I will start by saying that I have been meaning to write this review for a LONG time.
I started at Crossfit Jaakarhu at the beginning of January 2017 so, at the time of this writing, I've been going there for about 13 months. I was, at the time, about to turn 35 and work and life had just generally been beating me slowly into submission. I was a competitive, multi-sport athlete when I was younger and I've usually managed to stay in pretty good shape but I had been finding it really hard to stay motivated and stick to a program.
I started at Jaakarhu with the goal that I would just show up to class every day and put in the work. And that's what I did. I sucked pretty bad at first. I was a decent runner but pretty weak and clumsy at lots of the other movements. The coaching staff is AMAZING. They are all athletes and Crossfit competitors so they are not just bullshitting or regurgitating stuff they heard in a Crossfit seminar. They live it. Not only that, but they are all good motivators and communicators. They know their athletes and are good at knowing when to push you and when to encourage you to scale a weight or exercise down. I've managed to accomplish all sorts of things I didn't imagine possible, from PR's on virtually every lift there is to getting my first handstand, handstand pushup, and muscle-up. I should also mentioned that I gained 20 lbs of muscle in my first year there.
Crossfit Jaakarhu has 3 levels: L1 - Fitness, L2 - Sport, L3 - Competitor. Most people will end up in Fitness or Sport (I am in Sport). If you have been putting off trying Crossfit because you're afraid you'll end up in a class with all the crazy fit Crossfit Games type people, don't worry...those people are all in L3! Seriously though, all levels are welcome as long as you bring the right attitude and do plenty of stretching.
This gym has quite literally changed my life. My time at Jaakarhu is my meditation. It is the one thing that I do just for me and the one time when my phone, my email, and my brain are all quiet. It is wonderful.
So let's talk about the price. Crossfit is expensive. If you've never been a member of a Crossfit box before, you will probably be amazed at how expensive it is. What I think most people miss is WHY it costs what it costs. Without going into the deep financials, it basically boils down to the fact that there are considerable resources directed to each member. During a class, you are using a decent amount of real estate and you have a top-rate coach (who is probably making less money than you) focused intently on helping you get better. At the time of this writing, the Sport program is in the realm of $250/month. That includes 4 classes per week, plus 1 open gym, plus 1 optional Saturday class. Even if you didn't go to the open gym or the Saturday class (I will admit that I don't workout on Saturdays) you are paying less than $16 per class. Compare this to what you would pay a personal trainer. It is NOTHING! It's basically FREE!! ...Just kidding, it's not free.
The last thing I want to put in this review is what to expect and what NOT to expect.
Things you CAN expect:
-Great equipment - Crossfit famously just uses functional equipment, but theirs is all clean and top-notch.
-Amazing coaches - I already said this, but I'll say it again. Best. Coaches. Ever.
-Amazing classmates and probably lots of new best friends - SO many new best friends.
-Incredible fitness gains - strength, gymnastics, endurance. You got this.
-Options for extracurricular activities almost every week - All the members also happen to be pretty great people.
-Clean bathrooms and showers - when you need them.
Things you SHOULDN'T expect:
-Child care/Saunas/Giant locker rooms - This is NOT Lifetime Fitness.
-Lots of open gym time - Crossfit is class-based no matter what gym you're at. Expect to make your schedule around their class times.
-Central heat/air - Another Crossfit norm is that all the gyms are unconditioned warehouse space. Be prepared to be cold in the winter and hot in the summer.
In conclusion, I challenge you to challenge yourself to a month of Crossfit Jaakarhu. I would be surprised if it doesn't change your life for the better! read more