Brian Catalano
October 25, 2017 14:49
CrossFit SouthBay is an excellent place to go if you would like to improve your general health, and experience myriad realms of fitness/athleticism. The owner, Forrest, has done a tremendous job of putting together a wide array of equipment to use, from barbells and dumbbells to rowers and watt bikes to strongman equipment. There is no lack of resources for fitness.
The people who go to CFSB are mixed in ages and abilities. Two things are common among them though - they are fit (or working toward being fit!) and are genuinely friendly. Most every single person there, whether a newbie or seasoned veteran, is approachable. They take their workouts seriously, but are willing to extend a helping hand when not working themselves.
Programming-wise, CFSB has multiple levels for your present fitness level. They have OnRamp and Elements for beginners, or those who have not yet forayed much or are intimidated by Crossfit. These courses are excellent if you have any reservations about what Crossfit is and how it can be incorporated into your daily life.
The regular day classes include Level 1 and Level 2 prescriptions, with Level 1 provided for your more intermediate athlete, while Level 2 is geared toward the more progressed athlete. In addition, they also provide programming for the competitive athlete (of note here is that this is typically reserved for those who compete in the Crossfit competitions and really isn't for optimal health and fitness, which the coaches at CFSB actually do a tremendous job of emphasizing. Don't let your ego get ahead of your capabilities!).
In terms of the coaching, you have some excellent resources. Two that really stand out to me are Cody and Missy. Cody is one of the lead programmers, and has gone out of his way to not only get different Crossfit certifications but to in fact train regularly within specialist areas. For instance, he has gotten specific help from Crossfit Gymnastics own Dusty Hyland, and has sought out help to specifically train for the Olympic Lifts from specialist Sean Waxman. He also reads regularly and is constantly seeking to improve his knowledge base.
Missy is supremely qualified for prehab and rehab, as well as providing corrective exercise regimens. In addition to be Functional Movement Screen (FMS) qualified, she also has her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She is an excellent resource for any pre-existing conditions and concerns you may have going into CFSB for the first time. Missy is also an excellent person to speak to if you're a competitive athlete in another sport, as she can point you in the proper direction of requirements for your given domain.
Crossfit SouthBay is an excellent choice if you're looking to become a generalist in athletics, like constant change in your exercise regimen and want to be part of a healthy social circle.