The question I am often asked is which CrossFit Box I train at. I usually get this question, while at yet another box, and the (erroneous) implication is that I belong somewhere.
I am not, however, ready to make that kind of commitment yet. :) I wander in, and waltz out. I date around. My relationship with any given CrossFit box is fairly casual, some would even say promiscuous.
I have trained at CrossFit Toronto, Milan, Bologna, Vancouver, Calgary, Boston, Edmonton, Montreal and New York.
Small boxes, large boxes, busy boxes, empty boxes. I love them all.
I am a CrossFit orphan. Mutt. Gypsie. Roadie.
BOX SLUT.
During my Edmonton visit, I had a chance to visit CrossFit Armoury. After talking to Kyle (one of the coaches), I learned that this box has been around for a few years, and just recently opened up in a brand new space after growing out of their original location – great sign.
I have nothing but good things to say about this box – helpful and welcoming coaches, free trial week of classes, and a great space (with SIX Olympic platforms). In addition to CrossFit, there are also fundamendals, mobility and Olympic lifting classes.
How do you like the logo? Badass, right? Does it remind you of anything? ANYTHING?
CF Armoury also has great presence at both Regionals (Canada West) and the Games.
Insider’s tip – if you see name plates like these at a CrossFit box, you just found yourself a strong and competitive box.
The workout of the day included a strength component and a metabolic conditioning workout.
For strength – work up to a heavy squat clean and push press complex, followed by 10 minute EMOM with one rep of the complex every minute. I was trying to be extra careful with the shoulders – lots of trap mobilizations beforehand.
For metabolic conditioning – burpee box jumps: 5 rounds for max reps, 1 minute on, three minutes off.
I would normally love a workout like this one – all body weight, all lungs, go all out. However, I could definitely feel that while the body is not hurting any more, I am far from fully recovered from running 60k on the weekend. It felt like my power was at about 3 out of 10. Sigh. I think I’ll need few more weeks…
I loved that the coaches actually post the pictures of the results on the website.
The box is located right next door to a physio/massage. Irony? Now THAT’s a symbiotic relationship.
Note to self – finding a good quality CrossFit box in a new city is a great way to tap into the local network of massage therapists and other health care professionals who have familiarity with strength sports and who have already been vouched for by others. Beats Yellow Pages any day.
I definitely got the impression that both the clinic and the CrossFit box are run by a group of friends – best type of partnership!
And, of course, I have great respect for any box that carries huge tires and Atlas stones.
Thanks so much, CrossFit Armoury!
Liked this post? Read more about my visit to CrossFit Bologna, Italy.
Hugs, SOLO