How to Choose CrossFit Gym when You Start: The 10 Keys
You know what it’s about, but you have not tried it yet. You know that you are interested and that you are motivated to try something new. If you are brand new, choosing a Crossfit Gym when you start Crossfit can be tricky. But ‘be calm’, here we help you find the Gym where you break PR’s.
Choosing a Crossfit Gym is very important.
I do not recommend that you write down the first one you see. We are not going to fool ourselves, paying the Crossfit Gym is usually more expensive than the monthly payment of a general gym, and since it is going to cost us some money should be well invested, right?
Keys to Choose a Crossfit Gym
Let’s see the keys that every beginning Crossfiter should take into account when choosing a good Crossfit Gym.
Key # 1. – Proximity:
In general, the Gyms are in industrial estates. It is very unlikely that you leave your home and have the gym near. Find a gym for your area that will get you on the way when you return from work or have it, more or less close to home. Find a couple of them and visit them.
Key # 2.- Test classes:
Usually, the gyms have one or two free trial classes. Try a couple and see how you feel. The material they have, coaches, class schedules, people who go.
Key # 3.- Reduced classes:
How many students admitted per class?
Gyms offer classes at different times, find out what suits you best. They are usually limited between 12 and 16 people although it depends, of course, on the size of the gym.
Look if the classes have a waiting list. That will help you to know the maximum number of people per class.
A class with 20 students and a single coach … It is difficult to control and if you are starting, you are interested in small groups to pay attention and correct your technique. When starting out this is important.
Technique is everything in Crossfit, and it is not easy. It requires dedication and hours of training. It does not do any good to lift ‘x’ weight if you’re doing it wrong or if the next day your back hurts or worse if you have permanently injury yourself.
Key # 4.- Hours:
What are you interested in doing in the gym? Classes or open, If you’re starting, you’re probably interested in going to directed classes. Look at the schedules of the classes in each gym, if they come in handy; if there is a variety of classes … If you only want to go to open gym, check that in that the gym is open when you are interested in going, this is very important since it will give you more freedom and you will not be subjected to a schedule that isn’t your choosing.
Key # 5.- Coach:
The coach is very important. When the coach is also the owner of the gym, he is much more interested in the classes being good and will be more concerned with the quality. This does not mean that you discard a gym because the instructor is not the owner, but it is something that can help you decide and take into account.
Key # 6.- Other classes:
To practice Crossfit well you have to have flexibility. Some gyms include mobility classes with which you will get elasticity and improve your training. Not only will you gain flexibility but also mobility in the joints, which is fundamental to doing the exercises correctly. Besides, it will help you recover better after workouts. Some gyms teach mobility separately, and others are part of the monthly fee. Many Crossfit lifts are weightlifting lifts. The technique is complex and is essential to perform the exercises correctly and without hurting ourselves; mobility and flexibility can’t be stressed enough.
Performing a clean, snatch, or thruster … Correctly, it is pure weightlifting. The risk, in the end, is associated with a bad technique.
Key # 7.- Physiotherapy service:
Hopefully you don’t need it but better to have it at hand. Some gyms offer physiotherapy service, however cost may out weigh the benefit.
Key # 8.- Private classes:
Many coaches, during open hours, work as personal trainers. If you are interested in improving your technique and your mobility, it is an option to consider. A private teacher will help you strengthen your weak points and bring out the athlete you have inside.
If you are thinking of competing, this would be a more than recommended option.
Key # 9.- Monthly price:
The Crossfit is not a general gym, and it does not cost the same. You will have several rates to choose from, 2 classes per week, 3 classes per week and unlimited, are usual. Prices may vary by area and Crossfit Gym.
If you are looking at a specific area, do not be guided by the price as much as by everything offered, since the difference will be minimal. This is like everything, a Crossfit Gym in the city will be more expensive than in the suburbs.
A priori it may seem expensive, pay $65 approximately to go two days a week but it is worth it if you are dedicated.
Key # 10.- People:
There is likely a strong team atmosphere at your Crossfit Gym. When you decide on a gym and put in the work, they will drive and motivate you. Crossfit is a discipline with a great feeling of the team.
Look at the people who go to the gym and what do you think … You will spend many hours with them, and you will share hard workouts together so you should be comfortable with the people there.
Why is it important to choose a good Gym?
Choosing a good gym is important for all the above reasons. Do not focus on if the person giving the classes is a well-known person and looks for a gym in which you feel comfortable. If one does not convince you, you can always change to another and find the one that best suits your needs.
Follow these 10 keys to choose well where to practice Crossfit, and they will help you find the perfect gym for you and your workouts. The important thing is to feel comfortable, enjoy, and train hard.
