As a self-professed hater of plyometrics, I’ve been known to avoid any exercise regime that even comes close to including pull-ups, burpees, or planks.
But then again, I’m also aware of the importance of mixing it up – so, when a friend sent me an invite to his recently opened box (term for a crossfit studio) I thought I’d stop in and try it out.
Huge and clean, to start, which is rare for any kind of gym.
Mats and bars on one end, bell-ball weights and rowing machines and stepping stools on the others.
At first it looks like it has the potential for torture, but as the whiteboard and clock come in to focus, you’ll slowly realize that you are your own competition. I know, what?
Well, each WOD (workout of the day) is written up on a whiteboard and sits next to a stop clock.
The class begins with a group warm up, a lesson or two about technique, and then gets to the meat and end by a series of a handful of exercises (the one I did was burpees, squats, kettle lifts, and pull ups).
We did this seven times each and for seven rounds.
Sure, everyone is going as fast as they can, but the goal is to get a time – and then try to beat it the next time.
Everyone at the SandBox was extremely welcoming, patient, and friendly.
I highly recommend giving it a try, and coming from the mouth and muscles of someone who hates short bursts of strenuous movement, it must be worth the salt.
Tip: Bring water, wear sneakers, and get ready to sweat.
CrossFit SandBox
925 Wilshire Boulevard
310.260.8810
