After watching a few videos online and hearing all the hype about CrossFit I decided I wanted to see what it was all about and I am so happy I picked CrossFit Ireland.
I signed up to get the introductory walkthrough with Colm where you go to the gym and he basically goes through a few different movements to access strength, mobility etc. and so you get a good idea of basic moves you will be doing. It was fair to say I was bricking it walking in the door, I am definitely not the most confident person but I shouldn’t have worried. Immediately when you enter the gym it’s so welcoming and the atmosphere is completely different to your normal commercial gym.
I played a lot of sports when I was younger and wanted to regain my fitness but being built like a giraffe my main goal however was to gain strength. Payment is taken on a monthly basis so I decided this was worth a go, having had some reservations about the price if I didn’t like it after the first month I could just leave. I literally needed a week to realise this is something I loved and something I would look forward to, and it is worth every single penny. I have surpassed every goal I set out when I first started within 4 months and the thing with CrossFit is that there is always something new to learn and improve on.
The coaches at CFI are top notch, they all have accolades of their own and have numerous certificates between them sure who else better qualified to teach you when they have and are still going through the same thing themselves. Colm, Derek and Sam treat every single person individually and it’s amazing to see how they interact with people, always greeted when you walk in the door by name. Every single person in CFI has individual goals and targets that they want to achieve because everyone is different, and this is one of the things that the coaches excel at, whether you are trying to get your first double under or manage to finally get your first snatch or there is a CFI veteran PR’ing their back squat at 140KG, these events are all treated as milestones and you are commended by not just the coaches but the CFI community as a whole.
The community in CFI is probably one of the best things about going to the gym, this is definitely not a gym full of mirrors with loads a people with headphones on, quite the opposite its one big massive open space with couches to chill on before and after a workout and people usually stay on or arrive early just to have the craic. There is always someone to offer a tip or to push you that extra little bit in a workout and always a grimaced smile or nod of the head when the relief hit, the workout is over.
I have really enjoyed my time at CFI and truly think that because of the training and guidance I have received from the CFI team it is something I will be doing for a long time to come. If you are looking to get fit and strong, somewhere with a brilliant non-judgemental atmosphere, with outstanding coaches who care about your progress then sign up for the free assessment class you have nothing to lose.
Best of luck in your travels Eoghan!