fellow members as well as a thoughtful and fun/challenging class experience.
3. The Facility
CrossFit gyms come in various sizes, layouts, and equipment offerings, including other amenities (like showers, public parking, and air conditioning). Regardless of its dimensions, the gym should prioritize cleanliness and organization. This also goes for bathrooms, locker rooms, or any other common areas as well as the training floor. Adequate equipment is essential to cater to everyone's needs during classes, depending on the daily programming and group size. Ensure that the equipment is well-maintained, of good quality, and kept clean. Ultimately, knowing how to properly program workouts, manage class logistics, and run effective classes matters more than how much gear you have. While the specific equipment in each gym varies based on programming philosophy, budget, and facility size, the presence or absence of certain types of equipment may be important to your preferences and training goals. Also weigh factors like the parking situation and locker rooms / showers if you want the ability to head into work directly after class when making your decision.
4. Programming & Class Offerings
Consider the variety and quality of classes offered by the gym. Different gyms may have specific focuses or specialties, such as Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics, endurance, mobility, or competitive CrossFit. These focuses could show up in the form of specialty classes like a Barbell Club, or within the WODs themselves as consistent points of emphasis. Assess if the class offerings align with your fitness goals and interests. Also look at several weeks of class programming, if they post their workouts online, so that you can get a feel for how they like to regularly train. Make sure there is good alignment with their programming style and your abilities. Also, check to see or inquire how they tackle the challenge of mixed ability classes – do they write multiple levels of workouts, simply scale off a single workout, offer different class levels by ability, etc. Lastly, you may want to inquire as to who writes their programming – most gyms handle this in house, whereas other gyms pay for programming from a service. Both can be effective, however gym’s that write their own workouts (and know what they are doing) are likely to program with their athletes’ abilities in mind versus writing workouts for strangers.
5. Schedule & Location
Evaluate the gym's class schedule in relation to your availability. Find a gym that offers classes at times that work with your schedule, making it easier for you to consistently attend and stay committed to your training. Having multiple time options can be very helpful in providing flexibility to workout at different times when your schedule shifts. Furthermore, convenience is key. Choosing a gym that is close to home or work, or directly on your commute to either of these places is important. We want to reduce as many barriers as possible when it comes to ensuring we can attend class. Map out your route and try class during your normal window to see if the destination is feasible with regards to your commute, work schedule, etc. Give me a good gym that’s super convenient over a perfect gym that’s too far from home/work to actually attend on a regular basis.
6. The Initial Evaluation & On-Ramp Process
The Initial Evaluation & On-Ramp Process: The initial evaluation and on-ramp process are crucial, whether you are new to CrossFit or have been doing it for years. A well-structured onboarding process ensures a safe and effective start to your CrossFit journey. Look for a gym that provides an introductory consultation or meeting with a coach. During this session, you should have the opportunity to discuss your goals, injury history, and any other relevant information about you and the gym. The coach can assess your fitness level and guide you through the gym's specific on-ramp process, which may involve introductory classes or personalized training sessions. This initial evaluation and on-ramp process are essential for setting you up for success and tailoring the CrossFit experience to your individual needs. It’s also an opportunity to set expectations around class structure, programming, coaching styles, membership policies, etc. that can vary widely between gyms.
When it comes to specific recommendations for where to continue training now that the gym is closing, it’s largely going to depend on the aforementioned factors, with location, schedule, and environment standing out as key to any decision. What gyms are near your home, your job, or on your regular commute? If you have multiple options, run through the checklist above and take a few classes to see what feels like a good fit. There are quality CrossFit gyms in NW DC (CF Hierarchy, Second Wind CF, CF DC) in Bethesda (CF Bethesda), Rockville (Tough Temple) to name a few. Similarly, for our barbell club athletes, DC Weightlifting moved their training home to Petworth Fitness and there is also our great friends at Black & Red Barbell who train at Invictus DC. If you need any further recommendations or help making a decision, don’t hesitate to reach out directly!