In the past 8 years of my time in Crossfit, I've lived the life of a Nomad. I've been a member to more boxes I can remember, coached a few athletes, and met so many awesome people in my journey. I moved into Salem because of work and had to find a box to stuff myself in. If you want to get my bottom line, then skip my review to the last paragraph. Otherwise I'll break things down to the following: Coaching, Programing, Facility, Climate. These are the facets that make up a Crossfit gym.
Coaching and staff: The coaching staff is stellar, they are always watching and ensuring that members are safe, extremely knowledgeable, provide guidance to improve, they are encouraging, and concerned for the well being of the members. This is one of the few, boxes I've ever been to that will genuinely ask you how you're feeling, and not in a motherly way. More of a friendly way making sure that your comfortable with the movements and Wods. The coaching staff is the foundation of any Crossfit gym and I say that Crossfit Iron Spider is resting on solid bedrock!.
Programing: This is the meat and potatoes that develop the athlete. Some boxes will lean towards movements like Olympic lifting and some will lean towards gymnastics or strength. The core of their programing it seems to me is primarily balanced the way it should be. Daily Wods involve Strength and Metcon that will challenge you. There is plenty of variety and sometimes off the wall stuff that will keep you on your toes.
Facility: The gym is big with ample room and there's a lot of great qualities about it. First everyone wants to know what the bathrooms are like. Well, this is one of the few gyms I've been to that has showers! Three of them to be exact! The men's bathroom (I haven't been to the ladies locker room sorry) has plenty of room to move around complete with two toilet stalls and one urinal. Now on the the equipment. They use a Rogue Infinity rig and have several Oly stations for those of you what want a solid floor to work on. This is also one of the first gyms I've been to where all the rowers actually work! Good on them maintaining their ergos! I've haven't had to share my equipment or break down the Wods in heats just yet so there's plenty of toys to go around for everyone. The only thing that bothers me about the facility is the entrance of the facility. When there's a run involved in a Wod the entrance/egress is a bottleneck and has a case of metal stairs. a maximum of 2 people can pass through the door so it can be a challenge at times. Last of all parking, yes it can be a major concern but not here. Plenty of parking for all. Right outside the door!
Climate: Every Crossfit gym has a pulse, and Crossfit Iron Spider is no exception. It's friendly here and everyone I've met here is very supportive. There is also a collection of awesome athletes so if you're looking for some friendly competition, you'll find it here.
If you're curious about Crossfit and want to give it a try, or if you're a veteran athlete, and you want to be challenged then look no further. If you live in Salem or in the surrounding towns, it's a no brainer. You wont be disappointment and it may help change your life. Crossfit Iron Spider is one of the best gyms I've been to! read more