In an effort to stay healthy (read: lose the extra weight I have been carrying around and blaming on my non-functional thyroid) I decided to start taking Crossfit classes. It started with a few one-on-ones with the instructor to learn the movements (which I did wrong – a lot) and a meeting with a nutritionist (you know how much I like to eat, so that was not terribly promising) who told me I had a whole lot of body fat. (“Really?,” I asked her, “Then why does everyone keep telling me how great I look. Do they all lie?”). Apparently they do. You know who you are.
One or two clean-and-squats with a 35 pound bar are fine, but when you
have to start doing forty at a time it becomes a whole new ball game. Then thirty, then twenty, then ten, all interspersed with box jumps – more on those later. Which takes me to the “wall balls”. I think someone drunk came up with this one… you grab a weighted ball (suggested: 14 pounds, I used 8, only because that is the lightest one there), then you bend into a squat, with the ball and toss it ten feet in the air, against a wall. As it comes barreling back towards you, you catch it while in a squat position. Lather, rinse, repeat. Many, many times.
Then there is the box jump. It is as straightforward as it sounds. you simply jump up onto a platform. I use the lowest-to-the-ground one available to me. When I realized what a teeny, tiny platform I am aiming for, I flat out refused and instead used a two-tier step (like the ones for step class, with a nice, wide platform for my clumsy self). I feel really bad saying this (I am going to anyway) but I felt kind of validated in my fears today when a woman – who had clearly done this many times – was jumping up onto one of the really high, teeny, tiny platforms and slipped, gouging her leg. She is apparently not the first to do this. Another woman gouged a finger-sized hole into her leg, which fortunately I did not witness. I think I will stick with the steps for now. After all, I am just starting. I have plenty of time to go from seemingly-crazy to flat-out-nuts.
What other fun goes on in a Crossfit class? Well, today as part of the warm up (I love this – you do a whole exercise routine to “warm up”, and then you do a whole additional workout), we did some crab walks (hands behind you, feet in front of you, strolling around near the ground like a jerk crab), lunges (I actually know how to do one of the exercises. Yay!), squats (yep, still the warm-up) and about a .3 mile run in the glorious midday humidity. After all of that and the aforementioned wall balls you get to start your workout.
As I wonder why I am doing this (midway through the warm up), I realized the answer is very simple: I signed up for a three month commitment. I am optimistic that in the next three months I will lose a few pounds and not keel over. I’m not sure I’d bet money on either one, though.
55 thoughts on “Crossfit”
My husband is down there and looking for CrossFit gym. Where do you go?
There is no Crossfit affiliate in Key West that I now of…I work a lot on the mainland and work out there, too.
So, how about an update? How did you make out after 3 months?
I was definitely stronger, I’ll say that… I did end up leaving the crossfit gym for a couple of reasons – it was really expensive, I was entirely too buy with work to commit to 3-4 times/week and I really didn’t love the place I was going. But, it is good exercise!
My wife and I are looking at opening a CrossFit in Key Largo or Islamorada this year with hopes of expanding to a second location in Key West 2 – 3 years after that. We live in Homestead now but seem to spend more time in the Keys where the people and relaxation seem to be a notch above the rest!
The only problem we are running into is the general lack of affordable space. Today we looked at an old wifi cafe in Key Largo with a massive lot perfect for CrossFit but the space was 5x the rent of anything in Homestead.
Hope to see you soon!
Rents throughout the Keys are notoriously expensive. Good luck finding a spot!
I am just waiting for a Crossfit in the Key Largo/Islamorada area to open. We lived there for a few years back in 2005 and miss it greatly. We live here in Gulf Breeze/Pensacola now and workout at CrossFit Gulf Breeze… which is Awesome!!!. The one drawback with moving back to the Keys is there is NO Crossfit! Please hurry!! lol.
Hi Lisa! Come on down! There is now a CrossFit in Tavernier mm 91.6. We look forward to meeting you!
305-330-1732
Did you find a place to cross fit ? We are interested. Please reply.
Email or call my cell 215-601-2868
Sorry, I know of no cross fit in the keys! Lots of people ask about it though, so you would imagine someone would have the guts to open one…
Are you still considering a crossfit location ? How about an update ?
Not sure where this came from, but I was never opening any sort of gym facility, including crossfit.
Hi,
I am taking the Level 1 Crossfit training June 8 & 9. I will be living in Key Largo where we purchased a home this past March.
I want to open a Crossfit gym in the Key Largo area as well. Maybe you and I can talk about this.
I’ve been doing Crossfit for 2 years and have never been more fit; and I was a triathlete! Crossfit is fantastic because it can be scaled to anyone of any size, ability, or age.
Please contact me if you’d like to discuss possibilities of working together.
Crossfit is great and a good gym will surely attract others who want to be healthier.
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca,
I just saw your post about Key Largo and crossfit. I live in Key Largo, FL. I did crossfit for several years, had a baby 8 months ago..wanting to get back into but have not found anything in the area. I know there is one in Key West, FL. I would love to have a crossfit in this area or even open one. Have been thinking of it. But, feel I need to get back in crossfit shape before that happens. Have you or are you opening one? I am starting back to a crossfit in Miami (about an hour drive each way) but will only do it twice a week – 3 the most due to drive.
Any information is appreciated! Have a great day!
Hey everyone looking for a CrossFit in the upper keys… IT IS COMING!!! There is one in the works and will be opening in the next couple weeks. STAY TUNED! 🙂
Where are you opening?
Hey! Sorry for the delay! CrossFit Key Largo will be opening up in the next couple weeks. I will post our phone number once our website is up and running for everyone who would like information. I look forward to helping everyone on their quest toward Fitness!
Hurray! Please keep me posted via email at rah0902@gmail.com. Where will you be locating?
I will be there in November and look forward to working out with you.
Thank you for all you are doing.
Rebecca
Hi Erin
Will you be running the new CrossFit? I called the number and left a message tonight. Live off mm102….been in Hawaii past two weeks so was happy to see the sign tonight. If you can keep me posted that would be great!
Hi,
Did you open the new Crossfit in Key Largo? Will you please send me information: address, phone number, website?
Thank you.
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca,
We are located at 100109 Overseas Highway- behind Truly Nolen. Our number is 305-814-5406 and the website is http://www.cfkeylargo.com. Feel free to come in and check the place out!
Thanks,
Erin
Yes we opened last week! Visit cfkeylargo.com for all the information!
I have been waiting for a crossfit gym for 2 years now! please hurry lol. I live in Key West…there are a few warehouses on Stock Island that would be a great opportunity to open up a crossfit gym.
Hey Guys,
I stumbled across this blog through google. I lived in Key West for a a while and had a great time but the only drawback was no crossfit. I moved back to Atlanta and got back into Crossfit heavily. I will have my level 1 certification in July and I would love to bring crossfit down to the keys. I wanted reach out to you all and keep in touch when I head back down. I feel Key West would be perfect for a box. I always have. Keep in touch.
As you can see by the responses to this post, clearly there are a bunch of people looking for it! Good luck with your move.
Got into CF on deployment and now I headed back to Key West…sadly no CF!!
I want a CF in Key West soo bad!!!!
We winter in Islamorada and do cross fit in New Jersey . I can’t find a place to cross fit in the Keys. We would be willing to drive to the main land or any place within about 50 miles to cross fit. Any suggestions ?
I came across this cause I been looking for CF in the keys. I live right off palm drive and a little further south close to 352th! I know there is CF HOMESTEAD or Kratos or whatever it is now. But really there is no GYMS from like 312 and above! WHY IS THAT! I CF all the way in KENDALL. I wont lie if I had $$ and some good credit…I would open 1 up asap…trust me
I am going to be in the Marathon area (Curry Hammock State Park volunteer) for two month (March, April 2013). I am looking for a place to train for the Olympic lifts. I have a competition in early June (Pan American Masters) and would like to at least be able to maintain my training level. Bar, bumpers, platform, Power Rack, Squat rack, etc. — anything would help. Hard to take off 3 months and then try to compete. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks. Paula
I am still looking for cross fit in the Florida Keys. Does anyone know of a facility?
Is anyone thinking of opening a cross fit facility ?
Any interest in forming a small group to cross fit at a local gym ?
I can be reached at 215-601-2868 or Email murrayrapoport@hotmail.com
I took the Level I training, but did not take the test. I am willing to work with anyone who want to do crossfit. I’ve been at it almost 2 years. I have some equipment but no place to workout. I am hoping Froggy’s gym might rent us a room.
Any interest?
I want a gym near Key Largo. Key West and Homestead are way too far away!
Let’s get together and do this!
Rebecca
rah09022gmail.com
Is there any crossfit near Key Largo, Fl. ?
Please post!
Not that I know about…
Oh my goodness please someone open a cross fit in the lower keys! I’m going to be working for the sheriff’s office soon and there is tons of military down here that I know would love this!! It def would be a successful business! Begging!!
Hello , I will keep you posted we can’t disclose details yet but get ready!!!! Crossfit is coming to Keys around the first of the year and its going to be awesome !!
Hey Clark. Can you at least say where you will be ? We are in Islamorada and would very much like to continue our crossfit.
Clark – I will be in the Islamorada from 30 Dec – 3 Jan. Would live to hear that you have a place.
Clark, are you still going to crossfit in the Keys ? Will you be in the upper keys ?
Clark, upper keys hopefully!!! Please advise.
Sam are you interested in doing cross fit in the upper keys ? We were also looking for a place and are trying to do it on our own using gym facilities and some ingenuity.
We also have a line on a personal trainer that does crossfit in a small group setting. We are in the upper keys for the winter and would welcome creating a training partner or a group.
Let me know if you are interested. You can reach me by cell at 215-601-2868
http://facebook.com/CrossFitBoneIsland
Hopefully in Marathon area.
Now going to be at Curry Hammock for 3 months – Feb, Mar, and Apr. . Need a place to workout for upcoming competition (Olympic Weightlifting)
See earlier post — anyone have a suggestion?
Thanks, Paula
Hello, so sorry I haven’t got back in touch this blog doesn’t notify me when someone else has posted. We are working very hard and are in final stages of red tape and gearing up for our move from our affiliate up north. We will be located just outside of Key West. It looks as if if someone else is opening up in Key West also that’s awesome CrossFit is going to take over the Keys! We are SouthernMost CrossFit are web site and facebook will be up this week for presale memberships and awesome rates for month of January along with cool CrossFit apparel! Thank you for being so patient as we finish packing up to move south! Email me if you need anything! bcndn32@gmail.com
Hello, Im so sorry to have not posted back to your coments this blog doesn’t notify when someone has posted.We have been working very hard to finalize all details and get ready for our family to make the the move from our affiliate up north to the Keys! I saw on here that someone else is opening up a CrossFit that is awesome CrossFit is going to take over the Keys it’s going to be great! We are located right out side of Key West are name is SOUTHERNMOST CROSSFIT!!Our web site and facebook will be up this week I will post on here as soon as its up! We will be offering memberships at a dicounted rates and wicked deals on 6 month memberships, also special rates for Military,First responders and students! Our CrossFit apparel will on website also ! We are so excited to bring CrossFit to the Keys we have been working on this for 6 months but tring to find a great location was quite the challange!!I think you will all be very happy with SouthernMost CrossFit, your owner and head Coach was a former professional hockey player for 13 years and Draft pick from the NHL who has been training and Coaching CrossFitt for 4 years. We will not dissapoint you! If you have any questions please email me @ bcndn32@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your patients with us this has been long process but we want to make sure everything is done perfect! Thanks again!
Sorry I posted twice I did one in the am and it never showed up so I did another one and now they are both on there!! Sorry!’
Here is Facebook link!!!!!! http://Facebook.com/Southernmostcrossfit. Website is http://www.southernmost-crossfit.com, Thank You!!!
There is one opening just north of mm100 on the bayside. I saw the sign but don’t know when this key largo cross fit will open. I have never tried it but want I and t is right by my house so hopefully I will see some of you people there.
Hey everyone!
The website for CrossFit Key Largo is http://www.cfkeylargo.com. We are still adding and changing things but the majority of the information is on there! Also, check us out on Facebook- CrossFit Key Largo.
Thanks!
Has any one seen the facility at mm100 the above post is talking about
Jessica
I saw it tonight and it is right by my house I live off mm102. Been in Hawaii for two weeks so was happy to see the sign tonight. I called the number tonight and left a message so hopefully soon 🙂
There is a sign for a Crossfit opening in the Ben Franklin shopping plaza on Roosevelt – although with all the construction, not sure anyone could find it
I Am CrossFit is now open in Tavernier at mile marker 91.6 bayside next to FKEC. For class times and more info, please check out our website at http://www.crossfitupperkeys.com. We have a free class every Saturday at 9am open to all. See you soon!
There is a crossfit on Roosevelt Street in KW … I visited it when I was there last week… does anyone have any insight on a KF in Marathon? I have a friend wanting to join that lives in Marathon.
Opportunity!
Is anyone planning on opening a CF gym in Marathon?