This is kind of a review of Crossfit in general, but I believe that my experience with Crossfit has been what it is specifically because of being at Crossfit Monrovia!
I'll be completely, embarrassingly honest. Not that long ago, I kind of thought Crossfit was for muscly, aggressive, self-obsessed dudes, and super-competitive women who wear a full face of makeup to the gym and rip each other to shreds with catty gossip later on. I was... scared of it. I hated "exercising" and had never found anything that really fit for me, in 28 years of hating P.E., hating team sports, hating yoga classes that pushed the limits of my ADHD, hating just doing things for no reason. But someone in my life who has done Crossfit for a long time started to explain it to me, and he explained that it is the fastest, most efficient, and healthiest way for any person to get stronger, gain endurance, and to increase fitness along many different important axes. He also wondered if it might help a lot of the physical aches and ailments that kept me from enjoying my life as much as I could be. One day, I just decided I was going to try Crossfit and see whether it was "too much" for me as I suspected.
In the LA area in general, the market is pretty saturated as far as Crossfit gyms go. You can't walk three blocks without being smacked in the face with a barbell, so to speak. A lot of them are all about GRAAARRRR, etc. (and that's fine for people who appreciate that) but when I found out about Crossfit Monrovia, and saw that they have a kids'/family program, encouragement, and a real community built together, I knew it was much closer to my own values and interests.
Crossfit is like nothing else, and it was surprising how easy it was to fall totally in love with it. Don't get me wrong... the first week, I did my intro class on Saturday morning and then did all my foundations lessons after work (the trainers give one-on-one or small group lessons to help those new to Crossfit get some of the physical movements, because they want to be sure you're not going to hurt yourself trying to deadlift 500 lbs and snap in half like a little twig), I was SORE AS F*CK, and it was constant, every moment of every day. But for some reason, I was hooked and couldn't wait to go back to learn something new each time. I'm about three months in, now, and I am truly amazed the huge changes I've noticed in myself. I'm not talking about "omg guys I got soooo skinnyyy and I'm so hot nowww" or "yep, I wear makeup to the gym every day now too!" I'm talking about steadily and significantly increasing my endurance, stamina, flexibility, strength. I am talking about feeling strong and confident. I am talking about doing things that, before I try, I think "that's going to be impossible" and then I do them and it's not actually that difficult and I realize I'm now turning into a superhero.
And the trainers! I was scared they would be mean or yell at me for doing things wrong, but what really happens is that they encourage me **every single time** I struggle, they try their best to help, they notice when I improve and tell me I should try to scale it up to a harder version of the same thing. They are funny, they are silly, they are smart, they kick ass at Crossfit, and they are always wanting to help in a way that never puts anyone down. They are the biggest reason I keep coming back. If they were all about bootcamp-style screaming and putting me down to "inspire" me to do better, I'd have walked out and I might never have even tried Crossfit again, because it would have confirmed the stereotype. But these are good people who love Crossfit and want to share it with others, in a way that makes it a positive experience for everyone.
And the people! There are whole families who do Crossfit together, there are couples, there are single people, there are groups of friends! What I maybe didn't anticipate is that when you're a new person, even if you don't know anyone there, you'll be one of those people in a group of friends in no time. There's very little negativity, and a lot of encouragement and support. Even if you're generally a sort of introverted, shy, keep-to-yourself person, you'll love the welcoming attitude that will make you feel like you're part of something here.
Price is awesome compared to many CF gyms! Trainers are all knowledgeable and experienced! People are nice! Lots of class times available! You can have access to support on nutrition! You will laugh and have more fun than you even thought was possible while working out! read more
