Crossfit Merge

I’m a beginner, and can say that I’m totally in Love with it! the people and trainers here are awesome. They take the time to help me out and show me how to do moves that I have never heard about. Everyone here is so welcoming. My only regret is not having enough time to come here more often! Every single workout is always different and targets different muscles, so with that said, I’m sore 7 days a week, but it’s a Good sore!

I started doing the bootcamp here and then moved up to the Crossfit membership… and I love it.
I was MOST DEFINITELY a beginner when I started. I was technically slightly underweight and got asked A LOT by people if I needed help carrying things. haha
So if you’re scared to start because you know you aren’t going to be able to lift that much weight… I totally get it. BUT NO ONE CARES! It’s awesome. And the coaches make sure you understand the form and movement before letting you do it with weights.
Looking through these reviews, I saw someone irritated that we go through people’s names and ask a quick question of the day. But. That’s what makes this place great. You actually get to KNOW people’s names, and know who they are. Not by just the questions, obviously, but it’s a nice opening of the conversation door.
And I’ve been e-​mailed! I was gone for 2 weeks for Christmas/​New Years, and I got a nice little e-​mail from them telling me they missed me. They remind you and ask how you’re doing… but they can’t MAKE you show up.
Also, for those scared of the «wrist accident» mentioned, I have NEVER felt like I could hurt myself with a weight. They tell you how to «bail out» safely. And if you think you need a spotter, you should say something and the coaches are there in a heartbeat. Also, if YOU don’t feel safe doing a movement, they will NEVER force you to do it and even give you other movements to do instead if you want. These coaches look out for you.
Try it out! I never thought I’d be lifting weights, and it’s been the best thing. Especially if you’ve got exercise ADD like me. Do it!

I really did like this place and the trainers try pretty hard to give you a decent experience.
Where I felt like it was lagging:
I was pretty excited to hear that they’d push you hard, give you personal coaches/​coaching, call when you hadn’t been coming to class, but none of that ever happened. I’d been missing more than half my classes and never got a single phone call although I did get one email when I was gone for a few weeks. I was really looking forward to being part of a bootcamp like experience.
I took classes during the day and found most of the other people fairly irritating. They’d try to «motivate» you by yelling at you to «come on,» and stood around you which frankly I did not enjoy. Some of them, who otherwise had never spoken a word to me in many multiple classes, got mad at me when I felt like only giving it half effort, which would be nice if they didn’t use this as their only opportunity to «encourage» because it felt more like bullying.
It was especially annoying that a lot of the guys were pretty out of shape and had little to no knowledge or advice to offer. This was certainly not inspiring.
My other complaints are about the fact that we didn’t really get to lift weights enough. I seriously did not care about what the guy next to me favorite color or whatever bs question was taking up time in my workout. Save the bonding exercises for 5 minutes before class and actually get stuff done.
It felt like at least 70% cardio followed by rushed weight lifting.
All that said the people can be really nice and I do really admire the fact that they are getting a lot of clueless people into better shape.

I’ve been a member at CF Merge since March 2012 and I absolutely love it there. The coaches are extremely competent and are great communicators. They’re always motivating and encouraging you. They stress good form… I’ve never injured myself here. Class sizes vary but there is always additional coaches for the larger classes. The facility is super clean and well equipped. I started with zero athletic background (if there was an athlete gene, it’d be missing from my DNA), and it’s insane how far I’ve come after training here!

Best coaches ever, friendly members, and the bootcamp program is as fantastic as the crossfit classes!
I’m a long-​time yoga person, but after my second pregnancy, I was ready to get back into shape with something more «Yang» than «Yin,» and I’m happy I found Merge’s world’s best bootcamp program. Bryce gently persuaded me to go ahead with the program even though I was nervous about postpartum aches and potential injuries. He said he’d look out for me, and he did. I never felt pressure to do anything beyond my limits, but I found my physical edge and built my endurance and strength from there. In just six weeks, I was running a mile without stopping and doing waaaaaay more pushups, lunges, and situps than I’d ever thought possible. I noticed muscles resurfacing in my legs and arms. Hurrah! Most importantly, I FELT BETTER emotionally and psychologically. Not just a post-​workout hour of bliss, but a sense of calm throughout my days since I began these workouts on a regular basis. That is priceless.
As soon as I finished bootcamp, I upped the ante and signed up for a Merge crossfit membership. I’ve been going religiously twice a week and look forward to it every time. The instructors are informative with a perfect blend of seriousness about workouts and friendliness as humans. Marianoel, Brian, and Bryce complement each other’s strengths, and they genuinely care about everyone who works out at Merge. I haven’t worked out this hard at any other gym, ever!!! Nor have I had this much fun with a group workout since I played soccer in high school with my best friends.
If you’re nervous about trying crossfit, I think Merge would be a good place to try it out for yourself. For those with more crossfit experience, I know Merge is awesome for you, too. The place is full of advanced class options that I am patiently working my up to being a part of. It seems like there is a core crew of serious athletes here who have major skills and are also very gracious and encouraging toward us beginners.
Thanks, Merge, for helping me transform and be a role model for my children by exercising and taking care of myself.

CrossFit Merge has given me-​RESULTS. Other gyms, tracks, supplements, magazines, and fitness programs show me before and after photos of other people but never deliver. Ever since I joined CrossFit Merge, I now own before/​after photos.
At first, I saw the Olympic rings and pull up bars that gave me chills. Then I saw the athletes with six packs working out barefoot. I thought to myself, unless I am doing steroids I have no business here. The owner assured me that CrossFit is like martial arts, not everyone has the splits or high kick on the first day. You begin with progressions and eventually WILL be able to accomplish any goal you set. I gave it a try.
Every three (3) months since joining, I have seen a huge changes in my level of fitness. After a year and half, I can honestly say that I am in the best shape of my life going into 30.
I still pay my $ 8 a month for 24 hour fitness, even though I only go there to hang out with my cousin once in a while. HAHA. The last time I went there, I saw people doing Wall Balls and Cleans. They now offer Cross Training classes. I am assuming imitation CrossFit classes. Either way, I like the fact that commercial gyms are realizing that CrossFit was right and they are incorporating what works. I do not want to lose my grandfathered price there, but will be doing real CrossFit from here on out.
Thanks CF Merge for all your support.
Yours truly,
Chevy

I talk about Crossfit Merge any time I get the chance so why not do something useful and write a review? It’s the least i can do for the gym in return for everything it has done for me. Next month it will be my 2 month anniversary (or CrossFITversary) and I am in the best shape of my life… there is still much work to be done…
My Background: I was a dance kid and practically grew up in the dance studio. I was never a part of any sports team and only had to take one year of Phys Ed EVER. Dance always got me out of PE. Before CrossFit Merge, the last time I ran a mile was 8^th grade. After I finished college and no longer was part of a dance team I needed to figure out some sort of gym routine that I could stick with. I joined 24 hours like any other gym newbie. They’re on every corner, inexpensive, and low commitment. It didn’t work for me. I never went and when I did go I didn’t know how to workout anyways.
The Beginning: My roommate and bestie was all about trying new things. She had heard about CrossFit and wanted to give it a try. I was unwillingly dragged along to the intro class with her where Bryce, the owner and one of the coaches, killed us in a 7 minute workout. I was hooked. I was always super last in the workouts using the lightest weights but none of that mattered. All the members are supportive and would cheer me on to finish the workout.
Now: I go 4/​5x times a week and it never gets old. I’m always excited/​scared for the workouts. I just did the Tough Mudder (10 mile mud run) which I would have NEVER been able to do before Merge. I have moved apartments twice since I’ve been a member at Merge and one of my main requirements in my moves was that it was not more than 5 miles from Merge. I’m a super fan, to say the least. I’ve been to many CrossFit gyms when I travel and am always slightly disappointed. Merge is hard to beat with it’s awesome coaches and members. If you’re thinking about trying out CrossFit then you need to give Merge a try. We love new members and friends!

Radness.
Love the coaches Bryce, Brian, and Marianoel (she’s seriously sweeter than cotton candy, y’all) — they are encouraging, helpful, patient, INFORMATIVE (less injuries = more fun, am I right??), passionate, and just all around a good time.
I find myself sticking around for at least an hour after my class because I really do enjoy spending time with the athletes I’ve met at this gym. MErge is more than a gym. It has become like my second family and I can honestly say that I’ve met some of my closest friends here.
I signed up summer of 2012 attending two classes a week. I now go through serious withdrawls if I’m not there. True story.
You should definitely consider stopping by if you want to give crossfit a shot, or even if you want to see your body change. No joke, I used to pant walking up stairs.

Yes, 5 stars isn’t enough for this place. No exaggeration either, as a USA Triathlon Coach I found this place a perfect match for my off-​season training. This box is so clean you can eat off the floor. Bryce and Bryan are both intelligent coaches giving us understanding with functionality, mobility, and strength from each session (or WOD as they call it). After completing 5 half and 2 full Ironmans this year I couldn’t have asked for a better place to build strength for next season.

A year and a half in. I am at Crossfit Merge 5 times a week. A few of the members have become some of my best friends. The coaches and fellow regulars are like family.
I’ve also since had a chance to drop in at some other Crossfit gyms. I’m so spoiled for Merge that I’m usually taken aback by how dirty they are, and how loosely organized and occasionally chaotic the classes are. I inevitably just mumble to myself, «I wish I was at Merge.»
The change in myself both physically and psychologically has been dramatic. I lost 60 pounds in the end, and have since gained back 20 in muscle. I have confidence I would have thought laughable 2 years ago, and seldom succumb to the depression that used to haunt me regularly.
Somehow this is the one gym in Los Angeles without a single meathead: get to know these people and there’s depth and intelligence there. They’re not here because they just want to be BIGGER, they’re here because they want to be better people, build discipline in their lives, and hold themselves accountable. Some of them are truly inspiring.
I’m still sore regularly, I’m still collapsed in a sweaty heap at the end of most workouts. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m getting there. I will be here for as long as my body and Bryce allow me.

I figure the best time to write about something is your first experience, so here we go. I had never done Crossfit before. I knew it was supposed to be a tough workout, but seeing it had become thenew trend I expected a lot of attitude or fluff. I guess the first thing that changed my mind wasmeeting the owner Bryce. I knew it couldn’t be fluffy with a Marince Corp Veteran as the owner. Not only that, everyone there was extremely welcoming and friendly when I first walked in. Needless to say my first workout kicked my behind, but the support from the trainers and the other members was amazing! I did not expect to have everyone introduce themselves and offered words of support as we trained. The place is clean, has squared away trainers and one hell of a group of people that work out there. I am soooo glad I signed up!

Yeah, pretty amazing. Definitely worth your while to stop in and try it.
I’m in my late fifties (ACK! Good God! How’d THAT happen?!?) and thought I was in pretty good shape, from dog-​hiking and a pretty physical part-​time job. I’ve always been interested in crossfit, though. It seemed like a great adult take on the elementary school playground. Running, monkey bars, swing sets. My kind of fun.
So I tried it. Brian was my coach and he is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable that even when I wanted to fall on the floor, I didn’t do it. Well, I did, but I got up again, and he adjusted things for me. I was by far the weakest in the group, but no one rolled their eyes. I tried not to be the «older woman whining,» but I did end up over-​thinking some of the forms and exercises. Don’t do that. Just put on your Good Sport Hat and try. It helped a lot when one of the big strong guys jogged past me he tossed out a «It gets easier!» to me. Everyone has to start from where they are. Life Lesson #324.
This is SO MUCH FUN — much more fun than a regular gym, about a gajillion times more fun than Curves (which I despise), and you will make friends and laugh. And you’ll want to return, which is crucial. Fitness is an ongoing project, after all.
And it does get easier. The encouragement is contagious, and you’re only competing against yourself.
DO IT.

After trying classes at every single gym/​yoga studio/​dance studio/​pilates place within walking distance of my little old house in Atwater (and not really loving any of them enough to attend for more than a month or two), I stumbled across CrossFit Merge. While not strictly in my neighborhood (it’s in Glendale), I can still walk there in labout seven minutes, which is the only way I can motivate myself to get to the gym on a regular basis.
After five months of attending, I really can’t say enough good things about Merge! A typical class here will consist of a warm up, a skill, and a WOD, or Workout Of the Day. Usually after the warm up I am already dripping in sweat, after the skill I feel stronger, and after the WOD most of the class members are collapsed on the floor. In a good way. All of this happens in one hour, and the hour totally flies by.
They have recently expanded, so there is now double the workout space, more equipment, COCONUT WATER FOR SALE!!! and a lot of room to move around. You never feel crowded, even when doing big movements like jumping rope. All of the people working out alongside you are nice. No one cares how slow or fast you are going, as long as you are TRYING. That is the key word. Just try. Also, try not to complain about how hard it is. Because it is really, really hard.
The coaches are amazing. If you need help modifying a move, they will show you how. If you have no idea what you are doing, they will work with you one on one until you get it. If you are scared of lifting a barbell above your head (like me), they won’t laugh at you.
One of my favorite things about Merge is that they have classes for different levels, and yet you are not forced to take any sort of «on ramp» classes. You start out with other beginners, which is a nice way to meet other new people and not feel like you are totally behind when you have no idea what a wall ball shot is. And even though I am still usually the slowest/​weakest/​whateverist person in my beginners class, no one makes me feel bad about it.
I recommend popping in if you are considering doing CrossFit, or even just looking for a new kind of workout experience. If you are anything like me, the intro class will leave you sore for a week and then you will be addicted.

Amazing workout for all level, whether you are super fit or a couch potato. All workout is scale accordingly, so everyone gets their maximum workout.
The best part is Bryce creates a very friendly and encouraging atmosphere. So people don’t feel akward when they can’t do stuff. Every workout is the hardest workout I’ve ever done, and it becomes funner as I go.

This place is great. I can’t speak for other CrossFit boxes as I have only been to this one, BUT the owner is super nice and very professional as well as focused on form to prevent injury. The workouts are scalable for people like me with the endurance of a baked potato. I am already stronger and can do things I never imagine myself doing… like carrying a fully grown guy over my shoulder as part of a workout– I am a 5’4″ girly girl. I feel so empowered!
The equipment and facility are clean and well maintained and the beginner classes are perfect for newbs trying to get in shape.
Give this place a try.
Edit:
Been here for a year now. I’ve lost 32 lbs, I am ridiculously healthy with a lot of endurance. Blood pressure and resting heart rate are way down, lung capacity is up! I ran a 10k with no previous training. Woah!
Having been to two other CrossFit gyms now, I can honestly say that the coaching here is really top notch. Very informed individuals that work to make sure you’re staying safe AND pushing yourself. The programming is great and you won’t find attitudes or ego’s at this place. Everything is explained– it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been CrossFitting, you warm up with a breakdown of the movements. I love this the most about this place. They’re thorough! Extra mileage is taken with the «coaches eye» instruction. You are recorded and given a breakdown of where you’re failing, and where you’re excelling on your Olympic lifts. I highly recommend the Olympic lifting class for some serious instruction.

I had a terribly negative experience here. I’ve been doing crossfit for three years, and have worked out at two dozen different crossfit gyms. I have never even had less than a stellar experience at a crossfit gym. Until Crossfit Merge.
I showed up to have a serious, intense workout — which is what I’m accustomed to at every other crossfit I’ve been to. The owner, however, was dismissive, judgmental, and rude. I’ve never felt so unwelcome at a Crossfit gym. (I’ve never felt unwelcome at all at a crossfit gym).
There are two other crossfit gyms in the Glendale — Crossfit Ganbatte and Crossfit 818 — and another, right nearby (City of Angels Crossfit). I recommend all of them without hesitation. Crossfit Merge, however, I recommend you go out of your way to avoid.

Okay Kids, listen (read) if you want to get in shape, because you’re fat and out of shape, this is the place for you.
reasons:
— The training is awesome, its actually perfect. They scale the work out to fit your level! So if you’re already buff, then they make it harder and if you’re really out of shape they make it easier. where can you get that kind of individualized training for this little money?
— The gym is brand new. All the equipment is in perfect shape no rusty barbells here.
— Everyone that works out here is cool. I’ve met some people at other gyms who were just too macho and crazy. Here everyone is friendly, welcoming, happy, and encouraging. one of the rules of the gym is to say hi to people you haven’t seen before, or you have to to pushups or something.
— The classes are very well organized and runs exactly on time every time and ends exactly on time every time. (you can stay and hang out longer if you want or come a little early too)
— The nutrition seminars!!! they have a guy (Rane) who is a guru on nutrition. Ask him what ever you want and he tells you whats up. (When it comes to food) He has classes every couple months so you can learn how to eat to meet your goals, in terms of just looking better or performing better or both.
This is the single most effective place to workout and get in shape. All you have to do is show up for an hour, a few times per week and do what they tell you to do. That is it! Then in a couple of months you will look better, feel better, move better, and get way more love from your wife or husband or GF or BF then you ever have in your life. I guarantee it. like the guy from the mens where house.

If I could give 6 star rating I would.
If you are reading this review you should get yourself over to crossfit merge right now and try it for free!
A lot of what is going on today revolves around our economy. How much gas prices have risen, how it is hard to find and secure a good job, how difficult it is to find good investments for the future when everything is uncertain: the home market is a question mark, government debt is a question mark, our school system is a question mark. Everyone is looking to invest in their future in intangible things but not many think about their health.
Why not invest in the one thing you use the most and gives you the most returns. YOUR BODY. Do you want to be 75 years old and can’t stand up from a chair and need to use your hands to help you? Build a solid foundation now so that you can enjoy your life longer. Think about how much money you will be saving in medical costs alone in the future.
A lot of the pictures on
and the videos seem intense, and they are. But the program/​lifestyle provides you with functional tools to help you in your everyday life and helps build a body that can carry you for a lifetime.
Doing Olympic lifts and squats may seem out of place in real life but think about how many functional movements you do everyday that relate. Picking up a bag of rice or bag off the ground. Standing up from a seated position.
Plus the community is very positive and amazing. There is no need to be embarrassed, because the workouts can be done by anyone. And finally Bryce, is an amazing coach. Loves what he does, loves teaching people, and it shows. He is extremely patient and very good at explaining things until you get it.
If you are having doubts and want some one to go with. Message me and I will go with you. Free of charge :)

Crossfit Merge is a great to get motivated to meet your training goals! I am definintely excited when I go workout and I am seeing immediate results. I was getting unmotivated at my regular Ballys gym and seeing very little overall results.
All I have to do is show up on time and the workout of the day is ready for us to get done and ready within 1 hour time tops! This is perfect for my busy work & personal schedule.
The Crossfit Merge community are a great group of people who are looking to get seriously fit! We are led & coached by Bryce, a focused and motivating trainer! If you are serious about personal change… you need to be at Crossfit Merge… do it now!!!

When it became clear that I was not going to motivate myself to go to my gym on a regular basis, I cancelled my membership and switched over to CrossFit Merge. The group training environment has kept me engaged and I’ve been training about 3 times a week since the soft opening of the gym at the beginning of the year.
And thankfully, there are no meatheads to ruin the workout experience :)
The gym is brand new, so the equipment hasn’t been destroyed by other people yet and the owner keeps it super clean. Street parking is almost always available and there are several spots in the parking lot available as well.
The classes have been kept pretty small, so you’re guaranteed to get one-​on-​one attention from the head trainer, Bryce. He keeps the environment light and he has a nicer approach to keeping you motivating and working out, despite his former life as a Marine. If you go on a regular basis, he’ll vary the Work Out of the Day (WOD) to make sure you’re getting a complete workout.
Overall, a great workout experience with a great trainer!