CrossFit 646 — Local services in Tucson

You know how you can look back on your life and pick out defining moments where you knew your life was forever changed? Maybe it’s starting a new job, or having a baby, or moving to a new city…? I had one of those life-changing moments just over a year ago when I was introduced to Melissa and Matt and CrossFit 646. I started off Personal Training with Mel at the recommendation of friend, and eventually started taking their CrossFit classes. It's around that point my life forever changed for the better. Prior to finding 646, I was a Cardio Class Queen, both taking and instructing cardio classes nearly 5 times a week. Little did I know then how much more there was to fitness!

I was incredibly hesitant to start CrossFit classes. I was concerned I wouldn’t be good enough, I wouldn’t fit in, and that I would have to defend my participation against the “CrossFit Stigma” that so many people have. But here’s what I found:

Everyone is good enough! Matt, Mel and team find ways to accommodate all levels of skill, fitness, goals, injury and motivation. Just because I started slower, lifted lighter, or rested longer than others in the class didn’t make my workouts any less beneficial. In fact, starting light and slow allowed my body to adapt to changes and discover strength I never knew I had! And over the past year, I have found myself celebrating finishing a tough workout, being able to do something I never could do before, and hitting personal records.

Everyone fits in! I’ve never seen a more diverse group of people with the goal of getting in a good workout. Some folks do their classes twice a week, others are at the gym daily, and some have long term competition goals and are in the gym all the time. But no matter what, everyone is supportive of each other. There’s nothing better than the cheers and high fives from everyone during and after completing a killer workout. It’s like a high, and once you feel it, you never really want to let it go.

The CrossFit Stigma doesn’t matter! I, myself, used to make fun of CrossFitters; but I know now it’s just because I didn’t really understand it. And now, after doing it, I really don’t care what anyone thinks of me or my participation in CrossFit. These workouts challenge me. The people excite me. And being a part of this family makes me happy.

If you’re looking for a place where you can be challenged, meet great people, and get in shape, you certainly will not be disappointed with CrossFit 646. I guarantee that once you try it, you’ll never, ever look back. You too, will be talking about one of your life’s...

The Sweet & Short of Crossfit 646:

Matt & Mel run an amazing crossfit box! I started going to the gym in October of 2015 and have gone consistently 6 days a week since. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in becoming fit and feeling challenged in a welcoming atmosphere. All of the coaches at Crossfit 646 are friendly, helpful, understanding and find time to coach you one-on-one during their small classes. Every one here is supportive of one another and looking to do the same thing: get healthier, stronger, and better! Definitely try out one of their classes, the first one is free so you've got nothing to lose!

The Long Version:

When I first started college in August of 2011, I joined the University of Arizona's Women's Rugby Team. It was team oriented, full-contact, and awesomely fun! I loved the sense of community I felt there and no other sport had motivated me as much. In my last semester of my undergrad, I had to quit rugby in order to work more. The next 10 months I tried all sorts of ways to stay in shape, but I wasn't committed to anything as much as I had been to rugby.

Finally in October or 2015, I joined Crossfit 646. When I started at the gym, I felt tired and aggravated by things that would not typically bother me because my body was trying to let me know that the sedentary lifestyle I had started to make my routine was not working out. At first I was winded after any little bit of exercise and could only lift light weights, very clumsily I might add. Now, I'm doing things I never imagined I would: burpees, wall balls, thrusters, kettle bell swings, you name it! And if I haven't done an exercise, I'll scale it until I can!

Matt, Mel, and Camille have been extremely supportive and helpful whether it be giving me tips during a class to better my form or talking with me after class about things to help my mobility or diet. Over the last three and a half months I have seen huge improvements in my physical and mental well-being. Crossfit 646 is the best crossfit box in Tucson, go...

Matt and Melissa York valiantly embraced the challenge when I lumbered into CrossFit 646 with a flabby 48-year-old body that hadn't been to a gym in forever. I was coming to them with noticeably closed-shouldered, slouched posture that had atrophied from years of computer work in the cubicle world.

Through boundless encouragement and amazingly patient coaching during their daily group workouts -- always with a keen eye on my safety -- Matt and Mel delivered me from my unfitness.

First, it was a challenge for me just getting through their arduous repertoires. Then, my strength and fitness blossomed. Even my posture improved. (Walking upright and balanced has given me a glorious new perspective on the world!)

What would have seemed crazy to my former, sedentary self, Matt and Mel's workouts are fun for me now. Bring on those weighty exercises! I have never felt better and credit Matt and Mel's kindness, warmth, inspiration and expertise for changing my life for the better. I am so grateful to them!

Of course, just as awesome is the friendly and phenomenally supportive community at CrossFit 646! I hope to be a member for the rest of my transformed-for-the-better, walking...