Being a really aggressive, type A personality, I have felt the urge to maul someone at least once a…read moreday since I was 4. Since middle school until the end of college I tried lifting weights, running competitively, dancing, cycling, hiking, every kind of yoga available in the valley (and that's a lot of yoga!), and a myriad of other group exercise classes including spinning, boot camps, kickboxing, step aerobics, and interval training, (sometimes attending 2-3 different classes per day), in attempt to take my edge off and feel normal. The result was: I got in moderately good shape, had a nice toned, lean body, learned about a lot of different facilities in the area, and even learned new moves and techniques that served me well, and still do from time to time. However, I was never able to use any of these outlets to push myself to the extent that I wanted to. I often became bored, and uninterested. I would leave my workouts feeling winded and sweaty, but unfulfilled, irritated, and still bubbling over with a fiery type of energy that made me want to crawl out of my skin. I would spend the rest of the day picking fights with everyone around me, and sometimes even throwing inanimate objects around my house. It wasn't until I joined PVCF, and started attending at least 3-4 workouts a week that this behaviour subsided. Now, not only are there less broken things, and cops showing up at my house, but I am stronger, leaner, and more nimble than I have ever been. I am learning new things, and improving a little more each day. Just yesterday, I was finally able to coordinate my feet well enough to climb a rope. A few weeks before that, something else clicked, and I got a little better at double-unders. For most, attending first WODs at PVCF is a new social situation where you don't know anyone, most of the moves and techniques are completely new to you, very challenging, and you have to perform in front of a room of beautiful, healthy strangers. Fortunately, self-confidence and humility you didn't even know you had will emerge from this experience, and make you a better person. Additionally, having to say "hi" to people you don't know on a daily basis, and learning their names will expand your social skills and community network. Learning where all of the equipment is, how to use it, how to efficiently set it up, and put it back will increase your assertiveness (as you have to ask those around you for tips and info, etc.) Going through the sometimes painstaking process of learning your numbers (the amount of weight you're lifting) keeping track of all of this and writing it down, knowing your reps, is all part of an empowering self indulgent experience that will be unlike any other part of your life. This is where you gain drive, motivation, and competitiveness that you might not have found within yourself before. As you can see, it's really a holistic fitness experience that rivals any other I've experienced here in the five college area. Not to mention there's convenient parking, gorgeous bathrooms and showers, plenty of equipment, room to put your stuff, and access to nutritional support. The management is constantly tailoring the schedule to fit members needs, and rearranging things to improve the space. Also, there are crazy stereotypes running around out there that crossfitters and crossfit trainers are just a bunch of jocks who think that crossfit is the be all end all of the world. This isn't true. Crossfitters are a diverse group of people including kids, tweens, artists, veterans, first responders, colleges students, and people of all shapes and sizes, and all fitness levels. If you are looking for a gym, definitely give it a try before automatically going up the street to BigBox Globo-Fitness, and bring a friend!

Pioneer Valley Crossfit is hands down the best gym I've ever worked out at. It my nine months at…read morePVCF I've added 220 lbs to my deadlift, 55 lbs to my squat, learned a number of new skills (olympic lifts, ring work), and can still run a mile in under seven minutes. Crossfit is many things. It's technical definition is "constantly varied, if not randomized, functional movements performed at high intensity." When I'm asked what crossfit is, I usually tell people it's a mixture of sprint work, gymnastics, and weightlifting. More than that though, it's a community. It's a group of people who are consciously saying no to plodding away on a treadmill at some globo-gym, never seeing the results they so desire. It's about finding within yourself the ability to do hard things and to relish in overcoming obstacles. It's a great gym, full of good, motivated, and supportive people.

Best class ever! Visited from San Diego and definitely got a work out in. Instructors are amazing…read moreand music definitely gets you going!!!

Synergy is an outside of the box "gym". After working out with weights and cardio i needed a…read moredifferent type of physical challenge. Each class is unique and challenging. You are mentally challenged as much as physically. You are pushed to overcome both physical and the fear of not being able to do something. Yoga and R. O. P. A. Class is the best, they have increased my confidence, strength and ability to just go for it. Synergy also has an amazing group of massage therapists.

We were visiting from out of town and popped in to CrossFit Swarm... great choice! Quality WODs and…read morewelcoming environment. Highly recommend this box.

Walking into this place as a grown man felt a littleid intimated men and womenPicking up and…read moreslamming weights but after talking toCoaches for all of five minutes realizing this is where I want to be

1 year update: solid gym, still one of the best in the area. Downlighting is a little too harsh, in…read moregeneral, and is especially unbearable at the incline bench or dumbbell area. Music is too loud, sometimes, can even hear through my airpod pros. Bottom line: still a great gym but probably could find a gym of similar value (24hr with good equipment) at Prime fitness or Impact fitness with less of the music and bright lights.

Uncaged Fitness is everything that a gym should be. This place is all about putting in the work…read more The equipment selection is top-notch -- plenty of free weights, machines, and space to train without feeling cramped or rushed. An incredible selection of machines to hit every single muscle group in multiple different ways. The pump was very real and I felt Uncaged The gym is clean, well-maintained, and organized, which makes every workout enjoyable. I would gladly move all the way to Worcester just to get a membership at Uncaged Fitness.

This a great box. Coaches are excellent with solid (and dare I say fun? programming) CF, HIIT, Oly…read moreand open gym. The environment is welcoming to all ages. I love the respect shown here for our country and our men and women who serve in our armed forces. It's never too late, you are never to old to take care yourself. Give it a try; you won't regret it. Ask as many questions as you need to, take the on-ramp with Coach Sue and get started. They offer a free trial as well to get you acquainted.

Awesome gym! You will get into the best shape of your life here with the coaches expertise…read more Crossfit community will encourage you to reach your goals you never thought you could have reached going to the gym on your own!

Incredibly friendly and motivating gym. Coleen and the other trainers are so welcoming and…read moreknowledgeable, always able to suggest alternative ways to work out that fit my needs and ability. I'm not a gym person, but I've become one because of this particular F45. Highly recommend you at least try it, people!

Great team, super supportive, and extremely caring…read more Highly recommend this for anyone that is looking to either start out or just wanting to push themselves to a new level. I used to own my own gym and have always had trouble finding another gym that I enjoyed - but this spot is my new jam lol.