Step 1: Intro Class
- First, come on down for a free intro class to get a taste of CrossFit workouts and to see if CrossFit Fortify might be a good fit for you. Want more than a onetime experience? Our recommendation is to purchase a 5 class intro pass! Alternatively, if you already know CrossFit is for you, feel free to skip ahead to Step 2 and sign up for CrossFit 101. We prefer that people pre-register for the intro class, but if you have any trouble doing so, just give us a call.
Step 2: CrossFit 101
- Our CrossFit 101 is structured in a small group class setting. You will be with 2-6 others who are either just starting CrossFit or brushing up on their skills. CrossFit 101 consists of four, one hour long, sessions over a two-week period, which cover the basic methodology of CrossFit and all the basic movements we use in our workouts. Upon successful completion of the CrossFit 101 program, you will be ready to start your monthly membership and join regular group classes.
Step 3: Full Membership
-After successful completion of CrossFit 101, you can join as a full member, attending as many Workout of the Day ("WOD") classes throughout the week as you'd like. Classes are held 3x-6x per week. For any membership sign-up questions, first read our detailed FAQ and then if you're still confused, just email us.
Why We Require Introductory Programs
Most movements used in CrossFit require a bit more attention to technique than you may be used to if your training background has been limited to the multitude of shiny machines you see at “normal” gyms. CrossFit believes that no machine in existence can match a properly executed squat, muscle-up, kettlebell swing, or clean and jerk when it comes to developing strength, power, and all-around fitness. Since these types of movements are more complex than simply adjusting the position of a pin in a Cybex or HammerStrength machine, you’ll benefit greatly from receiving some one on one or small group training to learn the fundamentals.
Here are a few of the main reasons we think our introductory programs are vital for new clients:
* You’ll have the opportunity to learn in a low-stress environment with one on one or small group attention from a coach. If you’re part of a small group, you’ll be with others at a similar fitness level so you don’t have to worry about being intimidated by being thrown right into a group WOD with our “firebreathers.” You’ll have a much easier time learning the movements when there’s no music blasting or clock ticking.
* Your coach will be able to identify any pre-existing injuries or mobility problems prior to you beginning group WODs, and will assist you in improving your flexibility or working around any limitations you have.
* You’ll learn all the movements necessary to complete the WODs we do on a daily basis, which is beneficial both to you and to other clients. During group WODs the coach will have time to refine technique on that day’s movements but will not have enough time to teach movements from scratch. If all clients possess a similar baseline of proficiency, the coach will be able to move throughout the class and make corrections as necessary, as opposed to focusing strictly on one client.
* You’ll learn how to do the movements properly from the beginning. That way you won’t have to go back later on and un-learn bad habits. By learning proper form and range of motion, you’ll maximize the results you get from your workouts while minimizing the risk of injury.
* You’ll build personal relationships with our trainers and your fellow athletes from the beginning as you become part of our strong community atmosphere, increasing the likelihood that you will stick with CrossFit long enough to realize its benefits. You’ll be treated as a valued member, not just a paying customer.
During your sessions you will receive instruction and hands-on technique work in the following areas:
* What is CrossFit? What is fitness? You’ll learn about the methodology behind CrossFit, what its goals are, and how to adjust CrossFit-style training to meet your personal health or performance goals.
* The basics of nutrition. We simply cannot overstate the importance of nutrition when it comes to improving your health and performance. If you eat poor quality food (or eat in poor proportions) you’ll undermine your efforts to perform during workouts, build muscle, burn fat, have more energy and mental clarity, improve your cholesterol and other bloodwork, and recover from your efforts in the gym. You’ll learn how to fuel your body for peak performance and to improve body composition.
* The “essential” movements of CrossFit—you’ll learn how to properly perform the squat, front squat, overhead squat, press, push press, push jerk, deadlift, sumo deadlift high pull, medicine ball clean, bench press, GHD sit-ups, snatch, clean and jerk, handstand push-ups, kettlebell swing, pull-up, box jump, double-under, thruster, rowing on the C2, and many others.
* How and when to scale WODs to your fitness level so you get the maximum benefit out of each workout.
