How to Choose a Facility

There are several CrossFit gyms around Atlanta – here are some tips to help you pick the right place for you.

  • Try several locations before deciding. Talk to existing customers. Each CrossFit ‘box’ has its own culture and feel. Don’t rush.
  • Don’t decide based on reviews, website content, or testimonials. Decide by going and having a look and trying a class.
  • Pick a location near your home or office. If it’s too far away, you won’t go. A 10 minute drive maximum is a good guideline.
  • Do the class times work for you? Is there enough parking? (especially important in some parts of town!)
  • Try calling a few locations, and see if someone answers. If not, see how long it takes to get a call back. Ask a few questions. Owners that value their customers provide good service and take care of details.
  • Consider the appearance of the facility. Busy places can get cluttered, but those that take pride in what they do often find a way to provide a nice looking space.
  • Price should be considered, but value is more important. The saying “you get what you pay for” is often true. What services are included in the price? Does the facility have an office and client services staff to assist members? An inexpensive membership provides little value if you don’t like the service, don’t use the service, or you get poor results. Find out why a program costs what it does.
  • Consider the membership structure — how much of a commitment is required? What’s included? High quality programs generally require shorter commitments.
  • What about Nutrition? Does the facility have a registered Dietician or Nutritionist on staff, or are they just passing along information they got somewhere else?
  • Is there room for you at the facility? How much space do they have in relation to their number of members?
  • Are there enough separate classes for beginners, or are beginners tossed in with the crowd? Does the staff have experience with ALL fitness levels, or just athletes?
  • If you try out a location, did the staff ask you what your goals were? Did they seem to care? If not, how can they help you?
  • Is there a money-back guarantee offered? If not, why not? If so, what are the terms?
  • How long has the location that you are considering been in business? Do they have a good reputation?
  • All CrossFit boxes have certified instructors, as required by CrossFit HQ, but certification does not always equal qualification. How long has the staff been in the fitness industry? What other certifications do they have? Are instructors First Aid and CPR certified? Who will actually be teaching your classes? Are the owners around?
  • Is the staff friendly and approachable? Is there a supportive and friendly culture? Do they accommodate all fitness levels?
  • Promoting a supporting and friendly culture is something that happens every day, not just putting an event on the schedule.
  • We have not been to a ‘bad’ CrossFit gym in Atlanta. Like most CrossFit gyms, we have an abundance mentality and work to grow the CrossFit community as a whole. Because we are working to create a true community, you will never see a quality CrossFit facility knock another CrossFit affiliate.
  • Most importantly, pick a place that makes you feel the most comfortable. Trust your intuition.