Changing CrossFit boxes?

JayMri

So I am faced with possibly changing boxes. I have been attending my current box for 9 months and love CrossFit. However some recent schedule changes mean there is only one WOD I can make and I will have to rearrange my personal schedule to do that. So I am pondering changing boxes. I like my box, the facility is great and the people are nice. Coaches are fine, all are level 1. I'm not really friends with anyone there, there are a few I will miss working out with but that's it. Have any of you changed boxes? Was it awkward? We have four in town and from what I understand three of them (including mine) are spin offs and were once one. I am looking at two of the other ones. One is more $ but all the coaches are level 2 + and the other is very similar to my current one (and the only non-spin off one).

Another option we are pondering is joining the YMCA. I love the CrossFit programming and working with coaches so that would be a big change. For me motivation isn't a problem, I love working out, so I'd still go but don't know what I'd do!

Upstate_Dunadan

I have not changed boxes. Mine is about 5 minutes from my house, and the next nearest is about 25. Lucky me. I think they key thing you said was "I'm not really friends with anyone there". I've only been going to my Box for about 5 months, but I consider myself friends with everyone in the class, and some who attend other classes. I'm married and have kids, so it's not the friendship that keeps us doing things outside the box (my wife would kill me if I let CrossFit take any more of my time ) but we're friends when we're there, enjoy pushing each other and joking around, and we goof around on Facebook. If you are not close in that way with the people at your Box, then I don't see what's holding you back. To me that would be the biggest issue with changing - leaving good friends and a good community.

moe0303

I have changed boxes a few times. Well, I think one of the boxes was actually posing as CF because it didn't really have that CF feel. My situation was similar to yours being that it was logistics issues that brought about the change. There really wasn't much awkwardness going to the different boxes. Just keep your cup empty, meaning just listen to the coaches even if you have already learned the skill in your previous gym and be open to subtle differences. You'll probably notice that they are all very similar...at least that was my experience. Most places will also require you to do some type of orientation...again in my experience.

As far as YMCA goes, I have no problem with the "globo gyms". In fact, I have a membership to one of those too. The biggest draw back that I see to those places is that they often frown upon the oly lifts. So if you like Clean & Jerk and Snatch, you'll want to check that out before you go that route.

tarabole

I am changing due to schedule changes that don't work for me as well. My plan is to try 3 that are in close proximity to see which one is the best match. Maybe you can try the ones in your area to see how you like them and then make a decision to stay or to leave.

nightbird1103

I agree that it's time to leave. Doesn't sound like you have strong ties there, and IMO it'd be nuts to pay the membership fee for one class per week. I agree with tarabole that you should do a drop in at the other prospective boxes (most of them will let you try a class for free) and then you can make the decision from there. I've switched boxes. My old box had advanced coaches, but I find the coaching at my new one to be head and shoulders above even though the two coaches I see most are "only" L1 certified.
I had a Y membership when I was recovering from back surgery (a very long year). I really liked the pool and the under water treadmill (though there was always a wait list) and some of the land classes helped me take it slow, but I was bitten by the crossfit bug and I find there's nothing like it So grateful to be back at it!
Best of luck to you!