WWYD, Crossfitters?

[texassmith]

I got a Groupon type email for unlimited Crossfit sessions for $35 for a month at a box near my house. I have been interested in CF, but it is really not in the budget. Like at all. So I feel like this could be a good way for me to try it out and learn some stuff I can maybe do at home, but it will also probably feel like a tease. I get to do it for a month and then I'm done. It's just too expensive right now.

So, WWYD?

[blinkinglight1]

If you can't afford it after that month, I wouldn't buy it. It will just be a tease and you will probably want more.

I don't understand how these boxes are offering these groupons. I mean, 1) $35 is insanely cheap and 2) you spend so much time acclimating yourself and learning the movements that you're not getting a true understand of what CrossFit is in one month.

[finallykrisb]

I'm obviously biased, but I would have a hard time walking away after a month. The classes are very much a group thing and everyone works together and encourages each other. I would dread doing the workouts at home with no one to cheer me on after having the support of everyone for weeks.

I also think that's the entire point of the groupons. To suck you in and get you hooked.

[Brie]

I say try it. Either way you'll learn something, and it is really adaptable to doing at home. (I think the 2nd or 3rd place male winner in the CF games trains solo out of his garage!)

Depending on the box, too, they may be able to work out a deal for you once the month is over. They are small businesses, and I know many people have been able to negotiate rates. From what I've read, this can vary a lot from box to box, though. I would imagine they'd rather get $X reduced rate from you every month than $0.

[juangela]

Jun 7, 2012 10:38:48 GMT -5 Brie said:

I say try it. Either way you'll learn something, and it is really adaptable to doing at home. (I think the 2nd or 3rd place male winner in the CF games trains solo out of his garage!)

Depending on the box, too, they may be able to work out a deal for you once the month is over. They are small businesses, and I know many people have been able to negotiate rates. From what I've read, this can vary a lot from box to box, though. I would imagine they'd rather get $X reduced rate from you every month than $0.

I think this is great advice.

Also, do you know anything about this particular CF box or know anyone who has trained there? I definitely looked more at the facility and trainers than the cost when choosing my box. As you've probably seen in other CF posts, not all boxes are created equal. I'd do some research before buying it.

[juangela]

Jun 7, 2012 10:35:06 GMT -5 blinkinglight1 said:

I don't understand how these boxes are offering these groupons. I mean, 1) $35 is insanely cheap and 2) you spend so much time acclimating yourself and learning the movements that you're not getting a true understand of what CrossFit is in one month.

As a business model, it makes sense. If you get 50 new people in the door for $35 each and half of them become members, you're way ahead of where you were when you offered the groupon for very minimal work (theoretically they aren't adding any classes or anything to accommodate for the influx of new members).

The issue small businesses have seen from offering groupons, though, is higher demand than their businesses can manage. Like suddenly classes that used to have 5 people have 20 and they need to add more classes/hire more trainers.

[Deleted]

Companies the offer groupons also assume many will buy and never use them. The company has to pay groupon, so they're not even seeing $35... more like $20. It's essentially a free month to try to hook you.

[suzyp]

I would run the other way honestly. I know places do Groupons to get people in the door, but I don't think you'd have a typical CF experience. Or if it's typical for that box it's not someplace you'll want to be. There's a box around here that does Groupons and it is my understanding that as a result they have huge classes w/ little supervision (which apparently isn't good to begin with). My box has apparently gotten several clients as a result of the Groupon at this other box!!

[Brie]

Jun 7, 2012 12:57:22 GMT -5 suzyp said:

I would run the other way honestly. I know places do Groupons to get people in the door, but I don't think you'd have a typical CF experience. Or if it's typical for that box it's not someplace you'll want to be. There's a box around here that does Groupons and it is my understanding that as a result they have huge classes w/ little supervision (which apparently isn't good to begin with). My box has apparently gotten several clients as a result of the Groupon at this other box!!

FWIW, if you go and it sucks, Groupon is awesome about giving refunds for pretty much any reason.

[ckinla]

Not a CFer, but I got an unlimited month group on for a yoga and spinning studio.

I'm now $89 a month poorer. Can't really afford it, but I couldn't walk away…

[texassmith]

I decided against it. Thanks ladies!

[SusanBAnthony]

To the person who said 35$ was insanely cheap, it depends on the area. In my town, full price is 75, military/first responder/etc is like 45. So it might not be too far off.

[texassmith]

This particular box is $175/month for unlimited. So $35 is pretty darn cheap.

[blinkinglight1]

Jun 8, 2012 12:17:35 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

To the person who said 35$ was insanely cheap, it depends on the area. In my town, full price is 75, military/first responder/etc is like 45. So it might not be too far off.

I have never heard of CF that cheap... is that unlimited?

I have been doing CF since 2010 and I'm starting to find more and more boxes that are cheaper and cheaper. Hm. And I live in a LCOL area.