It is shameful to give CrossFit Felix anything less than five stars. I'll tell you why:
I am a corrective exercise specialist by trade, as well as a CrossFit level one trainer. I have been to nearly every single CrossFit box in town, because I am constantly seeking knowledgeable trainers to help me in my quest for skill development.
I love CrossFit. But due to a nearly complete lack of accountability by CrossFit HQ, the box is only as good as the head trainer. And Izzy is the best in the business. My criteria? I have been trying and failing to get a muscle up since my certification course in January 2012. This, to me, is the Holy Grail of CrossFit movements. Since I couldn't even do a single pull up when I started my fitness journey 18 months ago, I pretty much gave up on the possibility. I even had some coaches tell me as much!
The story -
Some friends of mine were dropping in here on their lunch break and invited me along. I agreed. My first impression was that this must be a million dollar venture - everything is name brand, state-of-the-art, new, clean ... You get the idea. If someone asked you, "design your ideal CrossFit gym" this is what it would look like. Despite its sheer size, the decorum is still warm and inviting, with plenty of intimate space. Izzy keeps fresh fruit stocked, there's community beer in the fridge, an awesome lounge, plenty of locker space, a shower, it's like a home away from home - in the middle of Belltown no less!
So the WOD began. Muscle ups were called for. "Bummer," I thought. "You don't have your muscle ups?" Inquired Izzy, "let's see your chest-to-bar."
I performed the requested movement.
"Oh, you're going to get a muscle up. Today!" He said. Five minutes of instruction later, I was proudly above the rings at long-last! He was so confident in his coaching ability that he started filming my attempts straight away so I could have a keepsake of my proud moment. I was just a stranger to him, but he took a personal, vested interest in my development.
I have since come to admire him as, not only a small business owner, but a community organizer. He attends all events in the area, even personally hosts the Elysian Games, which I am now ready to compete in, and has an open door policy to aspirants and experts alike. Izzy is the true embodiment of the charitable, can-do, CrossFit spirit that makes the sport so attractive in the first place.
So, if you go there and happen to have a bad experience, tell Izzy (before you go on Yelp like a princess) and it won't happen ever again. His business philosophy is service-forward and he makes sure your needs are met first and foremost. He's constantly striving to evolve, improve, and provide a better value to his clients. (Case-in-point: free yoga classes. Constant fitness challenges with top-notch prizes. Fun social events.)
If you're looking for a CrossFit family, you owe it to yourself to take a look at Felix! read more