I can't recommend Novem enough! I was a member from 2012 til I moved out of the city a couple of months ago. Joe has built an incredible program and community. This is the only fitness program that I've maintained for the long haul in larger part to the accountability of seeing the same people each class. I felt supported through pregnancy, new mom-hood, broken bones, PT rehab, and other major life events by Joe, the Novem coaches and fellow members I met along the way. Even after leaving Novem, I continue to reap the benefits of lifelong friendships and the knowledge of how to care for my body through different stages of life. read more

After 200 + workouts I appreciate the box even more than my first Google review over a year ago. Novem started as an aggressive form of rehab recovery for me after years of revolving door physical therapy for a chronic issue w/ my cervical spine. Now it has become more like recess. FUN! The results totally worth sharing. The friends Ive made worth their weight in olympic lifts. Congratulations Joe Ling & Lesha on the Novem expansion in Philadelphia's Fishtown / Kensington neighborhoods! read more

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The best gym decision I ever made. Doesn't get better than Crossfit Novem's community and coaches. Been a loyal member for the last 4.5 years, starting with their Bootcamp classes and after about 7 months switching over to traditional Crossfit classes. read more

I just celebrated my 1 year at Novem BootCamp and can honestly say it's been the best year for my health and wellness! I had never done group fitness like this before so I was scared at first, but after my first drop-in I took the plunge for the full membership! The coaches are so caring and knowledgeable. They always know when and how to help you scale to fit your needs. I feel encouraged and supported every time I walk in the door. I crave my BootCamp sessions! I'm loving my results so far and can't wait to see what the next year brings. The Novem community is the best!! read more

I stopped going to Novem in November 2017 due to one of their trainers (who I had never met before and who didn't know anything about me) almost injuring me and the owners not seeming to care about it, except to say that was "his training style". No apology, no nothing. I stupidly choose to give them a second chance, but Novem continued to use unqualified people to coach their classes (the owners by this time were mostly absentee-owners, very rarely in the gym, too busy with their "side hustles", so they had very little idea what was going on). As such, I found myself going less and less (even though I paid, in advance, for 3 classes a week (12 a month)), as it was a chore to find classes that I could fit into my schedule with qualified coaches). So, I stopped going. Novem suffers from the same problem that a lot of crossfit gyms suffer from: (1) just because someone took a level 1 coaching class doesn't mean they are qualified to coach (CF HQ will certify anyone who has a pulse) and (2) just because someone is a "nice person" and "good at crossfit" doesn't mean that they are qualified to coach people safely. In the many years that I went to Novem, I talked to a lot of people who had bad experiences with a particular coach and would avoid them due to them being unsafe. Novem used to get feedback on its coaches, then abruptly stopped - I guess because they didn't like to hear that they were hiring bad coaches. It's sad, as there are a lot of great people who went to Novem and I made a lot of good friendships, but my safety must come first. read more

Guy at 7-Eleven: Are you going to the gym or coming from the gym. Me: Going. Guy at 7-Eleven: You're in really good shape. Me: um...Thanks. CrossFit Novem, getting you hot dates since 2011. read more

I've been a member of CrossFit Novem since November, and I love it. Joe, Lesha, Christine and Laura are all amazing coaches, and they are more than willing to help you learn the skills. All workouts are scalable, so athletes at any fitness level can participate. Everyone encourages each other to work harder - it's a great community vibe. And you get to keep track of your workouts / progress so you always have a goal that you can work towards or a new Personal Record to beat. They offer plenty of classes throughout the day, every day, so you will always find time to go. They also just started a Boot Camp program which I think I will have to check out. read more

CrossFit is great for building strength, reinforcing your body's ability to adapt and recover, and practicing good movement. There are probably close to a dozen CrossFit gyms in the area, but what makes CrossFit Novem unique is the opportunity to be lead in your workouts by certified trainers Joe, Lesha, Nick, and Laura - they (and many of the gym members) are so encouraging and have such an enthusiasm for fitness. Also, it's a great location (post workout beer at Frankford Hall, anyone?) Anyone can work out here, but it's not easy. It's a lot of effort, a lot of work - but when you finish your workout of the day, you've done something that can't be taken from you. After you've pushed your physical and mental boundaries to the limit, the ecstasy of accomplishment is so satisfying, you can't help but come back and do it again the next day. Plus you'll look great! read more

Crossfit Novem helped me to feel healthier, happier, more welcome and connected to my neighborhood, and all around better. Since joining last summer, it has become a big part of my life and a highlight of my week. The owners, Joe and Lesha, are personable, kind, hilarious, and understanding. They work with everyone, no matter your athletic background, your weight/size, or your ability. The other coaches are equally considerate, motivating, and fun. You will be stunned that something that at times is so difficult can also be so thrilling and so fun. I have spent much of the last year battling various injuries and limitations, but I have learned by doing Crossfit that my biggest barrier is myself. But I have also learned, through the support and encouragement of the Novem community, that I can face challenges and find ways through them. I may never be the best athlete in the gym, but Crossfit helps you to understand that fitness takes many forms, and that we all have strengths, weaknesses, and room for improvement. I am consistently wowed by how nice and helpful the other gym members are. With very few exceptions, everyone who goes to Novem is great, and I have enjoyed the friendships I've forged there. In short: thank you, Crossfit Novem! read more

Crossfit Novem has a great and very well deserved reputation - especially for a gym just over 1 year old! Coming from a group fitness background - Lithe Method, yoga, taekwondo, etc. - rather than a weight lifting background I can say that: 1) Crossfit as a workout combines the best aspects of group and individual workouts into a killer but fun hour, and 2) the Novem team specifically creates an amazingly supportive team environment that welcomes and challenges all skill levels. It's a great place to work out. Joe and Lesha knew my name at my 1st class (and remembered it!) and there are no big egos in the place - you're going to get high-fived and encouraged by everyone - both the newbies and the vets. Great atmosphere. read more

I've been going to Novem Bootcamp for over a year and loved everything about it! The space is clean, instructors are professional, fun, and keep you motivated, and the community is welcoming! I love that there is a different workout everyday and have seen great results and an increase in my overall strength. read more

Crossfit Novem is incredible. The coaches are extremely good and knowledgable. They will keep you motivated, teach you good form, and help keep you from hurting yourself. I actually look forward to going to Novem because it's fun and challenging. I feel stronger and more in shape after every workout. Joe, Lesha, Laura, and Andrew are awesome. You'll feel right at home from the moment you walk in with the staff and your peers, even if you're out of shape. My only regret is that I didn't sign up sooner! The workouts can be scaled to any fitness level. Even if you're totally out of shape, you can do it, and you'll get into good shape quickly. I know it seems expensive, but Novem is some of the best money you will ever spend. It's worth every cent, and then some. read more

I joined CrossFit Novem in January and have been hooked since. After a lifetime of playing baseball through high school, college and men's adult leagues I decided to hang 'em up (for now). In leaving baseball behind I thought what I would miss most is the competition of the sport but I find myself competing against and challenging myself at each workout. That being said I'm not exactly a self motivator when it comes to dragging myself to the gym but I knew I wanted to stay active, be challenged and feel good - check, check and check. At 31 years young, and 5 months of CrossFit I'm probably in the best shape of my life...and the beauty is that as long as I keep going I'll keep being in better shape. Even coming from an athletic background, I was slightly intimidated to walk in the door...but I did and very quickly realized that CrossFit is for anyone and everyone - if they want it to be. Joe and Lesha and the other trainers at Novem invest in each member to help them reach their personal fitness goals. Like anything in life, you get what you put in...at Novem you'll just happen to find a community of people who support each other at getting the best and most out of one another. read more

I have been going to Novem for a couple years now and love it. The trainers make a very welcoming and comforting environment even if you're unsure of what you're doing or certain movements. I love the sense of community wether it's among the other athletes or the events Novem will organize from time to time such as Wine and Wod. The fitness is great because you can go at your own level. You can try to have the best time, or you can focus on strength, but either way it's a relaxed environment where you don't feel any pressure. If you're looking for a new gym I highly recommend trying Novem. read more

Looking for an amazing, non-judgemental community to workout with? Novem BootCamp is it! The coaches work with you so you learn the movements and help you scale them to your abilities, while also pushing you (in a positive way) to get a good workout in! All the bootcamp members I've worked out with are friendly, helpful and supportive. The atmosphere is perfect for getting a great workout in and your hour there will fly by. Definitely worth dropping in and checking out! read more

I love these people and this place. From dedicated coaches to team workouts to anniversary parties to killer WODs, Novem Bootcamp has it all. It's never boring or easy! read more

Lesha and Joe have created in my mind the perfect CrossFit environment at Novem. I've been going there for over a year now and Novem has really impacted my life for the better, not just in regards to my fitness and health, but also with my self confidence and general state of mind. The coaches are extremely helpful, approachable, encouraging and motivating. I love that the gym includes members of all skill levels, and no one is ever made to feel like they're too out of shape to fit in. I love the Novem community, can't imagine going anywhere else. read more

Crossfit Novem - Circuit Training Gyms Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

When it comes to getting in shape I thought I had tried it all.. dance class, Zumba, jazzercise, spin, kick boxing, yoga, hot yoga, Pilates, karate, insanity, Jillian Michaels DVD's, running on the treadmill, and just praying... after quitting lacrosse in college nothing worked. I woke up one day and no longer recognized myself in the mirror. I was late for work because none of my clothes fit comfortably. I felt defeated, but me internet search led me to CrossFit. When I signed up I figured I had nothing to lose. After a few months in the gym I feel like I finally found something that works. The coaches are incredible and encouraging. The gym environment is very welcoming. I never thought I'd be someone who regularly attended a gym! I am forever grateful to have found this community, and I hope to keep achieving new goals! read more

Seriously the best place ever! A wide range of fitness levels are accommodated and workouts are fun and challenging. Coaches will scale the workout for any injury or problem area to make sure you are safe. read more

I belong to another Crossfit which I love but I recently had a baby and found out that Crossfit Novem was right around the corner from my home. My schedule is all over the place and I decided I would check it out and get in there when I can..so glad I did! The place is spacious and has all the necessities, the owners are awesome...super nice and very knowledgable. They really watch your form and are very good instructors. They go out of their way to introduce you to everyone and make you feel at home...all the members are really nice too. And they have an in-house chiropractor to keep you healthy in between workouts. Great box, great folks. read more

I moved to the area in October of last year after a stint of military training. Novem has challenged me in ways that I thought were long gone after having been active for so long. Feeling sore after my first workout, I knew this place was for me. The coaches have helped me to better myself as an athlete and helped me to achieve things I never thought I could. Everyone at the gym is genuine and all are true team players. Just the boost you need to make a positive change in your life. Thanks Team Novem! read more

A member of Crossfit boot camp I'm recently back after a year off. I enjoy the workouts, and how they kick your ass but you just keep going. Coaches are very knowledgeable, and helpful. Everyone that attends is very friendly, and welcoming. read more

I never thought I'd get in to the gym mentality, but Novem has reformed me. It's helped me quit smoking and start living a healthy lfie style. The whole community is unlike anything I would have expected. You can feel as soon as you walk in there you are part of a family (a sick dysfunctional family who get enjoyment out of pushing their bodies to the limit). read more

Simply the best. Not only is the community at this box the best in the city, but the trainers are beyond superb as well. Joe and Lesha have whipped me into the best shape of my life. Physically and mentally. They even altered the training schedule for myself and other parents so as to accommodate our busy lives. And now they are expanding to a bigger space and keeping the original for bootcamp classes. What more could anyone need? read more

I walked into Crossfit Novem not feeling great about my fitness level... I couldn't even do modified pushups, I hated running, and I felt physically weak. I opted to do personal training with Joe, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Joe truly cares about his clientele. The atmosphere is relaxed, but I found myself getting pushed to levels of physical accomplishment that I never met before. About 1 month into working with Joe, and I was doing modified pushups, squatting parallel to the floor, and not hating running. I found the overall experience encouraging without being obnoxious. I highly recommend contacting Novem no matter what shape you're in. read more

I had tried another crossfit gym a few years ago and after the on ramp gave up. It just wasn't fun, the instructors didn't pay much attention to you and the other members barely spoke to you unless you were part of the clique. As a competitive athlete I really wanted to give Crossft another try. Wow! What a different gym. The attitude is completely different. People come right up to you and introduce themselves right away. It's so welcoming especially when you feel like you don't know what you are doing. There isn't any posing and preening. You really feel the support here. People cheer you on and high five after you are finished. It's a place you WANT to come back too. Joe and Lesha are awesome teachers and coaches and really push your test your limits safely. There is a just a great vibe to this place. read more

CrossfitNovem is awesome. The instruction is terrific and the other members are really positive and supportive. This is the ideal spot for getting fit, once and for all. They even have a place for me to store my bike while I'm working out. This is the type of place you look forward to visiting several times a week. read more

CrossFit embodies the spirit of challenge and community, and this location at Novem does it well... not only much thanks to Joe and Lesha (co-owners) who I met on my first morning dropping by from out of town; but also the cool/friendly people who appear to be regulars here at this gym. I am still a CrossFit baby, so I was a bit terrified to do my first CrossFit class out of my current "box". I told my inexperience to Joe earlier on as a caveat cos I was mentally preparing myself of walking into a gym full of impatient veteran Olympic weightlifters in Philly with 20+years of experience with me holding everyone up. In reality, the people at the class was really cool (mix of experience levels) and Joe, who was the instructor on a Sunday morning (kudos to hard work!), was extremely thorough. First he emphasized the community by asking everyone to introduce themselves and noting I'm a visitor. Then the class started with proper warm up, mobility, lifts and ended with good old WODs (workout of the day). Joe is very patient and also seems to know every member and their comfort/strengths/weaknesses. This trait is what sets this "box" apart from others - it's a great coaching mentality since everyone may be on a different skill set of fitness - so they don't assume everyone is an Olympic pro who already knows how to perform each exercise very well. I say this because at my "home box", it can happen that a coach will just talk about the names and reps of the WODs and then assume everyone knows what it is - which I think is not so great given there will always be the blend of newbies and oldies in classes. They are very big on helping people with "scaling" - which means if you can't do the pure form of the exercise, you do a modified form adjusted to your skill level/physical form to help you get it done. So everyone is a winner here (whether you are starting or veteran), everyone will get their workouts done! Lesha also was very kind to introduce herself after she was done giving what seems to be a personal fitness class, again to stress on a very warm summer Sunday morning. :-) I find the co-owners' friendship and dedication to be very inspiring to this location. The people who work out here seem to have "a lot of heart" and they are all here for a same goal - fitness. This location seem to attract people who are not pretentious and are here for the real deal. I like the environment at this gym and look forward to coming back whenever I'm in town. Reading other reviews looks like they solidify my good feeling. Other stuff of interest: Unlike many other boxes where you probably need to be Dwayne Johnson to fit in, at this one you can leave your "The Rock" Halloween costume at the door. Beginner friendly. Just bring a good vibe in here and you will rock. The neighborhood is up and coming - easy drive from I-95 Girard Avenue, and it's only a short walk away from the El line's Berks station. The box is a good size, and it's adequately stocked with equipment and decent bathrooms (though I used my shower at home). They even have a water cooler, though I brought plenty of water. You don't have to be a member to get personal training classes here - and I would highly recommend it here! I had Lesha coach me via a 1on1, to brush up on my Olympic weight lifting techniques (which she is passionate about - especially for us women!). I am pleased with her focus on strengthening my technique of key foundation points and giving good examples to help me retain this information; rather than rushing through a list of things. Out of all the boxes I've corresponded with, this box is very swift in responsiveness (the fastest of them all, actually!). We laughed at this and chalked it up to Joe (co-owner) being extremely on the ball with the incoming emails. Lastly, there is a nice mean looking BBQ grill so it's good to know they have good events time to time to foster a nice competition and social community! read more

Crossfit Novem rocks. Crazy fun and challenging workouts for every fitness level in a community of non-douchy people who geniunely support and motivate each other. The trainers know what they're doing, and are passionate about pushing you past your limits. Be prepared to sweat. read more

Joe and Lesha trained me at a previous gym and I followed them to Novem knowing how much these two would bring to opening their own business. They have not disappointed. Not only are they top notch trainers, but they bring a sense of community to Crossfit that I didn't feel at my previous crossfit gym. Member since inception...and beyond! Go NOVEM. read more

I've been going here about 7 months now. I have noticed significant improvement in mobility, strength, and technique that was previously unheard of for me. Where I would normally plateau at regular gyms, the structure of classes and variation of workouts have kept me guessing and progressing amazingly. All of the coaches are focused and personable, and only want to make sure you grow and in a safe way. I love it at Novem! read more

Expert trainers, superior workouts, and fun warm up games . Such a kind and welcoming staff. I highly recommend this unique CFN box.

I'm still very green only working out here for 2 months but I'm loving it! Crossfit Novem provides a well rounded fitness program that can be scaled to anyone. I was a bit nervous at first but every member and every coach I've encountered has been 100% encouraging and supportive. I've worked mostly with Lesha and Joe (a little with Laura and Brynn) props for being super patient and re-re-explaining the details of the WOD and helping me with my scaling so I get the best possible workout without risk of aggravating some old running injuries. I've already noticed improvement in my energy levels and strength. Also...excellent music choices! Maybe I just lucked out with this box but it seems everyone leaves their egos at the door and positivity is the norm. Worth every penny! read more

I started at Novem Bootcamp a couple years ago with a severe foot injury and was pretty out of shape. To say my experience has changed my life would probably be an understatement. Their amazing coaching staff helped me scale many movements until my foot was better, but also knew when to push me to do more. There is this perfect mix of inclusiveness, challenge, and compassion that exists at Novem. I have since moved into the Crossfit and Barbell programs, but still love the occasional Bootcamp visit. If you need something new and you want amazing coaches in a small-class atmosphere, this is your jawn! read more

I first went to Novem Boot Camp to find a healthy way to reduce stress and meet people in my new neighborhood. Two years later I have a great group of friends and in much better shape. Fantastic culture that is inclusive and fun everyday! read more

If you're looking for a great total body workout this is for you. The coaches are energetic, knowledgeable, and are eager to help. The classes are diverse and intense for every level athlete. read more

Such an amazing gym, great trainers and a fantastic community! You'll get a great workout and it can be tailored to fit your fitness level!

Been going here for over a year, can't recommend this place enough. Like most people who attend crossfit, I can't stop talking about it. I've been to a lot of gyms and I can honestly say I don't think I've ever looked forward to working out as I do when going here! read more

Novem is for everyone. They adapt the workout to your abilities and inch you towards self improvement. If someone told me this time last year that I'd be able to do a handstand push up I would have laughed. I never thought I'd look forward to exercise. This type of training is motivational and effective. The trainers genuinely care about each member. You're not just a # to them. read more

I've been a member at Novem for over a year now and as my first experience with CrossFit, I don't think I could possibly have a better one. As someone who struggles with their weight, I've always felt comfortable and safe working out and pushing myself under the watchful eyes of Joe and Lesha. Don't interpret comfortable as saying their workouts aren't brutal, because they are tough! There's just no intimidation factor from the other athletes and even the bad-asses (as I like to call them) are extremely encouraging. Everyone is free to challenge themselves in the manner that suits them. CrossFit appeals to me because I love the dynamic of a group workout, especially as you get to know your fellows; the novelty of different workouts each day; and the inclusion of heavy weights with conditioning. It may be more expensive than an average gym membership, but its kept me engaged and enjoying it so I find that I more than get my money's worth out of it. I enjoy it to the extent that I've continued to attend CrossFit while pregnant all of the way up to my due date! I am thankful for that and for Joe and Lesha's guidance to scale my workouts so that the baby and I stay safe and healthy. Thanks so much everyone! read more