Joining Voodoo CrossFit 512 ("Voodoo") was one of the best decisions I have ever made. That is not an exaggeration. It has really been such an awesome experience. Here are the reasons why I love it: 1. Voodoo has an extremely supportive, encouraging, and positive community. Two weeks ago we did a 5k (ran 3.2 miles) as our workout. Everyone in the group finished their own 5k and then went back to finish the final leg with the last person who was struggling. It was inspiring and made my heart happy. These moments of inspiration are not a rare occurrence. Every workout people are cheering, high-fiving, and pushing each other. Voodoo CrossFit is really like having a personal coach and a personal cheer squad. It's the best. 2. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and more than happy to answer the billion questions I ask every workout. Seriously. I ask a million questions every day about my form and my progress, etc. The coaches ALWAYS answer with a smile and give detailed explanations so I understand. Even when I don't ask questions they will give me feedback. They all have a lot of experience doing CrossFit (and other types of workouts), have been where you are, and know how/want to help. 3. They are personally invested in you. Before my first class Scott (the owner/coach) sat me down and asked what I wanted to get out of CrossFit. We talked about my goals, my diet, any injuries I had, etc. And he checks in on those things. When I was struggling with my diet and wanted to get on the right track, I talked with April (another main coach) for 45 minutes about what to eat and we vented about how hard it was. They notice when you're doing better or when something's improving, and will recognize that. Another example of this happened this past week, when I didn't come to class at all because I got too busy. Scott personally messaged me a couple of times to check up on me. A typical gym would never do that! They wouldn't care. Voodoo does. 4.The social aspect. Voodoo is FUNNNN!!!!!!! The members/coaches are friendly, they have boat parties/other events on occasion, and they even have a Facebook page where all the members talk, ask questions, and share funny videos. If you join Voodoo you will be part of a tight-knit loving community. If you have never tried CrossFit before, I really encourage you to try it here. There are people from all walks of life and all fitness levels at Voodoo. The coaches will scale (make easier) the workouts so that you are able to do them, and help you improve from there. You don't have to already be in shape. In fact, you will be able to do CrossFit even if you have never worked out a day in your life. You won't be alone in anything that you do and will have an amazing support system with you ever step of the way. When I first tried CrossFit I was extremely intimidated and lost at first - I had no clue what I was doing, but the coaches and community at Voodoo held my hand and taught me everything I needed to know. If you have done CrossFit before and are trying to choose a box, Voodoo is a great option. There is a lot of thought put into the workouts, the coaches know their stuff, and you will have fun doing it. I cannot say enough nice things about Voodoo. It's the highlight of my day and I always come out of the WOD feeling empowered. read more

So I've been a lazy ass for about 12 years in the fitness department. I've tried spurts of running or lifting or P90x, but I really haven't found any kind of workout that has been enjoyable enough to sustain since the days of high school sports. Now that I am in my early 30s and I have two daughters that will need their daddy for a long time, I figured it was time to get my act together. I went to Voodoo's free Elements class to learn a little more about it and I could immediately tell that it had the team environment that I had obviously been lacking for necessary motivation. I told Scott and April during the Elements class that my goals were to get fit for health and longevity and that I wasn't concerned about trying to prove anything to myself or anyone else. I was interested to see if that would fit in to the idea of CrossFit I had in my mind based on Facebook feed updates of my friends that I was convinced had been brainwashed by CrossFit. They were just excited that I was interested in improving myself. It's been four months since I joined Voodoo and I have nothing but great things to say about it. There is a contagious excitement for getting your butt kicked in class each day and the instruction is excellent. Everyone that I have met is friendly, helpful, and excited to be there. The atmosphere has a great balance of the individual attention from the coaches and the camaraderie of the group. The best part though is how much stronger I feel. I've always had a vulnerable back that goes out on me a couple times a year, but I've noticed I haven't felt that normal, vulnerable feeling in my back lately. I really have been impressed with my overall strength gains and general feeling of increased durability. You have nothing to lose by spending an hour to try out the Elements class at Voodoo, so I recommend you give Scott a call and get off your butt like I did. read more

Tired of going to corporate gyms, being given a free duffel bag of dreams and self motivation by some salesman in gym cloths? Then stop going there, and come into Voodoo. There's no one that acts better than you, there's no one who's going to shoot you down, and there's no one that's going to brush you off because you can't do something. You will however find coaches that care and respect each individuals fitness level and are here to help you achieve your individual maximum success. Voodoo is a great community of people that care about each other and are there to lean on if you have any questions or concerns. That being said, Scott has proven to be a great leader. The guy you meet the first day is the guy your going to get every day. He's there pushing out reps and jumping into WOD's just for fun right beside you even though he's more than likely done it 3 times already that day. He is never to busy to talk to you, or any other coach for that matter, and help you with any goal you may have. He's very prideful in this box and I believe truly cares about each member. Again, I could say the same about all the coaches here, just awesome and very personable people. That's why this place is different and stands out above all others. In a shade under 3 months, I've lost 15lbs, I'm stronger than I have ever been, and my blood pressure has returned to normal. The coaches can teach every exercise in a way that is not painful on the body and that can be modified if your injured or need to give the area of focus that day a rest. That being said, get in here and prove it to yourself. Your going to find that you wished you would have done it sooner. If you put in the time at the box, you won't have a choice but to realize that what you thought was your peak fitness level was really the bottom of the mountain. Get in here, and get to the top! read more

I won't lie - before I started here, I didn't have a positive outlook on CrossFit. I thought it was reckless, dangerous, and meant for people who'd reached the peak of fitness. How wrong I was. Fitness is a journey, and one that Voodoo has helped me improve upon. The coaches do everything they can to make sure I push myself, but only if they feel like I won't hurt myself. I've been going here since September, and I still feel like I'm improving, if only a bit, each time I go. Whether its strength, conditioning, flexibility, form, or whatever, I get better every time. When I first started here, I hadn't done a large number of movements before, but they didn't care. They took the time to make sure I understood the movements and was comfortable with them. On my first day, I was made aware of issues that I had, specifically with my posture, that I hadn't even really considered. They talked with me about diet, and things I could do to help improve my posture, which would in turn, improve my ability to perform. Just looking at my before and after pics, I see a huge change in my posture and body form. Each of the coaches are great in their own way. They're willing to work with you outside of the box and chat with you about any concerns you have. They push you to be better, all while keeping you safe. I've never been part of a community like this before, but everyone you workout with is so amazing and supportive. While I've worked out on my own before, I never would have been able to push myself to do some of the things I've done since joining Voodoo. Like I said before, fitness is a journey, and Voodoo makes it simultaneously easier and harder. read more

One of the most amazing places I've ever been too!!! When I first starting coming here back in October I had some major dreams and confidence problems. I was weak, overweight, and lacked the endurance to do things most of my friends could do. My confidence was shot for sure! Then I suddenly starting thinking about Crossfit. I was actually in the middle of picking between two boxes. Crossfit City Limits, and this place. I emailed both owners, and both of them got back to me and answered my questions pretty easily. After a week I started second guessing if I should try this, but then I got an email from Scott checking up on me, and giving me the motivation to get off my butt! This place has some of the most amazing people I've ever met! Truly, one of a kind! They push you, cheer for you, and most importantly they believe in you! They want you to live your dreams! Whether it's losing weight, lifting heavy-things, or wanting to be fit, they won't quit on you. They'll dream beside you! That's the thing that makes them one of a kind! Today I hit a record! I hit a PR on a clean, something I never thought I could do, and I did it because of them! Their never too busy to help you. If your feeling insecure about going to a gym, DON'T!!!! Because they'll make you feel right at home. This place is a home for most people, and to me it's mine. I wouldn't go anywhere else! If your wondering if this is a good idea, it is!! Talk to Scott! Talk to Kaleb! Talk to Manning! They'll help you no matter what. If your dreaming of big things and have high-hopes, go there! They'll dream with you until it's a reality! I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I prefer to be a hermit and not get outside of my box. So I started going to this box to get outside of the old one, more often, and I couldn't be happier! The day that you are working on wires under your entertainment center, and need a flashlight, then get up off of the hard floor in a split second, ending up off balance after doing it so fast, is an epiphany. It's due to the Voodoo at Voodoo that I like to do all of those damned burpees! In all seriousness, Stephanie, Scott, all of the coaches, and everyone that works out at Voodoo, make it a true joy to get off of my butt and go work out several times a week. I didn't think it would be possible to work out as hard (as I never knew I was capable of) and actually enjoy it! I've lost almost 30lbs, in the past 7 months, and put on a lot of muscle. So I'm probably down about 40lbs of fat, at least. I feel strong. I feel way less stressed out than I used to. I truly enjoy socializing with everyone at Voodoo and hanging out - which is honestly saying something, I don't typically like spending time with most humans. Didn't think it was in any way possible to actually enjoy everyone in a gym setting. And add to it that there are people there from EVERY walk of life. Nuts. I'd still probably rather be eating crappy food and watching sci-fi or reading a book. But I wouldn't feel as comfy in my skin doing it if it weren't for all of the awesomeness at this place that manifests itself as honest encouragement, pride and just plain FUN! Yeah, can you believe working out like a madwoman is fun? That's why I keep going back... read more

I started doing Cross Fit at Voodoo Crossfit 512 about 8 months ago... I was a little nervous going without knowing anybody and a little skeptical about being able to keep up or if this was for me. Immediately everyone was so welcoming and encouraging. I went about 2 days a week for the first 6 months and have been going a lot more regularly now a days. I have never been around a group that was so supportive, encouraging, inspiring and motivational. From the coaches to the athletes everyone is treated at the same level and respected. This has become my second home and family. They also offer additional classes with Ursula Garza Papandrea who holds weightlifting's highest coaching level (Senior International Coach, Level 5) she is 1 of 21 level 5's in the country, and the only level 5 in the state of TX. I recently found the time to work this class into my schedule and after just my first class realized so many small changes I need to make, that will improve my form and help me improve all around. An extra thanks goes out to the owner's Scott and Stephanie Grayson who give so much to all of us and create such a great environment for all of us to push ourselves to our limits and beyond. Someone told me once "The first thing that gives during fatigue/exhaustion is mental focus and strength"... at Voodoo no matter if you finish first or last everyone is there cheering you on and supporting you until your last rep. read more

I can honestly never run out of positive things to say about Voodoo and would recommend it to any one of any type of fitness and with anyone trying to reach their highest potential. The coaches are all amazing and make sure you're well taken care of. Form and your safety are one of their biggest focuses to make sure you are safe and able to make that lift! This box has honestly changed my life both mentally and physically. Before starting i struggled with depression and could not get myself out of bed in the mornings, nor even look at myself in the mirror from how unhappy I was with my body. Soon enough I was waking up with something to look forward to at the end of my day, knowing I was going to get my butt kicked here and love every minute of it! Within a few months I began to gain a confidence I've never experienced. I was making that lift, I was finishing that run and I was fitting into those skinny jeans! I used to avoid running at all costs, I was barley able to even finish a 400 m, now I am finishing a 5k in about 30 minutes! From starting the gym at the beginning of August weighing over 200 lbs I am now 155 and the healthiest I have ever been. The community at this gym feels like a real family. You can always count on their support in or out of the box. I am greatful for everything here. 10/10! read more

when i decided that i was going to commit to being active, i checked out just about every fitness option in austin. after much debate i came to the conclusion that the workout diversity, and team spirited atmosphere of crossfit was the exactly what i needed to get back on track physically. i chose Voodoo Crossfit 512 for a few different reasons: 1) proximity - the box is located reasonably close to where i live 2) cost - whenever you get into any kind of branded fitness, it seems like cost skyrockets (take yoga for example). compared to the more popular boxes in austin, like crossfit central, the cost of Voodoo is a STEAL. plus, they don't bind you to a 6mo long contract like some other boxes do 3) box culture - i've heard some pretty horrible stories of the militaristic style coaching that goes on at some boxes. not what i need. a friend of mine was already going to Voodoo and was able to vouch for the encouraging atmosphere that this box fosters - she was right. everyone at the box is always ready to cheer you on and help push you to make that last push up or burpee (uuuggggh burpees) 4 months after joining the Voodoo crew, i still love it. i love the team i workout with, and i love the way my body has changed in only a few weeks. JOIN VOODOO!!! You won't regret it :) read more

This place is hands down the coolest group of kids and krewe in Austin (who just happen to love working out together)! If you have not already experienced a CrossFit box, then you are in for wonderful surprise! The Voodoos work hard, challenge each other, encourage everyone to perform to their best and generally LOVE to have a good time. This particular box creates an amazing community feel and if you join you will be welcomed and encouraged to join in the fun both in and outside of the box (you can look forward to family dinners, the 'famous' Voodoo boat parties and casual house parties.) I joined last February and you will not find more knowledgeable, helpful and friendly CrossFit coaches. The instruction is individualized and great for both experienced CrossFitters and beginners/those new to crosscut or working out in general. EVERY single workout is scaled to your specific ability level and goals so you don't have to worry about trying CrossFit out if you are a first timer! Be prepared to work harder than you can even imagine, listen to loud music, make a bunch new friends in the process, see some amazing results, and of course...Sally Up (you'll find out soon enough). Cheers to all my Voodoos! Wish you would relocate to Asheville, NC and open up a box here too! read more

This box (crossfit word for gym) has an amazing culture surrounding it. I was first cautious of the fact they have less equipment and space than a few gyms in Austin (they equally have more so than others) but I acknowledged how I was appraoching the situation from an uneducated stand point. I am glad my wife convinced me to audit a few classes with her. I quickly realized that what they had was all that was necessary to complete strenuous yet timely work outs. I have a hard time spending money on anything fitness related and after pricing other gyms around town I found Voodoo to be competetive enough to win my vote in that criteria. I am actualy surprised the other reviews did not mention their pricing... it's very competetive. I will say it again... anyone concerned with bang for your buck can stop here. There is a trainer for every class and they attention is not divided. Your coach is always focused on the lesson... again, I had not seen this before and was blown away. My reasons for not giving five stars (you did wonder that right?) is because I personnally need later classes than they offer and if I knew of a gym with later hours I would consider moving if only to attend more classes in a week. Thanks, read more

This place is excellent. Where do i even begin?? The owners are amazing (Stephanie and Scott)-- very welcoming, approachable, and encouraging. The atmosphere is great-- everyone is so friendly and easy-going, and the camaraderie is the best i've ever seen in a gym. Scared of the idea of Crossfit? Don't be, at least, not if you come to Voodoo. It doesn't matter what level you're at-- whether you're a seasoned Crossfit veteran, or if you count taking the stairs as hard exercise-- this place accommodates a wide range of people and levels of fit, with their goal being to help make everyone always aim for and reach a new "better". Some Crossfit boxes are very in-your-face and intimidating; not here-- I felt welcome at Voodoo since day 1. The continuous encouragement you get (from everyone-- instructors and members alike) is what pushes you to work harder and improve, as well as stay dedicated to attending regularly. Forget regular gyms and other places, Voodoo is where it's at. I may have only been here for 3 weeks, but I know i'll never use another Crossfit place in Austin-- why change something that's already great? read more

I hate working out. I have never found a system that works for me consistently. I'll start something and it goes great for a few months and then I lose motivation and the workouts dwindle to nothing. Until, that is, I discovered Voodoo Crossfit. I LOVE it. Scott motivates me to push myself harder than I've ever done before. But he's not all up in your face about it. The workouts are varied and diversified enough so that it's never monotonous or boring. And I get an amazing workout every time I go. The environment, however, is what makes me keep going back every day. I've never been in a workout atmosphere where I'm being cheered on by the coach and everyone working out to finish and do my best. There's no competition or judging in this place. Everyone is trying to do their own personal best and encouraging each other to do succeed as well. I love it. It's like a workout family that gets along well! Thanks to Scott and all the crossfit workout friends for a super great workout every day and for making it enjoyable (as much as pushing yourself to the brink of puking can be)! read more

Finally taking that first step into crossfit, and I couldn't have found a better box then I did in Voodoo 512. Being overwhelmed with Nerves on my first day, easily went away within the first 5 minutes of being there. Everyone from all the trainers, to the few year vets, down to the people only being there a few months, welcomed me with great sprits. The one on one time I've received has been awesome. The time the trainers spend with everyone at the box, shows you that they want you to improve, and they really care about you. In the couple of month I've been going, I amaze myself everyday. When I say I CANT do it, everyone is saying that I CAN do it. Getting a personal best in a new lift, the cheers, and high fives, that get passed around shows that VOODOO Crossfit is a close knit family box. It's the HARDEST thing I've ever put myself though, but it's easily the most FUN I've had doing it. If you're looking to get back in shape, getting a great workout, and want to have a blast doing it, VOODOO 512 Crossfit is truly the best out here in Austin, Texas.. read more

I started doing crossfit in October and absolutely love it. I am not one who hated working out before I joined, because I legitimately enjoy a good workout. I figured I'd join crossfit for the motivation and the sense of community. I got so much more than I ever thought I would by joining Voodoo. Crossfit, and this box in particular, has taught me so much about working out and about myself. I'm so awkward and shy when it comes to being around new people, I was super nervous about stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying something COMPLETELY different. Not only do the coaches help you every step of the way but the people there will too. The owner, Scott, and all the coaches are extremely knowledgeable, genuinely nice and will push to you to achieve the results you want to achieve. I'm stronger, I'm faster, I'm not as tired anymore and I look forward to the workouts every single day. I would highly recommend signing up for Crossfit and in particular trying out Scott's box. You will love the results and have tons of fun along the way. read more

Joined Voodoo this past August after doing a CrossFit workout at a fancy box (CrossFit lingo for "gym") in Waco. To date, I've lost 23 lbs and 4.5 inches at my waist, while gaining lots of muscle, and my endurance hasn't been this good in 20 yrs. Voodoo is a no-frills box: it's small, rough around the edges, has no ac, and some of the equipment has lots of character. What Voodoo has that no other gym/box does is a family atmosphere, strong camaraderie, and owners/coaches who care about proper movement mechanics over going heavy. They know how to scale any workout for every ability level and always ask about any injuries or physical limitations. I'm 45 with a sports background and lots of injuries, and I absolutely love their focus on moving the *right* way, becoming better day-by-day, and getting the most out of each workout. We always warm up and stretch thoroughly before every WOD, and we always do extensive cool-down stretching. If you're looking for awesome people, amazing owners and coaches, and an amazing new you, look no further than Voodoo! read more

Man, I hate working out. Almost a year ago, my lovely wife forced me to go to one of these to check out crossfit with her, and I was like: "OK, since they have a 1 week for free deal, I'll go just to make you shut up and stuff." Well, now it's been a year that we've been going to this crossfit box. This is a young, dynamic crew of cool, fun, hilarious, rock and rollin' bunch of people who make working out fun. I've done stuff like P90x before, and we've even run marathons, but crossfit has really made my body change into what I've always wanted to looking like. I had man-boobs and beer-guts all my life, and now I have pecs and abs - to give you the details. This is not a drill-sargent in-your-face boot camp, instead it's a motivating, positive, encouraging environment of like-minded individuals, who together build a family of enthusiastic followers. They are priced competitively, are not Nazis about contracts, offer a free first week, they don't force you to purchase any classes before you can enter their workouts! read more

I have been going to Voodoo since Dec '12. I always struggled to workout on a consistent basis, just dumping money into gym memberships. I had a friend introduce me to Crossfit and eventually found my way to Voodoo in North Austin. Crossfit is great because you have a coach with you for every workout and it is at such a more intense level than going to a gym could ever be. It is a great option for overall fitness and you'll make new friends along the way. It is a comfortable environment to focus on your overall health...not only by way of weight training and cardio, but in terms of they way you eat as well. So, if you're like me and tend to go through cycles where you are motivated, then quickly lose the motivation, I highly recommend Crossfit. read more

After visiting several crossfit boxes around town that I didn't feel quite comfortable at, I found Voodoo. From the moment walking in the gym, the community feel at Voodoo blew me away. There are so many like minded individuals encouraging each other to get better and have fun every day. With constant activities outside the gym it's easy to become engaged with the welcoming community The coaches are extremely knowledgeable in teaching the multiple and sometimes complicated movements of crossfit. Proper form and technique is always the primary emphasis with scaled options for individuals at any and all fitness levels. The varied programming always keeps you guessing and leaves you excited to find out what the WOD is for the next day. read more