Good question. The answer is a
resounding No!
All Crossfit gyms are
individually owned and operated, we are not a franchise. Basically, all
gyms "do their own thing". Our affiliation to Crossfit is based on
our passion for quality training and programming; love of functional movements
done at high intensity; and much admiration and respect for the founders,
Greg and Lauren Glassman, who brought their vast knowledge to the masses.
What does this mean to you? You
should check out the facilities, the coaches, and the classes.
Some gyms may omit olympic
weightlifting, gymnastics and other modalities. Some programs are based on
bodyweight only. The experience and skill level (not the same thing) of coaches
and trainers also vary. What do you get with your membership? Are there
workshops or community events? Are you just paying for someone to tell you what
to do (definitely NOT the same as someone showing you what and how; and getting
you to understand why). Is there real coaching going on? Are you learning new skills
and moving forward?
So again, we are all similar,
but can be vastly different. Choose what fits you best and your goals. No
matter what, I am glad you found Crossfit. Done correctly, it is the BEST
strength and conditioning programming around!
If you are new to
the methodology of CrossFit it's important to understand what a quality program
should look like. When searching for an affiliate take a good look at
their programming...this will give you a good indication of what they are all
about. A few simple things to look for in a quality Crossfit
Affiliate :
1) Offer DEDICATED
STRENGTH TRAINING at least once per week/training cycle. (Weightlifting,
powerlifting and olympic lifts)
2) Practice and teach GYMNASTICS.
3) Program no more than one
"CHIPPER" per week/training cycle. (A chipper is a large
volume of work composed of more than three
exercises. Example: 500 jumping jacks, 500 push-ups, 500 sit-ups and
500 burpees.)
4) QUALITY INSTRUCTION: Take
a good look at an affiliates instructors credentials. Have their
instructors earned
quality certifications/training that enables them to
teach Crossfit properly? Do they actually use Crossfit as their primary
training method?
You can also review this
theoretical template for Crossfit programming to gain some additional insight
on proper programming: http://www.crossfit.com/journal/library/06_03_CF_Template.pdf
Crossfit Revolution would like
to thank CF Evolution for allowing us to use their original content featured
above. Their generosity is a great example of what our community is all about.
