**Brie** (and other Crossfit people)

[isabel]

How did you go about finding your box? Did you try out a couple different ones to compare or was it just a good experience the first time around?

I did Crossfit with a local box several months ago and did not enjoy the experience. There were no other women and I felt really weak and incapable. They did not have me do any sort of Elements classes like it seems some others do. Anyway, the whole experience was kind of a turn off. But I really want to like Crossfit because the concept sounds great for me. I want to get back into it, but am kind of nervous about how to go about finding a good box. Tips?

[lindyanne]

I'm so jealous you have a kids room! And that many boxes to pick from. I had to quit going to cross fit because I SAH and the schedule didn't work any more with the childcare we had (childcare schedule changed). :-(

[hokiegirl82]

I found my box by going to www.crossfit.com, then clicking on the affiliates finder map and putting in my location. It tells you where the affiliates are close to your location - I chose the closest one, tried it out and loved it. I think that would be a good start so you can see how many boxes there are in your area, and you can try the ones closest to you to see which you like best.

Every box is going to be different, so if you don't like the first you try, keep trying.

[Brie]

Jul 4, 2012 22:32:48 GMT -5 isabel said:

How did you go about finding your box? Did you try out a couple different ones to compare or was it just a good experience the first time around?

I did Crossfit with a local box several months ago and did not enjoy the experience. There were no other women and I felt really weak and incapable. They did not have me do any sort of Elements classes like it seems some others do. Anyway, the whole experience was kind of a turn off. But I really want to like Crossfit because the concept sounds great for me. I want to get back into it, but am kind of nervous about how to go about finding a good box. Tips?

I actually found my box via Twitter. I went with a friend in Boston, tweeted about how awesome it was and that I was looking for a box in KC, and my box responded.

I was like you, I had a bad experience with a box I'd bought a Groupon for. I never went, but their website really turned me off (making fun of runners and overweight people), they were jerky in how they handled my concerns via e-mail, and their whole "image" was just not for me. So I returned the Groupon and said they'd never get a dime of my money.

Then I found my box. I actually started going to their "test classes" before they even opened, so I got in on the ground floor (which means discounts, very MM!). I knew right away it was a good fit for me because the vibe is very inclusive, and it's not filled with Paleo-obsessed meatheads. We're a very family-friendly box with people of all shapes and sizes, women and men, different ages and walks of life.

FWIW, though, we don't have any kind of OnRamp/Elements program because our membership is not large enough to support it--they tried it, but we just don't have enough new members coming in each week to make it cost-effective. So, newbies start out in regular classes with vets. HOWEVER, our coaches take time to teach moves to all the new people before class starts, and they always review with everybody before the WOD, too. And they are very strict about not using heavy weights (or any weight at all, really) until your form is down pat. So, I don't think the absence of an OnRamp program is necessarily a bar to a good CF box--you just have to make sure there are other teaching mechanisms in place.

Where are you located? I would suggest posting on H&F asking for a recommendation--there are CFers from around the country posting there, and they may be able to help you out (and have helped other posters find good boxes in the past). I'd also suggest shooting the owner of the box an e-mail or Facebook message, just to say hi, here are my goals and stats, tell me about your program. I think that will tell you you a lot. They are ultimately all small businesses, and it's pretty easy to weed out the douches from the good coaches that way.

I will say that feeling weak is completely normal for new CFers (and vet CFers, frankly). But your box should make you feel confident that growth is possible and not make you feel "incapable."

[isabel]

Thanks for the responses! I did go to the crossfit website and looked at all the affiliates, but I think the mistake I made was just picking the box that was closest to me. I like the suggestion to send them an email and try to get a vibe about them that way. Any particular questions you'd suggest asking? I'm like most of you in that I would prefer something a little more family-friendly as DH and I are moving in that direction.

[Brie]

Jul 5, 2012 10:19:48 GMT -5 isabel said:

Thanks for the responses! I did go to the crossfit website and looked at all the affiliates, but I think the mistake I made was just picking the box that was closest to me. I like the suggestion to send them an email and try to get a vibe about them that way. Any particular questions you'd suggest asking? I'm like most of you in that I would prefer something a little more family-friendly as DH and I are moving in that direction.

I'd keep it pretty general. Let them tell you what they think is important. I'd just give your stats and your goals, and ask what the box is like and if they can help you achieve those goals. Also, see if you can do a free trial--most boxes will let you do a week or two free of charge to test it out first.