Whether you're new or an experienced cross fitter Ball and Chain Crossfit is a first-rate box. I've been doing Crossfit for 9 months and have been to 2 or 3 others and decided to make Ball and Chain my choice. It's very clean and organized, tons of equipment and its getting upgrades all the time. The owners, John and Garrett take pride in there facility and it shows as soon as you walk through the door. They have outstanding coaches with tons of experience in the health and fitness world. I work with two coaches most of time. Jared recommended Ball and Chain to me about 7 months ago when I was at one of his mobility classes. He is an Airrosti provider which is a great asset to have at a facility like this. The knowledge he brings to the athletes is immeasurable. His medical expertise allows him to guide us through the weightlifting and body weight movements with proper technique and form. His warmups are designed to fit the workout of the day, (WOD) which prevents injury. I have improved immensely thanks to his guidance. Another coach, Jackie, brings 4+ years of Crossfit experience and is an ex-martial arts instructor(yikes!) Her classes are well managed with excellent warmups that also include mobility work to help the athlete loosen up and get ready for the WOD. She is very easygoing and fun to be around. The other coaches are Kari and the owners, John and Garrett. I've had the pleasure to go to their classes also and could write paragraphs bragging about them as well. Ball and Chain offers morning, lunch time and evening classes. Everyone is friendly which makes it something to look forward to. There is no reason to feel intimidated by Crossfit because the WOD's are scaled to whatever your fitness level is. Everyone in the box is going through the same thing -- beginners and advanced athletes alike. Everyone helps and encourages each other. I'm 48 years old and spent the last 15 years of my life with very little exercise and eating very poorly. My first Crossfit experience was grueling, but I was instantly hooked. Crossfit has changed my life and Ball and Chain is a big part of it. read more

I have been going to this box since February 2014. I started here with zero crossfit experience and zero experience in high levels of working out/weight training. It was definitely hard for me in the beginning since I wasn't used to working out at all so I had to get some modified WODs (work outs), but I'd have to say after about 3 weeks I was able to do exactly what the entire class was doing as far as reps, rounds, etc. The trainers here are very passionate about what they do and making sure FORM is what's important more then pushing you on doing heavy lifting. My purpose was to get in shape and I figured crossfit was the right decision to help me, I needed some motivation without paying hundreds of dollars a month on a personal trainer. I'd have to say I chose the right box to start this goal. Six months later, I'm in the best shape I've ever been and am so amazed at how my mental perception on working out has changed. I love the challenge now, before I never dared challenging myself. The way these trainers work with you and all the members at this box have 100% contributed to this new me. Unfortunately, this is my last month at Ball and Chain since I will be moving into the loop/city in Houston :( Everyone at Ball and Chain is so FRIENDLY!! I wish my move wouldn't be so far, but I will definitely miss everyone and am so thankful for all that I've learned here. I highly recommend this box and rate this a 5 star!! read more

Let me start out by saying I've been cross fitting for 3 years and I have tried about 5 gyms throughout Houston. Ball and chain is really at the top. When it comes to a crossfit gym there are 5 things that matter. Facility: they have a large gym equipped with all the latest and well maintained crossfit equipment necessary. Big ass fan makes workouts in the summer bearable. Coaches: Encouraging and watchful. Kari instantly welcomed me to the group and made me feel right at home. She has some workouts with me when I have been the only one at the gym and that really makes me work hard. Finally, even though I am an experienced crossfiter, I still expect the coaches to catch me if I am using bad form. Kari is right there yelling at me to do it right, which is exactly what I need to perform my best. Feeling welcome: I was looking for a crossfit gym close to work, which had lunch classes. I found that and a group of friends. I've been invited to nights out, competitions and lunches. John, one of the owners, set up an oil & gas workout every Friday at noon. This has been a great way for me to meet people in the industry. If I don't have work that day I will hang out with John after enjoying some beers out of the icebox. This is a great crossfit gym. I highly encourage you to come check it out for yourself. Make sure to say hi when you're there! read more

I have been going to Ball & Chain Crossfit for almost 5 months now and it has completely changed my life. I eat differently, I walk differently, I feel differently and it's all because of this organization. The staff cares about you from your technique to your attendance. They continue supporting you no matter how much progress you have made or vice versa. No one at Ball & Chain judges you either which is a wonderful thing. Everyone is friendly and genuine. Great box, awesome workouts and great people, what more could you ask for? read more

I love this gym! I started going to Ball and Chain 4 months ago and have seen great results in my fitness.. Not only have I lost a significant amount of weight but, more importantly, I can run longer, lift more weight, and do more burpees! The coaches are great. They made me feel welcome and comfortable as a newbie to crossfit, and have motivated me in all aspects of my fitness journey: from technique to diet, and everything in between. After Ball and Chain, I couldn't imagine working out anywhere else! read more

Ball and Chain CF is a gym geared towards both the talented athlete AND the person whose talented athlete is trying to make its way out of their body. This is the first gym I've been to where both the experienced, salty, lifter and the inexperienced, soccer mom can cross paths, chalk up, and scream encouragement in each other's faces. I could go on and on, but I don't need to. Just show up to one class and you'll understand. Now get off your couch, put some chalk on your hands, and get after it! read more

Ball and Chain is a great gym! They have been so welcoming, encouraging, and truely care about you as an individual. The coaches help push you and help you reach your goals while still making sure you are not injuring your body. I have been doing crossfit for almost 2 months now and I am starting to feel my self get stronger, gain indurance, and push myself to new levels. I could not have done it without the coaches! It is a fun environment and I would recommend this gym to anyone! read more

By far the best Cross Fit gym I've ever been to, hands down. Full of personality, camaraderie, and very intelligent coaches that care about you as an individual and athlete. Their combined expertise surpasses all others in the Houston area and goes beyond gym knowledge. I was scared of cross fit for a long time but this gym has changed my mind and I'm so glad for the challenges each work out brings and the gains I am making. I highly recommend giving this gym a try. read more

I have been Cross-fitting on and off for 3 years at a few different boxes. I have finally made my permanent box home at Ball and Chain. It's like having the most kick-ass family. We play hard and push each other harder. The facility is nicely maintained and the big fan makes the summer heat tolerable. The coaches are very knowledgeable and will get your RX'd before you know it! read more

This is an awesome box and a great group of coaches. I have know Garrett and John for about 2 years before they opened the box and they are awesome. If you have a limit they will push you past it (in a reasonable way). Its clean and neat and not one bit intimidating like most CrossFits are. I would recommend this box to anyone. read more

Great box. I dropped in here a few times while visiting Houston and I was very impressed. The workouts and coaches were great, and the members were very welcoming. The facility and the equipment are fantastic (it's probably the cleanest box I've been to). If I lived in Houston, I would definitely be a member here. read more

I've dropped in at more than 20 boxes across the country the last couple of years, and Ball & Chain is among the best. Great programming and coaches. It is now my go to in Houston. read more

Amazing COACHES very knowledgeable about crossfit! Everyone there are all so nice and helpful. . No matter if your new or an elite were all are a big crazy happy crossfit family! read more