The Traveling CrossFitter’s Guide to Dropping In

Every CrossFit affiliate is different. When you're on their turf, it's their rules. Here's how to drop in without looking like a jerk (the bad kind, that is).

We love visitors! ❤️🌴 

We require online signup ahead of your visit. It only takes a couple of minutes, and then you're ready for an easy-breezy check-in upon arrival.

See you in class!

1. Do Your Homework

Research your choices ahead of time. If you're visiting a large city, you'll have many choices for places to visit, while small towns might have a very limited selection of locations and class times. Use the CrossFit Affiliate Map, or the "Wodifind" feature in the Wodify app. Online reviews on Yelp and Google will give you a good starting point for narrowing the field, but Facebook and Instagram profiles are even better. You'll get a pretty good feel for the personality of the place.

Above all else: Do not assume it's like your home box. CrossFit gyms are small businesses with limited resources, and they're run entirely independently of each other.

Drop-In Policies vary widely from box to box. While many are very casual, others require drop-ins to attend particular class times, and some don't accept drop-ins at all.

For gyms in tourist hotspots (like ours), these drop-in policies allow them to reasonably accept guests without negatively impacting the monthly clients who pay their bills.

This takes us to the next step:

Check the affiliate webpage ahead of time for details and reservation links. If you don't see any specific directions online, email or call the box to ask for their procedure. Include details like your full name, phone number, experience, and the specific days you'd like to drop in.

Holiday hours might be drastically different from the usual schedule. Ask if it is not already posted on their website or social media.

high fives at crossfit9

2. Arrive Early

Nothing is more disruptive to a class than having a visitor show up right at class start time, or even worse... late. Show respect for the box you're visiting by showing up at least 15 minutes ahead of class (at a bare minimum).  You'll have plenty of time to pay for your drop-in, sign the waiver, and mobilize. Some affiliates expect you to do your own warm-up and mobilization ahead of start time, so allow for that if necessary. Meet the coach, and let them know if you're nursing an injury or need to substitute a movement.

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3. Listen

Every coach has a different toolbox to get the job done. You'll likely hear new cues and methods than you do at your home box, and that's a great thing. Often, coaches are trying to get you to accomplish the same thing with different verbal cues. They might have a trick that really speaks to you, so listen up!

If a coach asks you to do something you know is unsafe, go ahead and sub for a different movement or lower weight. It may be their turf, but it's your body. No need to be argumentative.

crossfit in st pete fl

4. Go ahead, be a tourist!

You've got a great opportunity to rub elbows with the townsfolk, so take advantage! Be friendly with the people in your class. After all, the locals always know the good places to go, right?

It's pretty much a required CrossFit tradition to collect t-shirts from the places you've visited. While some boxes only accept cards, other boxes prefer cash, so come with a few bucks to pony up for a sweet souvenir!

(Better yet: Design your own in our CrossFit9 Swag Shop!)

If you had a great time during the class, it's okay to ask someone to take your photo with the coach. Believe me, they will take it as a compliment!

5. LEave Feedback

Don't be afraid to post about your experience on the affiliate's social media, Yelp, or Google page. Feedback is valuable to a small business.

9'ers, if you saw something you really liked at another box, be sure to let us know!

Safe travels 9Nation, and happy holidays!

Drop in at crossfit9!

Visiting St. Pete during the holidays? We'd love to have you come train with us! Please RSVP ahead of time so we can best serve you.