Where should I begin... This gym (or 'box' to the Crossfit world) is amazing!!! As a two year Crossfitter in Newport, RI to a 'thinking I could do it on my own for a couple years at a Planet Fitness"... I have nothing but high remarks for this gym and getting me back to the workouts I love/hate so much. I was hesitant for longer than I'd like to admit at getting back into Crossfit due to a) the cost [to be discussed]; b) the fact I felt out of 'crossfit shape'; and c) I didn't know a single crossfitting soul in the area... Let me work through each of these points...
a) the cost- I feel like every person always looks up the cost for Crossfit, and if they have no experience with it, immediately look the other way. Let's just put that to rest. Crossfit may be more expensive than your typical gym membership, but it's also worth every.single.penny. And if you break it down, the cost per class is not only reasonable but cheaper than using a personal trainer. I justify it to myself this way... I'm investing in my well-being and health. Can I do this other places? Sure, but here, I have someone walking me through movements to make sure I am doing them correctly/efficiently and I have someone pushing me in a supportive fashion to reach individual goals. Also, in my justification process, I'm MUCH more apt to hold myself accountable to show up to class on a regular basis with a $ investment, than I am to go to other gyms which only takes $10-20 out of my pocket...
b) Crossfit Shape- another theory to be put to rest immediately. This theory actually kept me from originally joining Crossfit altogether for way too long. There's no such thing. You show up, and the coaches work WITH you and modify movements as needed to build on. In my first classes here, I was SO nervous for some of the movements, as I hadn't done them in forever, but these coaches know how to settle those nerves instantly. Each movement is recapped prior to ever touching the bar regardless if they know every person in the class 'knows the movement/lift' or not. Step by step they go over the lifts and ask you to do each of those sections (most times with a PVC pipe) to ensure you are doing the movement correctly... once that is satisfied they'll add onto that movement and so forth... building you up to comfort using a barbell and adding weight as you can. It honestly doesn't matter if you're a beginner or a regular, I've never felt out of place even if the person next to me has the move mastered. The coaches work with you and your personal needs/strengths/weaknesses. [to be discussed more in a minute]
c) Not knowing anyone- I consider myself a pretty outgoing/social person, but even I had nerves walking into the gym and not knowing a single soul. Amanda, the owner, immediately quashed those feelings. She greeted me as soon as I walked in, gave me a tour, introduced me to the classes coach and the butterflies disappeared. The Coach made sure I was introduced to everyone, and everyone was SO welcoming, to a point I felt as though I had been going here for months now.
Crossfit Torque has been an amazing experience and I am so glad I decided to finally join and get back into it. The workouts will push you and test you, and make you finish thinking 'holy crap I just did that'. The coaches will work with you if you need modification on ANY movement. If you have any pains, they'll make sure you don't jump back into movements that could continue the injury until you're ready. There is legitimately all ages and skill levels here, and everyone is beyond supportive, and encouraging. I actually look forward to having my ass kicked daily.
Crossfit Torque also offers for small fees additional opportunities for its members to learn and excel in certain skills should they so choose. They bring in additional coaches for Olympic Lifting, Dynamic Drive, Jump Rope, and other opportunities that benefit the members.
This gym really is like an additional family, I can't say enough good things about them and the Crossfit community. Everyone jokes about Crossfit being a cult workout group and drinking the Crossfit Koolaid.. and it's really nothing more than a group of people, wanting to work their individual hardest, with a supportive group of people, under knowledgeable coaches... there's nothing cult-ish about it. I dare you to join and prove me wrong.
So long story short :) If you're in the area or passing through... take the time to come and check out Crossfit Torque... I HIGHLY recommend them! read more