By Diana G.
As you may already know, I’m a Marine and as a result I move around a lot. In the process of transitioning to a new location two of the most important things for me when getting settled in at my new location are a place to live and a great box. Most people can probably relate that there is a lot of research and time that goes into looking for a new place to live, I not only do that when looking for a new place to live, but also put in that much effort when looking for a new box.
I changed gyms because I got orders to Maryland, so I had to move. I started looking for a box before I even moved to Maryland. I started looking online for locations near the area I was planning to live, places near where I would be working, and also asking friends if they had any good recommendations for boxes in Maryland.
Coaching, programming, and atmosphere (in that order) are the three most important things I look for in a new box. I’ve been doing CrossFit for a couple of years now and have the discipline to train on my own, but what I feel will take my fitness to the next level is the coaching. Coaching is the one piece of my fitness puzzle that I can’t provide myself, and completes the entire picture. Coaches have a great responsibility of helping you tap into a new place you weren’t able to discover yourself. I have a great respect for all the coaches who have helped me get to where I am today, and this is why it is number one on my list. Programming is also very important, because it needs to be structured enough to get you results, but varied enough to keep your body from getting used to it. Lastly, the atmosphere is something that I look for in a gym. The people in the box always become great friends/family, and the only reason why it is placed third on my list is because if you have great coaching and programming the box will have a contagious positive atmosphere that will keep you coming back for more.
On my first day of visiting boxes I checked out three. Wreck Room was the third box I saw that day and after talking to Butch I was 80% sure this was going to be my new box without even taking my first class and meeting the other coaches.
My biggest concern when starting at a new place is having bad coaching that can result in an injury and/or develop bad technique or habits.
I’ve been lucky enough to have been a part of three different boxes in three different countries (not including a few drop ins I’ve done while on vacation) before starting at Wreck Room, the biggest thing that stood out the most was the way Butch greeted me. It is not often that you are greeted by the owner when you show up unannounced and they take the time to sit down with you and talk to about your goals. Butch was welcoming and genuinely passionate about helping you reach your fitness goals. After our conversation I wanted to come back and see what the coaches and classes were like. After testing the box for a week, I knew this where I wanted to train long term without a doubt.
After a week of training at Wreck Room I knew I wanted to continue working out there. The goal setting sessions was also something I had never seen at any other box before. This one on one time where you get to discuss your goals with your coach really made a huge difference in my training. Simply speaking these words out loud and talking about it a month later and realizing you’ve accomplished more than you expected is a great way to keep you accountable and motivated.
The biggest piece of advice I would give someone who is looking for a new box, is to do your homework. After a few minutes of being in the box you can figure out if they are offering what you’re looking for in a place to train. Try the box out for at least a week, this will give you time to get classes by different coaches. If you realize it isn’t the box for you move on to the next box until you find a place that has everything you are looking for.
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