Crossfit Sandringham (Sandringham/Melbourne Australia)

When I walked into Crossfit Sandringham I felt like I was part of a family that was waiting for me to come home–which just reinforced how valuable I think the crossfit community is, as a whole.

I would also like to point out how different every box is from each other. Just because one place (regardless of what the gym is. It could be “fitness first”, “golds gym”, “curves”, “cuts”, “my neighbor’s backyard”, or whatever else…) every place is different. Try different things until something sticks! Don’t just say “well, exercise isn’t for me!”

Moving on!

Sandringham started out as, literally, a warehouse (or, rather, a shipping container!) and have grown into their new space off Bay Road (which is close to the Southland Shopping Center. If you rely on public transport, like me, this is pretty awesome).

For as small as the box is (about 30-40 subs a month, class size varies from 2-12 people) they have a very diverse set of coaches (5 on staff) which I find helps my form dramatically. Because different coaches see different things (the more educated eyes on things the better, imo) the more variety of vocal commands I’m able to be told in different ways. For me- this helps a lot of mental barriers of “just not getting it” which helps my brain make different connections and, therefore, my forms are getting stronger/better.

 

In addition to all this- they have coaches that specialize in various other “sports” like Mixed Martial Arts and Running. One coach (Mandi) runs an endurance program (for those criminally insane who want to attempt to run a Marathon…..) while Lisa and Dave are starting up a “CrossBox” class (which mixes crossfit and boxing!).

 

I also REALLY APPRECIATE any box/coach that, like a cover-band, takes suggestions. Keeping in mind that I’m American who is visiting Australia- no one did Memorial Day Murph* (because, uh, they don’t have Memorial Day here)– but I suggested it for a Saturday morning. After much complaining we set out to run it and everyone completed in under an hour—with no vomiting! Woot!

 

I like these guys a lot. I like the support. I like the banter. I like the encouragement. I like the location. I like the coaches. I like the box. Come and visit if you’re in the area and you won’t be disappointed.

 

*Murph = Run a mile, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats, run a mile. If possible- all in a 20lb weighted vest.