You truly don't get to experience what CrossFit Hoboken has to offer until you join the 'box' - alternate term used in CrossFit for 'gym.' It all started when I decided to join their free trial class which is every Wednesday at 6:45 PM and Saturdays at 10:00 AM. It only took one free trial class for me to know this was going to be my next gym. Since I was new to CrossFit, I was instructed to take the Fundamentals class prior to jumping into the Workout of the Day (WOD). Fitness, including CrossFit, isn't by any means new to me, and I had already learned plenty about CrossFit through friends and social media. I started by taking their Fundamentals class in March '13, which runs for 3 weeks, twice a week, for $250. In this class I learned proper technique, the names of the exercises including the many acronyms used in CrossFit, and even the implications of your diet and recovery. Mike V.D. was our instructor and coach, and he was very courteous, knowledgeable, professional, friendly and enthusiastic. I am particularly thankful for the educative experience and information provided to us during Fundamentals class, via e-mail. It helped link everything together; exercise, diet, and lifestyle.
Upon graduating from Fundamentals class, even though I felt ready to start the WOD, I couldn't help but feel intimidated by other athletes, especially when jumping to the only class I could attend at the time, the 8:15 PM Skills class. I was so relieved after my first class; the coaches take you through a set of isolated movements to promote blood flow to the muscles, and go over the exercises in great detail prior to engaging fully in each WOD. This helped me overcome my fear of feeling like a 'newbie' - I felt as if I had been doing CrossFit for a while given the attention to detail from the coaches and the room to move freely and not feel claustrophobic. I suddenly felt so confident that I decided to join the 6-month unlimited plan which is almost up in October '13, and am looking forward to extending my membership for many more years to come.
Their web site is updated on a daily basis with the details of the WOD, Skills class and Warrior Bootcamp. Recently CrossFit Hoboken added a third large room with ample space to fit 25-35 athletes. As a result, more classes were added, and new options were introduced such as their Competitor class, Strength class and CrossFit Lite. All classes run 45 minutes long, except for the newly added Competitive class, which runs for an hour.
You always have options, especially if you have any preexisting conditions and need to alter your WOD. Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) hasn't been easy for me, but there are always plenty of options to choose from, and the coaches will work with you to find alternate exercises that can help you develop the strength and acquire the technique to help you progress into the more advanced movements. The coaches are always making sure proper form is being executed at all times, and will encourage you to finish your WOD which helps tremendously. My favorite by far has been the partner WODs because it helps encourage each other to push past the pain.
I have decided to quit my Ballys gym membership this year, 15 years worth of pure mental struggle with my daily workouts, and struggle reaching my ideal strength. Whether CrossFit is for you or not, that's a personal decision that only you can make for yourself, but for me was a life changing experience. I am writing this review from my personal perspective and experience. For once I look forward to my daily workouts, and I have begun to see improvements in my physique, something that I was not expecting to witness since I have always been active. For the first time in my life, I am able to lift 60 lbs over my head; 6 months ago I struggled with a 35 lb bar. For someone living with RA, this is a tremendous improvement for my joints, because I am becoming stronger. I am no where near the strongest there, but I feel empowered, and I have gained control over my RA. My next goal is to become proficient at the Olympic lifts, Rx my first WOD, join a Competitor class, but most importantly, ensure that my body is growing stronger and healthier without hurting myself.
Crossfit Hoboken's web site provides details on their daily classes, times, open-gym hours, upcoming events for competitors, and even CrossFit family-building events such as BBQs, wine tasting, parties, games and more! They also offer a Yoga class on the weekends which helps improve flexibility, an added bonus for those that wish to integrate it into their lives. For those athletes seeking to go into CrossFit competitions, CrossFit Hoboken links them with training information to help them progress into a more competitive lead.
TL;DR - wanted a gym that offered flexible schedules, variety of workouts, spacious, adequate equipment, courteous staff, knowledgeable coaches, and a friendly atmosphere, found my box :] read more
