This was the second crossfit gym that I tried and thought it was a huge step up. When I think back to why I liked it so much, nothing really comes to mind except for the amazing members. I really liked that they have a Yaletown location, which is near to where I live. Lots of great people there, and very welcoming vibe from the other members.
The coaches are nice and certainly knowledgable, but oftentimes I felt as if they were easily distracted - pretty girls to flirt with and really strong people trying for a new PR. I also felt as if management was really inflexible with the rules, and this was very frustrating to me. I sometimes work out of town for extended periods of time and in such times, would need to put my memberships on an extended (up to months at a time). While the contract with Crossfit BC pecifically stated that this was not allowed, I was surprised to find out that this was an absolute rather than a guideline. I can't turn work down in order to stay in town and do crossfit, yet neither do I want to pay for a service that wasn't being used. It was really frustrating for me.
My goal with crossfit has always been the same - get stronger - but getting stronger requires developing better technique as well. This way not only will you have less risk of injury but you will get stronger overall as you are using your whole body to do a pullup, not just your biceps. When I first started at this gym I thought the coaches did a decent job of explaining technique to a mostly newb like myself. As time went on though, I started feeling frustrated because although I thought I knew the technique I wasn't feeling like I was really seeing much strength increase which seemed counterintuitive.
At the time, Crossfit BC wasn't offering any open gym slots in its' schedule, and since the Yaletown space often had a crossfit WOD going on at the same time as a Krav Maga or a Cardio Smash class, space to do any pre or post WOD stretching or any independent practice was pretty limited. Very limited. A few of the more experienced members recommended attending the comp classes held at the West Van location, on the grounds that those classes were a lot more relaxed and could provide me with the space and time to work on some movements I was having difficulty with. Unfortunately this idea was vetoed by management. They did however, offer to set me up with some private training sessions for $100 per hour in addition to my monthly membership fees. I attended the strength class on a semi-regular basis but quickly got frustrated as the coach frequently did rhe work out as well. I could never figure out if he was there to coach, or to cheer on the heavy lifters in their hunt for a new pr, or to do his own strength training. I found myself fumbling through the movements a lot, confused if I was performing the lift correctly or even if I knew what it was.
The WOD was only ever posted the morning of the day of, and for a long while not even then. There was also no weekly or monthly program summary posted, or if it was, I couldn't find it.
There was neither a designated bike lock-up or storage places nor any shelves or lockers or cubbies to leave your shoes so you didn't have to lug them back and forth all the time.
Eventually I left this place in search of a place where I could really progress in my technique and get stronger without hurting myself in the process. read more