I have been doing Crossfit for almost 6 years now and throughout my whole Crossfit career, whatever the h*** you want to call it, I have been faithful to one box. My experience at my previous box were all great ones. I still am friends with the coaches and the owners and I think of them often yet I honestly felt the need for change due to my own inconsistent attendance and not attending for roughly a month and a half. I needed to change it up. I needed that spark again and since I am a morning guy and typically religious to working out around the 3-5am hours, I found myself sleeping in more often than not.
One of my CF friends had mentioned that one of my previous coaches was opening up a Crossfit gym and I was quick to show my support. I messaged Snez and told her how excited and happy I was for her and she invited me to the grand opening of Ausletics.
Nestled in the Vons shopping center on N. Brea Blvd and State College Blvd, Ausletics is located right next door to Subway and along Brea Blvd. Upon showing up to Ausletics' grand opening, I was immediately welcomed by many friendly faces of whom I did not recognize. The members and coaches were quick to introduce themselves. The box is outfitted with all new top of the line equipment, Rogue. The box is definitely not a large as my previous box but it does not take away the warmth and coziness. Result...less space to hide when I'm sandbagging it. Snez gave me a tour of the facility and showed me the huge Rogue rig that sits in the south side of the room. They have an assortment of brand new Rogue death machines (rowers/assault bikes/ski ergs), boxes, two sets of rings (if you able to get gymnasty), turf area, brand new barbells, plates, dumbbells, KB, jumprope, slamballs, wall balls, etc. Pretty much everything you need to do WOD things. They have a brand new water filtration system set up (I forgot what they call it). Situated in the corner of the building is a on-staff Physical Therapist practice (this had me impressed because I am a PT assistant). Where I was really blown away their bathroom/locker room/shower. They have two showers in the men's locker room (perfect if I ever wanted to get a workout in and head straight to work). Along the wall are their 10 Box Rules. I love that!!! It is their reminder and expectations that hold their members accountable to not act up and always be respectful.
I have attended everyday since their opening day and I am quickly reminded the reason why I love Crossfit. It is all about the community. I can workout at 24hour Fitness, which I still continue to do, but it is completely different. At your typical big named gym you go at your pace and it is difficult to keep yourself motivated. At Crossfit and especially at Ausletics I feel pushed to my limits. But not pushed like how a boss tells you to do something and you are obligated to do it. It is more like a leader motivating you to fight through the tough times. The coaches, lead by example and jump in the workouts while another coach instructs. Snez, our owner, works out with us as well which is truly inspiring. I attended a Sunday class (5th day after opening) and already they had celebrated a birthday, had a special birthday WOD and potluck. It felt like family. It felt like home.
Although it was sad to leave my first home, I believe the only way I can grow and push myself through being comfortable is to find a new path which led me to my new home.
If you are new to Crossfit or thinking about trying it out, step out of your comfort zone. Come join me at 5am and I will welcome you. You can't miss me. The intimidating one with a giant smile!!!
- Mark E. read more