Crossfit Adaptation

Reviews 4

MA

Maureen Studniarz

I began Crossfit a little over 2 years ago at another gym in Alexandria but I was no longer happy there so I started to research other gyms in the area and found Crossfit Adaptation. It was a hard decision to leave my old gym because they had a great community but I am much happier at CFA. I did not do the intro class at CFA since I had previous Crossfit experience, but I did do a test-in prior to joining to ensure that I didn’t need the intro class. I really like the test-in option because it ensures that those in the regular classes know enough to get thru the WODs without monopolizing the coach’s time. I attend the 0530 class, which is usually a medium class size, some days it’s busier than others, but regardless, I have never had a problem with equipment or getting through a WOD. I really enjoy their programming and the people are very friendly. I also like that CFA has the early morning class (so I can get to work on time), open gym hours, a barbell skills class on Sundays, yoga and their Barbell club. I feel that I get a lot for the money and always feel challenged, plus I have seen a lot of improvements in the 3 months I have been at CFA. I like that CFA has a good mix of beginners, intermediates and some really bad a** athletes, I find that it motivates me to get stronger/faster and work on my goats. I have found all of the coaches knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and encouraging. All of the classes I have attended have had only one coach, but they do a great job of watching everyone and providing instructions and tips. One issue at my old gym was that it was a much larger box, which meant there were multiple coaches and assistant coaches and it felt like I was often given conflicting information- I have never had that problem at CFA. I attended CFA’s Sunday Olympic lift workshop once as a non-member (paid their drop in fee) and I found it very helpful and I would recommend it even if you are not looking for a new gym. There is rarely enough time in a normal WOD to breakdown the Olly lifts, but the workshop allows the time to go over all the complexities of either the snatch or the clean and jerk (One Sunday they will go over the snatch and the next Sunday it will be the C&J). Once I joined CFA, I took advantage of the workshop a few times because it was included in the membership cost. I just recently started the Barbell club and I am really enjoying it. I would highly recommend CFA is you are new to Crossfit or if you are a seasoned athlete. Take the time to invest in your health, surprise yourself at what you are really capable of and meet some great people.

---

JE

Jennifer Cody

I started working out at Crossfit Adaptation in November, 2014 with their elements program. I was a true beginner, and I definitely dont consider myself to be an athlete. I was recovering from an illness and I wanted to find a workout option that would have some community. Id heard really good things about Crossfit from a few friends, so I decided to try it. I chose Crossfit Adaptation because although they were not the closest option (there are a few others near me in Old Town) they seemed to have a vibe that felt more laid back and not at all cult-like (something that cross fitters are often accused of being). I also liked the idea of having a startup/on ramp program rather than just trying to jump into something entirely new to me. I was pretty impressed with the elements program. It was taught by one of the coaches, Aviv, and he was really patient and made it clear that he didnt think anyones questions were stupid or too elementary. He reviewed a lot of material with us, and it really helped me gain some confidence in the major crossfit movements. Once I started going to the regular classes, I felt really accepted by the coaches and the other members even though I was a beginner and had to modify and ask a lot of questions about the workouts. I was very much supported and got a lot of help from the coaches. Many people complain about the cost of Crossfit, since it has a higher price than most typical gyms. But what you may not realize is that youre paying for a LOT of trainer time. Not only do you get more attention in the classes, but Ive never had a coach turn me down if I asked for extra help or instruction either before or after a WOD. The workouts are tough, but there are a lot of scaling options. This isnt one of those places where you feel constantly pressured to do more than you think you can manage. Yes, the coaches encourage you, but no one wants to see an injury and there isnt any pressure or a sense that youre not doing a good job because you arent "lifting heavy". They also offer additional skills classes on the weekends that are included in your membership. The programming is solid and although I think my progress is slower than most, I have been able to stick with it - which is something I cant say for nearly any other workout or sport I have tried. The variation and the great coaching are the main reasons, as well as a LOT of classes that pretty much suit any schedule. They also have a Falls Church location. Highly recommend.

---

AN

Andy D

I went to Crossfit Adaptation to check out the facilities and look into becoming a member. However, they do not give a good Crossfit experience. If there is a way to make a Crossfit gym into a Globo Gym, they are trying. They gym looked overcrowded, and the owner, Curtis, showed up late to our introductory meeting. Then, even though I am familiar with Crossfit moves, it seemed like he was talking down to me. One of the most common complaints about Crossfit is that it is pretentious because they dont consider you a good "Crossfit Athlete," unless you know all of the moves and can perform them perfectly. Those critics must have gone to a gym like Adaptation. A good Crossfit gym is one that is personal and is focused on improving your fitness level. They care about getting you involved - completely opposite of how Adaptation operates. The owner, Curtis, couldnt care less if I joined or if I never came back - and with 20 coaches and full classes, why would he? The reason Crossfit is great is because coaches can help you during the classes and correct your form during the workouts. From what I can tell, there are two reasons why Curtis wanted me to take the beginners class. 1. They are greedy and wanted to charge me 225 dollars for something that I dont need. 2. They are not going to be able to provide you any individual help during classes because there are too many people. Neither of these things would happen at a GOOD Crossfit gym. The best thing about Crossfit in DC is that there are lots of other choices, so you dont have to settle for a bad experience like at Adaptation.

---

MA

Maggie Hickey

I joined this gym in Dec. and absolutely love it! Prior to joining I had been a member of other gyms but wasnt getting anything out of them. I had paid tons of money for a personal trainer and even remember one of my goals being to do a push up. In the year I had that personal trainer I didnt achieve that goal. However, after 4 months of going daily to Crossfit Adaptation I was able to do one! This place is more then a gym. The support and friendships Ive made along the past 8 months are priceless. Ill never forget the free class I went to thinking this gym is only for fit people who are interested in competing. After the free class was over I told the coach what I was looking for which included losing weight and getting healthier. She said something that truly stuck with me, if you can get your mind around the intimidation factor and walk through that door youve already accomplished something huge. So from that day on I fell in love with this place and am proud to say Ive lost a total of 30lbs. When people ask me why I pay for this gym rather than a cheaper 24hr one I say Im paying for so much more then a gym membership. Im paying for 200 plus members that individually encourage me and help me gain confidence in myself everyday. I cant recommend this place enough. Try the free class on Saturdays!

---

---

Other organizations