You have made the decision to start CrossFit or just moved to a new city. Either way, you are looking for a new CrossFit box. I’ve recently moved to a new city and had to switch to a new CrossFit box. Depending on the city you live in, there can be multiple options to choose from or only a few. Choosing the right box for you can greatly affect your overall experience and motivation. There are many factors to consider, such as location, cost, and the quality of the coaching staff. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important considerations when choosing a CrossFit box.
Location
Location is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a Crossfit box. You want to choose a box that is conveniently located to your home or work. This will make it easier for you to attend classes regularly. If the box is too far away, you may find it difficult to stay motivated and committed to your training. It’s also important to consider the safety of the location, especially if you will be attending early morning or late evening classes. An important factor for me was that the box was located within biking distance.
Coaching Staff
The quality of the coaching staff is another important consideration when choosing a Crossfit box. Look for coaches who are experienced and certified. They should have a deep understanding of Crossfit movements and be able to provide guidance and support as you progress through your training. It’s also important to look for coaches who are approachable and supportive. You will be spending a lot of time with these coaches, so it’s important to feel comfortable. In most cases, you can find the coaches and their credentials on the website of the box. Every coach should have a L1 credential and more experienced coaches will have a L2 credentials or Crossfit specialty credentials, such as weightlifting and gymnastics.
Facilities and Equipment
You should consider the facilities and equipment when choosing a CrossFit box. Look for a box that has a clean, well-maintained facility with plenty of space for workouts. The equipment should be in good condition and there should be enough equipment for all members to use. It’s also important to look for a box that offers a variety of equipment, such as barbells, kettlebells, and pull-up bars. Depending on your level as an athlete, you might require that a box has equipment like ski erg, ghd machines and sandbags.
Cost
While most boxes in an area will have similar prices, the membership price is another important factor to consider when choosing a CrossFit box. You want to make sure that the cost of membership fits within your budget. Some boxes may offer discounts for students, military personnel, or first responders, so be sure to ask about any available discounts. It’s also important to consider what is included in the membership fee. Some boxes may offer additional services, such as nutrition coaching or personal training, that may be worth the extra cost.
Are higher costs really a dealbreaker? You can also look into strength and conditioning gyms that offer classes that are similar to CrossFit, but are not affiliated with CrossFit. This can give you a comparable experience for a lower price.
Community
One of the most important aspects of CrossFit is the community. When choosing a CrossFit box, look for a community that is supportive, welcoming, and inclusive. You want to find a box where you feel like you belong and where you can build relationships with other members. The community can be a great source of motivation and accountability, so it’s important to choose a box where you feel comfortable. If socializing is important to you also look into social events the box is organizing outside CrossFit classes.
Schedule and class size
Consider at what kind of times you would like to workout and if they match the class schedule. It’s important to make sure there are classes offered at times that work for you. Additionally, make sure the class sizes are manageable and that you’ll be able to receive individual attention from the coaches. You can also check if classes fill up quick and if there are waiting lists for classes on certain hours. This can make it harder for you to claim your spot in the wod.
Programming
Check out the box’s programming and see if it aligns with your goals and fitness level. Look for a box that offers a variety of workouts, including strength training, conditioning, and skill work. If you are a more experienced CrossFit athlete, you might require weightlifting, gymnastic or strength classes. Upon deciding to switch boxes, I began looking into the programming of potential new boxes. In most cases you can find this on their website or social channels. This afforded me a two-month window to observe their programming and make a more informed decision on which box was the best fit for me.
Trial Period
Many Crossfit boxes offer a trial period, which allows you to try out the box before committing to a membership. Take advantage of this trial period to get a feel for the box and the community. Attend several classes and get to know the coaches and other members. This will help you make an informed decision about whether the box is right for you.
Tips for your trial period:
- Check out classes at different times: the morning group can sometimes be a lot different from the afternoon or evening
- Try classes from different coaches to get a feel for the coaching staff
- See how members react to your presence as a new member. Are they welcoming and do they introduce themselves?
- Attend a box event if something is organized within your trial period. This is the perfect way to get a feeling for the culture.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Crossfit box is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and preferences. You can consider the factors mentioned, but remember that the most important thing is to find a box where you feel comfortable and supported on your fitness journey.
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