I don't typically jump on the 5 star band wagon and there weren't a great many reviews available when I was checking for a place to WOD during my recent visit so I stepped into Crossfit DOA a bit hesitantly. I've been at Crossfit for...
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I don't typically jump on the 5 star band wagon and there weren't a great many reviews available when I was checking for a place to WOD during my recent visit so I stepped into Crossfit DOA a bit hesitantly. I've been at Crossfit for 8 years and I travel quite a bit and been to boxes throughout the world so let's just say I've seen a WIDE variation in equipment, attitude and coaching technique. Enough about me. Crossfit DOA is legit!
I was visiting for a week so I was able to attend for 5 days. Crossfit DOA is the type of box I prefer. Located a bit off the main drag, light industrial business park without a lot of flash or traffic. A "destination" where you know the people who go there didn't just fall in by impulse and sign a one year contract. It's light and roomy the walls well stocked with equipment with two large rollups doors and fans for ventilation. (Personally I hate working out in air conditioning.) We had one WOD with hspu when there were about 25 people participating. My HSPU dismounts are typically not "elegant" and due to a perceived lack of available wallspace my usual "6 ft. of clearance on both sides" was not available. Turned out not to be an issue; guess who got more focused and better at HSPUs?
We had a couple of WODS with nearly 30 people participating and everyone was set up correctly with plenty of space. I was amazed when we did an ascending Deadlift ladder one day (185/135 starting and up) and everyone had all the plates they needed neatly stacked and ready for each set. That's well equipped. The next day a two bar Bodyweight Bench/Clean workout with some beasts and nobody was scrounging 10s and 15s to make-up for missing 45s. (Having the right equipment available helps get your head in the game. ) We hadn't used up the bars or bottomed out the plates in the main WOD area and I'm certain there were stacks available as necessary in the separate Oly lifting room which seemed well-attended, though I did not review.
Community is sometimes hard to assess since a lot depends on who shows up. One bad encounter at a box with a prima donna or the local bench press "champ" can give the wrong impression. Nothing bad here. I was greeted enthusiastically by all the trainers each day, a few of the members introduced themselves and everyone else was friendly.More importantly, although there was some banter pre-WOD, everyone got about their business of warming up with purpose and knowing what they were there for. It wasn't tea social and we didn't have a trust circle to introduce the "new guy". We just got on with it. Coaches were there for Q&A , more later. After the WOD, people spent time chatting and taking responsibility for their "workspace". Wiping down equipment and floor of chalk and sweat before putting it away. If you're the next guy/gal to use it you'll appreciate this attention to detail! Most telling about community is that every Saturday is a Hero WOD! 9&10. And it seems like everyone shows up! Nothing says intensity like hero WOD and nothing says we're serious about training when everyone shows up every Saturday morning for one. Oh yeah, Sunday isn't an off day here. They (we) WOD on Sundays too (usually some bench press mixed-in I'm told; also refreshing for the typical crossfitter).
Coaching styles vary widely and people respond differently to each. For me I found the coaching styles here to be great. Attentive without being overbearing. I'm not a fan of technique instruction when I'm in the middle of a workout (unless I'm going to hurt myself) but I don't want to be ignored. The cues were motivational, on point and timely. Jeff called "good" lifts during one set which was reassuring and set a "competition tone". He and all the instructors were always active walking around, calling the times, (10 seconds remaining! etc.) instead of starting the clock and walking away as I've seen in other boxes.
Programming was excellent with a bit of strength bias. This place ramps up on the weekends when others are ramping down.
Excellent box and experience all around!