Foundation CrossFit — Local services in Seattle

I walked into Foundation after a year of CrossFit experience and, while I had no illusions that I was a master at it, I thought I was doing pretty good. I was getting through (most) classes at my previous gym without ending up on the floor and had just done Festivus, so I walked in thinking I was on my way to "competition ready." Owners Andrew and Tony and their amazing staff of coaches quickly showed me how far I still needed to go and that I wasn't adequately challenging myself. Their programming was next level for me and every class was a schooling both in technique and in regards to what I am personally capable of. I purchased personal training sessions with Coach Ron Hook and he has helped me to level up considerably since I started with him 6 months ago. His professionalism and honed technical skills are apparent in just one class with him, but he has a super supportive, friendly, and an extremely patient approach that compliments his practical knowledge perfectly. He taught me that you aren't pushing yourself hard enough if you DON'T end up on the floor and so that's where I ended every session. The community in this gym is exactly what I've been looking for. It takes time as it does with all groups of people, but I was eventually taken in by a positive atmosphere of friendship and people who support others in their goals. The other members are the kind of goal oriented, driven people that have me getting to class early and hanging around after just so I can catch up and see how their weeks are going. Join this gym and make sure you thank me when you see me there everyday! And, no, Atlas...

If you've been doing CrossFit for a while and are serious about improving, I'd avoid this gym.

Pros: Nice members

Cons:

1. Programming is terrible. I'm paying a lot of money and I expect an hour's long worth of work for a class. There were routinely classes where the only thing programmed for an hour-long class was a 12 min WOD or 15 AMRAP.

2. Little focus on fundamental barbell skill work

3. No open gym

4. It seems like the gym is more interested in making money than fostering a community.

a) As someone new to the area, this gym makes you pay to try out classes. All other gyms I've joined after moving have allowed me try out a few classes for free to ensure there's a match.

b) This gym made me go through a weeklong on-ramp (I have 5+ years of CrossFit experience), which could have taken 15 minutes to complete. This also costs money.

c) Instead of including barbell skill development/strength work in actual CrossFit classes, they make members pay extra money for "guided gym sessions" in which you are handed a "custom program", but work on your lifts with little to no supervision from coaches. So effectively, you're paying additional money for existing equipment you have access to to do programming that should be included in normal CrossFit classes, and are doing it mostly unsupervised.

5. No Wodify or app to record results and track progress. Instead they give members notebooks. Considering the amount of money members are paying, you'd expect this to be available to make things easier...

Just wanted to give an update on this review. First I want to say that I would be hard pressed to find another box that has such a fine focus on coaching and technique. For my work I travel quite a bit and can safely say that I have visited over 40+ Crossfit Boxes in the last 5 years in my travels. FOUNDATION CROSSFIT IS THE BEST ONE...PERIOD.

This box excels in coaching. My wife and I never participated before in Olympic Lifting or much barbel work before we entered the Crossfit world. Out of the many gyms that we visited, we can both honestly say that due to this coaching we have had the most confidence ever in the different movements required by Crossfit.

The results speak for themselves. I have increased my weight from 170 to 190 pounds with no increase in body fat. I am the strongest that I have ever been in my life right now. My wife is in the same boat. She has increase her muscle mass by 16.7% during our time at Foundation as well.

The coaches are absolutely amazing at Foundation and each of them have their own flavor and twist to the workouts. The great thing about this is that it never gets boring. Also the owner's are just great people. From podcasts to doing what's right for their patrons as well as the community. I am proud to support a business that stands for such iconic ideals. You'd be hard pressed to find a better mix.

Special shot out to the coaches who have played a huge part in our fitness success: Andrew, Tony, Dave, Sheena, Boots, Nate,...