#crossfit programming

The first review for Utah Crossfit Review is for Crossfit GSL.  **Keep in mind with all these reviews, the affiliate has not paid for a review, they don't even know a review is occurring.  We've chosen to do it this way to try to get the best, natural feel of each affiliate.  We're not trying to be sneaky or trick anyone.  We pay for our time at each affiliate and attend for at least a month to get a feel for as much of the culture as possible.  There are so many variables to a great Crossfit experience so we're simply trying to provide some information to help you choose the best box for you.  We hope it helps to grow the Crossfit movement in the Beehive State!**

Crossfit GSL (CFGSL) is new for 2012 and is located in Draper, Utah on the West side of I-15 in an industrial park.  This is actually a pretty common location type for Crossfit boxes as they provide the space needed while keeping overhead fairly low.  The space CFGSL occupies is great, it is SO big.  It could easily accommodate a large class of 30.  Not that you'd want that, but it could.  The Location is easy to get to once you've been there once (signage is a bit scarce), has plenty of parking, and is set up for some safe running routes, too.

The equipment at CFGSL is good.  We're not a fan of how they have their pull up rig set up against the wall instead of having a "games" style rack (Free-standing with multiple sides for use.)  See Rogue fitness or Again Faster for the style I'm referring to.  This isn't a HUGE deal, but it does limit the number of people in a pull-up, Toes-2-bar or knees-to-elbows WOD.  They also have the rings attached to this rig, which is a bit tight - especially in a WOD with ring dips or muscle-ups and anything where you need the rack for barbell lifts.  Everything else is nice and new, they have ample bumpers and barbells, plenty of kettle-bells, medicine balls, boxes, and jump-ropes.  5 C2 rowers round things out along with a couple of ropes for climbing.  The motif is nice too, the color is cool, it's a cool space.  CFGSL is a great choice for a home box.

The owners are Chelsea Rupp and Zach Ludlow.  We can't say enough good about these two. They are both legit Crossfit athletes, know their stuff, and really care about their clients/members.  Chelsea is as nice as they come but very motivating as a coach.  Zach motivates in such a way that you just want to lift more to impress him.  And again, they care that you do things right and safe.  Their foundation classes were amongst the best we've experienced in these reviews.

We also worked out with Greg and Trevor who are fantastic to work out with.  We are BIG fans here at UCFR of coaches who don't let athletes get away with crap form during a WOD.  Form truly is the most important aspect of learning here and the coaches demonstrate that.  Greg is intense, and we like that.  Trevor is cool and we like that too.  Readers of this blog will find that we like coaches that PAY ATTENTION and share their expertise at all times during warm-ups, strength training and WOD's.  Any affiliate that doesn't provide significant attention to clients won't ever score well with us, regardless of other benefits at their box.

We really enjoyed the programming at CFGSL - it was way challenging and cycled through body-weight and heavy weight met/con's nicely.  Some affiliates prefer to go heavy all the time and some prefer to go high reps more often.  CFGSL keeps things well balanced so you don't have to cherry-pick WOD's.  The coaches also do a great job working though mobility and warm-ups.  The one thing they could possibly do more of is talking about nutrition.

CFGSL does not have a children's area, but there is a nice lounge area where older kids can hang out.  Little kids will get bored and will wander out onto the workout floor.  A separate kid's area with a TV or some toys would be nice.

Cost isn't a consideration with these reviews, unless the monthly dues are WAY out of whack with what you get.  Everything is right in line with what you can expect from an affiliate in Utah.  See their website for pricing.  If you live near CFGSL, you could do WAY worse than joining here.  

Owners/Trainers - 5

Location - 4

Programming/Nutrition - 4

Facilities - 4

Culture - 5