Sunday, February 26, 2012

Reebok CrossFit Back Bay



Reebok CrossFit Back Bay is the first independent Reebok branded affiliate in the US.  The owners, Josh and Michael, have taken a slightly different approach to location than most.  Often due to affordability a lot of affiliates can be found in industrial areas not always that readily viewable by someone not seeking it out.  Back Bay doesn't have that problem.  Located approximately 20 minutes from Logan International Airport on the ground floor of an upscale office building in Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

Their concept is to tap into the "young professional" demographic.  At a monthly rate of $289. for unlimited membership, their clients are clearly successful outside of the gym!   Only open for 6 weeks and they already have an impressive membership of just over 200.  Their 3500 sq. ft. store front box is comprised of a large area for working out, a small mobility room to get your get your fill of foam rollers and lax balls, and locker rooms with showers.  The current space has already become too small for this rapidly growing gym and plans are under way to expand to 7500 sq. ft.


Wanting to focus on quality over quantity they only allow 10 students per class.  Each class has one coach and an intern to lead the session.  Drop in fee is $30 and t-shirts run $30 as well.  Thursday’s wod was first a skill session of the hang snatch with nothing but pvc.  Most of Back Bay's clients are CF noobs and Olympic movements are an entirely new concept.  Following the skill session was 5 rounds of two minute amrap (as many rounds as possible) of 5 deadlift @ 225 and 8 wall ball, one minute rest between rounds.  A lower back party! WooHoo.  Coaching throughout the session was great, very thorough and plenty of encouragement. 

 
When asked what their biggest issue has been so far Josh answered simply with "scheduling".  In order to keep their classes to a limited number of participants they require members to log in and schedule their sessions.  As often happens with professionals, schedules change and people don't always remember to log in and cancel their sessions. 

If you’re in Boston and want a CF experience in a unique environment, give Back Bay a try.  Just make sure you schedule it first...


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