On Saturday we overheard two of our members discussing how so many friendships have been formed at CrossFit 3D. They should have been running rather than gasbagging, but it was cute to listen to so whatever. And they were right. Within the four walls of CrossFit 3D, you’ll find a CrossFit community of people who root for one another day in and day out, bonds that carry on well away from the WODs and even the odd love story.
More Than A Workout
We know that our members keep coming back because of the elite training techniques we deliver, and the absolutely massive gym floor; but we also know that they come back because of the friends they’ve made. That’s what sets one CrossFit gym apart from another, and from any gym actually. It’s one of the things we’re most proud of at CrossFit 3D. Not only are we redefining fitness but we’re also building a CrossFit community that empowers every member to be their best, in and out of the gym.
It’s understandable that when you join CrossFit you most likely set out to get fitter, whether that’s part of a fitness journey or just to try something new. You might not bank on ending up with a load of like-minded friends and going to summer barbecues and Christmas parties. Hate to break it to you but that’s exactly what you’ll get. It’s highly likely that you will also start going to more CrossFit classes than you originally planned, getting there early to catch up with people and hanging around well after the WOD to chat.
Why is community at the heart of everything we do, you ask? And what does it have to do with getting fitter? Listen up…
Inclusivity
Anyone can join CrossFit, and anyone can do CrossFit. There’s no gym bros making you feel like a tit for being in the free weights area, and no cardio junkies spending hours on the bike. No-one is side-eyeing you for using fractional weights or doing box step-overs instead of box jumps. You’re actively encouraged to take the workout at your own pace and scale, which makes everyone feel welcome and no one feel overwhelmed.
Communication
At CrossFit 3D we communicate with members in multiple ways, whether that’s chatting on the gym floor, posting on Instagram, uploading videos on BoxMate or writing blogs for the website. We actively promote open communication between trainers and members. By doing that, we encourage members to take an active part in our CrossFit community, contributing ideas, feedback and, at times, criticism. Having an open forum for communication makes everyone feel valued.
Shared Values
Before you even know anyone’s names, you already have something in common; you’re there to get fitter. Knowing that you’re stepping into a WOD with people who get what you’re doing and why you’re doing it is actually pretty life affirming. It also gives you some good small talk to ignite a convo and get to know folk. Passing glances in the middle of a brutal EMOM or fist bumps at the end of a WOD helps to cement a sense of belonging, which is often the start of something beautiful.
Collaboration
Partner WODs are standard for a Saturday at CrossFit 3D, giving you the chance to get in the mix with other members. The sense of camaraderie you get from facing a WOD together sows the seeds of early friendships, and pushes you to challenge yourself. Warm ups often mean teamwork too with some games thrown in every now and then. CrossFit can also have an element of friendly competition. Some people couldn’t care less if they’re on the leader board but some love the friendly rivalry and the kick up the arse it gives them.
Celebration
Everyone in a CrossFit community knows what it feels like to be dripping in sweat and two more sets away from the timer finishing. They will cheer for you, shut up if you’re not one for an audience, and be with you through every pained expression and ‘wtf’ moment. That doesn’t happen in a bog standard gym. To build on that, at CrossFit 3D, we have regular awards ceremonies and celebrations to give back to our members and carry on the literal and metaphorical high fives. If you’re brave enough to try the 7am class, you might even get roped into a dance off.
Socials
Throughout the year, the CrossFit community at 3D comes together for charity events, internal and external competitions and our summer bash. There’s a Christmas party as well, usually somewhere in Manchester. We do this primarily to give members the opportunity to enjoy the community in a more relaxed environment, but also we just like to see everyone out of gym wear, and hearing the stories the next day.
Support
Support comes in all shapes and sizes in a CrossFit community; whether that’s a smile you see when you walk into the gym for the first time, the nod that ‘you can do it’ when you’re going for a PB, or advice on a tricky movement from the more experienced members. The trainers at 3D get to know our members and understand their needs, limitations and current level of fitness; they know when to push you or when to step back, and take time to explain things you might be struggling with.
It’s not just workouts either. On any given day at CrossFit 3D, you’ll overhear people talking about their lives, bringing in their kids or their dogs and, more often than not, offering a shoulder to one another when it’s been a tough day. You’ll see members lending each other ropes, grips or just a listening ear and you will always, no matter what, hear laughter.
Join The CrossFit Community At 3D
We’re proud of the insane levels of fitness we witness every day at CrossFit 3D, and of the CrossFit programme we deliver, but it’s the community that’s at the heart of it. It‘s a ready-made cheer squad that motivates you to get stronger, keep going and push further. The thriving CrossFit community at 3D helps our members to grow physically, mentally and emotionally.
Give CrossFit 3D a go for yourself. We guarantee that you’ll come for the metabolic conditioning and strength training but stay for the community and CrossFit friends.
