CrossFit Rittenhouse — Local services in Philadelphia

I don't make declarative statements much, but of the dozens of boxes I've been a part of or dropped into, Crossfit Rittenhouse is flat out the best. I've either been a long term drop-in or 10-pack class holder with boxes in California, New York, New Jersey, Seoul and other Philly boxes, and nothing provides more consistent quality in programming, coaching, community and value. Let me get into it..

Programming: Obscenely deliberate and detailed and sometimes spinning off into the unconventional. Programming will never be stale because Head Coach Greg is always experimenting with different ways to achieve fitness. If you know a thing or two about the fitness community, it's apparent that most people (even professionals!) get their facts mixed up with bro science. Greg has been studying exercise science for over 10 years, constantly experiments with exercise methodologies and tweaks his programming based off of the results he sees with athletes. This box isn't a METCON factory, it won't do the franchise-y, cool thing because it's what pleases the athlete--it stays true to the science of fitness and what is ultimately best for you.

Coaching: Safety is paramount and coaching is personalized. This box won't pressure you into doing anything you're uncomfortable with and WODs won't start until everyone knows exactly where they're going and what they're doing. This is something I took for granted until I joined other boxes and saw how sloppy classes can get. Classes have zero ambiguity as far as what's going on and you can focus on getting the best workout you can. Furthermore, coaches will actually coach. I've seen some simply pace around and "proctor" classes. CFRH will actually give you tailored coaching based on your strengths and weaknesses to make you a better athlete.

Community: I'm not sure how this came together, but everyone at CFRH is exceptionally nice, humble, smart and hard working. I wasn't a fan of crossfit before because I saw athletes do things like wear aviators while squatting or say inappropriate things. This box has some quality people and seems to keep attracting people like that. If you want to work out with a crowd who works hard and genuinely loves watching you succeed, this is the place for it.

Value: There are definitely places out there that are on par with what CFRH provides (Crossfit Solace in NYC, Bear Flag in Fullerton, CA; and Brick in NYC), but that quality of fitness usually came at an obscene price, or getting into a class requires a reservation 2-3 days out.

If you're deciding on a box, take it from someone whose done all the legwork already...it won't stay this easy to sign up...

New to Crossfit? Crossfit skeptic? THIS is the place for you! This is a place that will challenge you to be better, faster, strong, and happier, all in an environment that will challenge but support you along the day. The stereotypes of CF being too "culty" or too "dangerous" have no place here. Everyone is welcome and your instructor will watch you like a hawk to ensure you are staying strong and healthy, especially when new.

Probably the most unique aspect of the gym is the behavior of its members. While this is something that the management cannot control, it can be role modeled, which is clearly what is going on over here! Two members noticed I had popped in for the first time while wearing the "I'm a new girl" look on my face, so they made it a point to come over and introduce themselves to me while offering words of encouragement. That's something I certainly didn't find in the other gyms!

If you are reading this and have even the slightest twinge of curiosity about CF, or are visiting the area, follow that feeling and c'mon in! If you see me say hi, because I am now a member, and promise to...

Been working with head coach Ash for years before I moved to Philly. And couldn't have been happier to see him come to Philadelphia. By far the best Crossfit gym I've been a part of, with the best coaching I've ever had. Including everywhere I've dropped in. Nobody cares more and focuses more on form and quality movements like Ash, and the coaches at Rittenhouse.

The coaches know every single member and know exactly how advanced they are, and what they should be doing to scale their workouts. They never push members to do more than they are comfortable with, and I have never once felt like I was out of my comfort zone at Rittenhouse, or with Coach Ash.

Anybody considering joining Crossfit or looking for a Crossfit gym would be doing themselves a disservice if they didn't drop in and check out...