Being a really aggressive, type A personality, I have felt the urge to maul someone at least once a day 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! read more

Pioneer Valley Crossfit is hands down the best gym I've ever worked out at. It my nine months at PVCF 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. read more

PVCF is an excellent training facility and is a great return on your investment in terms of money and time. Their workouts, combined with Paleolithic eating, reduced my weight from 214 lbs to 185 lbs in 4 months. At the same time, I gained strength, endurance and agility. They have a nice gym, airy and spacious. The trainers know their stuff, and most of the members are friendly. Crossfit in general, is a great way to train. Give PVCF a spin, you will not be disappointed. read more

The best gym / fitness class I've ever been to. I've never been much into fitness. I played sports as a kid and teen, but mostly dieted to keep my weight down and never got into the whole "plodding on a treadmill" thing because it was SO BORING. I also never got into weights because I was intimidated. I started to hear more and more about Crossfit as I got involved in the Paleo eating community and went to PVC to give it a try. Everyone here is preternaturally friendly. At first I thought it might be some kind of act... but no. Liz is almost hypnotically friendly. All of the instructors are somewhat tough, but understanding of everyone's fitness level or lack thereof. It's inspiring to work out next to super strong, super fit athletes - but I never feel that I'm "out of my league" because the instructors are so helpful in teaching me all the right movements. Everyone in every class introduced themselves to me when we first met, and they are all helpful in figuring out how to do everything. Most of all, everyone else seems SO HAPPY to be here - it's contagious! I have been sore for a few days every time I come (trying to do twice a week) but I feel so much stronger and happier already. I hope to work out here for years to come. Note: Reposted from the previous Yelp site (for the old location) but it has just become MORE true as I've been going here longer. Crossfit rocks! read more

If you're sold on CrossFit and live in Western MA, this is the gym you want to join. Spacious, well-equipped, easy to access, great parking, right on the Norwottuck rail trail, great ownership, staff, schedule, and community. If you are wondering if CrossFit is right for you -- here's my story. I've been very overweight my whole life -- I have been able to temporarily lose weight in the past, but struggling with the last bit, and then yo-yo'd. On Jan 1, 2011, I decided to get serious -- I spent the first six months running a little and dieting, and not getting very far -- lost a few pounds, but kind of frustrated. Then, I decided to join PVCF in June. Wow -- the best workouts of my life -- great instruction, always varying and interesting. I could see visible results in a month. Now, almost 7 months later I have lost 25 pounds, and gained a lot of muscle -- I must have lost 30-40 pounds of fat. I can do things I would never have thought possible (jump on high boxes, dead-hang pullups, bringing my toes up to a pull-up bar while I hang, climb a rope to a ceiling, olympic weight lifting moves). I was running before I came to PVCF, and the CrossFit training is making me faster than I have ever been. And, it's not just exercise -- there is help with nutrition, including a weekly support meeting. There are social events. It's really unlike any exercise experience you've ever had. And, if you think you can't do it -- you're wrong. CrossFit is infinitely scalable. I started by doing pullups while my feet were on the floor using gymnastic rings (lowering the weight I needed to lift). Then, moved up to assisted pull-ups using elastic bands. Now, I can jump up to the bar and get in 2 or 3 unassisted. I couldn't do more than a couple of pushups, so I started against a raised box, now I can do 20 or more strict ones. It's the same with every movement -- there's a way to get you there in time. And this was just my first 7 months. Come in for visit (the first workout is free) -- talk to the trainers, read the intro packet. It will change the way you look at fitness. read more

Wonderful gym, great community, great coaches. Couldn't be happier to be a part of it. Thank you pioneer valley crossfit!

I joined PVCF as a stressed out, skinny, single mom who desperately needed something to lift me up. PVCF opened its arms to me and embraced me as another member of its family. The support, cheers, and smiles of the PVCF community lifted me up. I no longer feel like a skinny little girl. I am a strong woman, inside and out. I couldn't have made this journey with out all of you. Thank-you read more

This CrossFit box ROCKS. Trainers are awesome! The place is nice and large with lots of natural light. Lots of great people to cheer you on. No better place to workout. Period. read more

Was in the area for work and wanted to continue my workout. I'm new to cross fit and from the west coast. This gym has lots of space and nice setup and couches for hangin out etc. However, the real exception are the people, Sean and liz. Both have that combination of expertise and enthusiasm which is super important for newbies and experts alike. Sean has a lot of technical knowledge about form, while Liz was just enough motivating to keep me moving during the 6am class. Also noticed the variety of students, from college to workaholics to older parents. That was another sign that this is one of the better gyms I've been to. Extra kudos for the warm welcome I received when I dropped in for classes. read more

I was home in Northampton for a wedding last week and dropped in at PVCF West for a few workouts. I met with Ayn, filled out my waiver, and walked the facility. It was impressive. A large space, tons of equipment, and very friendly athletes. Ayn was great at integrating me into the class, introducing me to the other members, and breaking down the WOD, by movements, standards, and scaling options. It was an overall excellent experience and I intend to drop in again every time I am home. read more

i've tried other gyms in the past, and nothing compares. while in the past i would eventually become bored and drop off, PVCF has kept my interest. in the last six months i've lost over 40 pounds and gotten considerably stronger. the biggest difference is you won't get bored here, the workout is not up to you. put in the hard work and it will pay off. not to mention its an amazing community of people. read more