Dedicating my 2200th Yelp review (omg, what even!?) to the community that hooked me in and has kept…read morepushing myself to be the best version of me. Seabright CrossFit is one of the best boxes you're going to find out here in the greater Bay Area. Since it's located in the home of CrossFit, you can be assured that the quality of their coaches and workouts are top notch. I dropped in for a class after years of thinking about it (and having so many friends do CrossFit) and I haven't looked back. The classes offered are intentional, challenging, and addicting. Every class begins with a warm up, followed by a strength portion before diving into the workout of the day (WOD). The coaches walk through every single movement and offer scaling modifications to fit all levels and body types (seriously). They are a mix of HIIT, strength, and gymnastics, and all are designed to challenge your body in different ways. Thanks to this community, I've tried out new movements that I've never attempted (or at least hadn't in 2+ decades). I was active prior to CrossFit doing mostly cardio and some strength training at my gym, but nothing beats the rush of group fitness in a wonderful community. The Seabright CrossFitters are amazing and I've met some of the best people since living here in Santa Cruz. Sure, I can't do everything asked (still working on a proper pull-up, hanging upside down, and climbing a rope), but I try my best, and can tell you that I've never felt stronger and see myself being able to accomplish this if I stay focused and work (and REST!) hard. Prices may seem steep at first (with monthly memberships starting around $130) but you really can't put a price on your health, trust me. Try them out and see what you think, and maybe I'll see you in class one day! S/o to my 6am crew and coaches Katie, Pete, and Lorianne for being my champions through my CrossFit journey thus far!

Just took my first class. Coach Alex was AWESOME! Class was small so lots of personalized…read moreattention. He took time to make sure I understood everything and showed me modifications for the things I was learning. It was a very beginner-friendly environment, even though everyone there was built af. The workout was intense and a mix of cardio and strength, left me feeling great. Fun music too, all around great energy. Everyone was super friendly and encouraging. After the class, Coach Alex took a lot of time to explain different CrossFit principles and practices to me. Throughout the workout, he was super kind while pushing me to do my best. I'll definitely be back.

I was at Paradigm this morning, as I have been every Monday…read moremorning for the last 13+ months, and I found myself reading a flyer on the wall. I couldn't help but notice the tagline under the logo: "Train like it matters." Maybe I've seen it before, maybe I haven't. But today, I did more than notice it. I felt it. Over the past year, I've been training on the sidelines of the 6am group classes and the 7am small group classes, and I've watched an entire ecosystem unfold. One full of camaraderie, support, friendship, encouragement -- and most importantly -- community. I do not take reviewing gyms, fitness centers, or instructors lightly. Fitness is a lifestyle that requires consistency, dedication, and follow through. Not because you have to. But because you want to. What does that really mean? It means you need to show up. Not once. Not twice. Regularly. And that's it. That's the recipe for success. Just show up. On a regular basis. And the rest will naturally unfold. But do you know what's even better? Is that Paradigm has created the exact community that allows you to not only show up. But to thrive. What Joey Wolfe has built at Paradigm is unparalleled. The workouts are carefully crafted, challenging, and engaging. Each one supports working within your own personal limits, yet they're also facilitated with energy, encouragement, connection, and often times, team work. The clients range from newbies to regulars to pros, and everyone is greeted, welcomed, encouraged, and supported. And my favorite part? You can show up as you are, who you are, at the fitness level that you are, and the energy in the room makes you want to be better, want to try harder, want to push for more, and want to show up tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that. And once you feel that push, once you feel that drive, once you cross over to want more, you'll not only understand the tagline "train like it matters;" you'll become it. So, why have I been on the sidelines? Because I work one-on-one with the Training Manager, Jeff Siragusa, who I hired to help me achieve my own personal aesthetic and fitness goals. For the last 1+ year, he has trained me in person 2x a week, plus writes me a separate training program to lift an three additional days a week on my own, and the growth I've seen in my personal and professional development from his coaching is unsurpassed. I could author an entire book about my coaching experience with Jeff and the confidence it has given me in every facet of my life, but alas, I will focus back on the community at Paradigm. So even though I've been on the sidelines lifting really heavy $h!t with Jeff, I've also incorporated my way into the community within Paradigm classes; meeting new people, creating new connections, and cheering people on -- especially women who nailed their first pull up, then their second, then their third -- and knowing that's just the start. Because if you're among the right people, in the right, supportive place, then the sky's the limit. And Paradigm is exactly where that sky begins.

If you want personal attention, caring and skilled coaches, this is your place. I've been going…read morehere for over four years and I'm now in better shape than I've been in many years ... more energy, fewer aches and pains, and as strong as I was in high school (and I'm now 73). The staff is friendly and well-informed and the clientele ranges from pro athletes to absolute beginners, everybody is accepted, no snotty gym rats here!

Wow, I should've read the reviews. I have been traveling and dropping into box after box all over…read morethe country having great experiences meeting lots of great people that enjoy the sport. However, today was not that I register before as instructed online and showed up for my class 45 minutes early to do assessments that the box might need. I was met by a less than friendly coach who asked me what I was doing there. I explained that I was there for a drop in, it didn't seem to click. Coach rudely said you're 45 minutes early, which I didn't respond. I was asked to sit down and wait in which I did. The coach then came over to me and explained you need to fill out this online and get preapproved, I responded, I did at that point the coach told me this probably wouldn't be a good fit, and I asked why not assuming it was something referring to my age (I'm a masters athlete) and ability, and she responded I don't like your attitude. I have Cross fitted for over 10 years all over the country and never never had this experience. Don't waste your time here. They're plenty other great choices in Santa Cruz, like CrossFit Santa Cruz Central

I'd been pushing weights around at a bodybuilding gym for thirty years, and had grown extremely…read morebored with the routine. I was thinking about hiring a trainer at the gym to get me moving, and a friend recommended I check out CrossFit Santa Cruz instead. That felt like a big change, and I was mildly skeptical about CrossFit, but I thought sure, I'll try it out for a few months. My skepticism was quickly eroded by the three introductory/orientation sessions with Laurie. Going over all the basics with personal attention helped me to learn a lot about how I was moving and how I could move better. I appreciated Laurie's rigorous attention to proper movement, given that improper movement can lead to injury. Even those sessions felt challenging and culminated in a short but intense and gratifying workout. I approached my first actual classes with trepidation, being a middle-aged "new kid" who doesn't know what he's doing. I worried that I'd just be fumbling and bumbling and an annoyance to the coast at best. My fears (which I now realize had something to do with high school phys-ed) were unfounded. The other CrossFitters were friendly, and Coach Hollis kept a close eye on me, with pointers and instruction. I was moving better at the end of the class than when I started...and this has been true of every day since. I'm making so much progress here, it's profoundly encouraging. Now I'm a regular, well-outlasting my initial "three-month test-run." I've gradually gotten to know the great people working out there, tho Covid protocols (which are strictly followed at this gym) like social distancing and masking have made it a little harder to get to know people, for now anyway. I've also worked with most of the coaches---Laurie, Hollis, Leah, and Brian---and have come to truly appreciate their extensive training/certification, and more to the point, their high standards for safety and good movement. They help modify my workout to meet me where I'm at, keep a close eye on my form, and give me just the right amount of push to grow. One final word about the culture of CrossFit Santa Cruz. Many gyms (of all types) can be oversaturated with broey testosterone and hypercompetitiveness. CF Santa Cruz is not like that; It lives up to its reputation as a diverse community that celebrates achievement while seeing that it takes different forms for different people. That culture is clearly valued and sustained by the coaches and community.

I just switched to Watsonville CF, and yes I was nervous to go to a new gym, but I'm actually…read moregetting comfortable now. It different than where I was before, but it's good! Being coached by Janella is stretching me and that's what we want isn't it? To stretch is to grow :)

I am addicted to Watsonville Crossfit. I used to go to the brewery next door all the time and get…read moredrunk. I would see everybody working out at WC. As I drove by, I used to say to myself "I am glad I am not going in there to work out and get fit". It looked difficult, intense, and intimidating. Now I say to myself "I am glad I am not going to that brewery to get drunk". I was initially very scared to join Watsonville Crossfit. I had a lot of uncertainty and anxiety about what I was doing here. The coaches and athletes quickly made me feel welcome and at home. There is a huge sense of community here. I am learning all the workouts and feel very comfortable. All the coaches are extremely helpful and give me detailed attention to help me program the exercises and work through my limitations. They offer unlimited support and genuinely want each athlete to be successful. This is my 2nd month. Every week I see rapid improvement. Yesterday I did my first double under (jump rope twice with each jump). I have lost weight and I love how I feel and look. I feel a huge sense of accomplishment. Watsonville Crossfit is an amazing place to transform yourself and live the life you want to live.

This gym is top of the line. Great equipment and facility and isn't ridiculously crowded like many…read morecommercial gyms. Offers many classes with a friendly and welcoming vibe. Staff is very friendly and engaging especially Mike Lucero who I believe is the owner, was very personable and helpful. Lots of unique equipment to train for many different goals and styles. 10/10 gym, highly recommend.

I have been a gym member for quite some time and can confidently say it has become more than a gym…read moreto me. What sets Santa Cruz Strength apart is its commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment where all types of lifters are supported and welcome. It has a ton of specialized equipment. Whether you're into powerlifting, bodybuilding, or just looking to improve your overall fitness, you'll find everything you need here. From seasoned lifters to beginners, everyone is encouraged to support and motivate each other, creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere that makes every workout enjoyable. Another amazing perk is its free Saturday training hours. This additional offering allows members to make the most out of their weekends by providing access to the gym's facilities at no extra cost. It's a great opportunity to squeeze in an extra workout or try out new equipment without worrying about additional fees. I encourage anyone to come out and check it out for themselves. I LOVE IT HERE!

Best coaches, great for training form & fitness- and very welcoming! Enjoy all the people who…read moreworkout here too! Doesn't matter your age- they will work with you to get stronger & fitter!

Visiting Aptos and did a drop-in with CrossFit. Loved it. I work out a lot but only do CrossFit on…read moreoccasion. They gave me great instructions and it was a great workout. It was harder than I expected and really pushed me in a good way. I will definitely be back. Next time, I'll buy the unlimited week pass when I visit. Awesome!!

Best place to come and get healthier. The coaches, the members, the dogs - they all make working…read moreout the most fun!

The owners are sincere, kind, and knowledgeable. The vibe is very inclusive and the people who come…read moreto the classes vary in age, gender, ability, and body type. I feel very comfortable with the coaches and they do a great job of teaching you how to lift weights snd move your body safely.

Finally i found the right place, where I'm feeling safe and supported during workouts. It's hard to…read morecome back to your body work after the break, gaining weight. It's awkward to be that person who isn't able to do some exercises. And how important it's not to be judged at that moment, but supported. When coach figuring out right there how to adapt exercises for your body, so it's challenging, but not painful. I'm so happy to finally came here and try it. And continue! Thank you!

I found Santa Cruz Movement about one month ago and I highly recommend their classes. Leela, Dean…read moreand their staff are inspiring, patient and welcoming. They know when to challenge you but also know when to help you modify and they never push you past what you are comfortable or safe doing. The community is friendly and supportive for all levels.