CrossFit Final Duel — Local services in Hopedale

I don't know how these coaches manage to make sweating and lifting heavy things feel like a warm hug, but somehow they do.

I decided to try CrossFit about two months ago. After several years of working out on my own, I wanted to join a community that would push me harder than I would push myself. I knew CrossFit would do this, and I was lucky enough to find Final Duel. This gym has so many positives including:

A culture of positivity and friendliness. From day one, I felt welcome. People acknowledged me when I arrived, were friendly during warmups, and encouraged me during workouts. Donna, the owner, is the foundation of this culture. She is always upbeat and has a kind word for everyone.

Clear instructions. There is no guesswork about what we are doing or how to do it. Each class starts with an overview of the workout of the day (WOD), which is posted on a screen and on whiteboards. Then we are led through a group warmup, which includes instructions on how to do each of the movements that will happen during the WOD. While we are in the middle of the workout, the knowledgeable coaches offer encouragement and corrections on form to increase efficiency and avoid injury.

Clean gym and equipment that is in good condition.

Many options for class times, though if you go at the same time consistently, you get the benefit of feeling like that class is your special team.

Tech that enhances the experience. A big screen TV displays the WOD near the entrance. You can check in and log your workouts via two different apps. One app posts the WODs for the upcoming 3 days, allows you to log the results of your workout (weights and times), and see other gym members’ results. The other app allows you to book your next workout, see who the coach will be, and see who else is signed up for the session. The gym is also active on social media, and it’s nice to see badass photos of you and your gym buddies killing it during a workout (or sometimes looking like you’re on the verge of collapse)!

Bumpy, the owners’ dog, who accompanies them to the gym. Definitely makes it a better experience for me and anyone who likes dogs!

I can't say enough good things about Donna and the rest of the CrossFit Final Duel team. In fact I can't say anything because I'm completely out of breath from the workout we just...

I started going to CF Final Duel in April 2021 and now make it a part of my daily/weekly routine. I have always exercised since my late teens, but finding time to workout, push and challenge yourself when you are 20-25 years old isn’t very difficult in my opinion. Being 42 presently with 2 kids at home (11 & 9), juggling life and kids sports, staying healthy and active becomes much more of a daily challenge.

I typically go to the 5:30AM class on weekdays because that allows me to get the workout in, and make it home in time to get my kids ready for school. The hour workout is plenty and I’m honestly in the best shape I have been in since college because I have been able to work it into my daily routine and don’t need to be at the gym for 2 hours. Some workouts are 8 minutes and that alone is plenty.

Awesome owners, awesome people, great support system with everyone encouraging each other. The workouts are also set up in a way that you have to hold yourself accountable which we all need certain days.

Don’t let the movements prevent you from trying it. I couldn’t do half of them when I started either but you figure it out over time, and there are good coaches along the way to support you and learning them. Give it a shot, you don’t know...

Joining CrossFit Final Duel was one of the best decisions I've made. There are many CrossFit gyms around me but this gym was recommended by many. I was anxious to go because I had fallen off the gym bandwagon and was OUT of shape after having my kids. Everyone from the coaches to other members made me feel welcomed and the nerves quickly went away. Everyone has pushed me to become stronger. I have accomplished many things that I thought I could never. Getting up at 4:45am every morning to get to the 5:30am class is TOUGH but I look forward to going. Donna is absolutely amazing and probably one of the most caring coaches I have met. She always has a smile on her face and is positive. Her smile and positive attitude is contagious. She can even get some of us to dance at 5:30am :) I can't thank Donna and the rest of the coaches enough for all the support and motivation to...