CrossFit Mean Streets

We dropped into this gym while visiting and it was pretty bad. I am an experienced crossfitter with 6+ years in the sport. While the space is cool and the programming that day was good, the owner and coach, Ronnie, left a lot to be desired. He provided zero instruction on the movements in the wod and was more interested in talking to some girls at the front desk than coaching. The wod had cleans and free standing handstand head touches in it, a complex gymnastics movement to say the least. He neither described nor demonstrated it and when I asked him to show me he seemed totally put out. When I said I could probably only do one or two, his response was «well I guess you’re not doing it are you». Not only was this totally snide and unhelpful, he didn’t even bother to offer a scaling suggestion. And it wasn’t just me, he instructed no one in the class at all and while the wod was going on he was busy teaching some other girl, not in the class, pull ups. It was probably the worst coaching experience I’ve ever had not to mention the most rude and unfriendly. If you’re looking to drop in, go somewhere else. I’m shocked he’s still in business. He didn’t coach ANY of the movements in the workout.

Does this gym not want business? I have tried calling twice, once before the new year and once after a few days after the new year. I’ve sent a message via their website a few days ago. I get that we just had holidays, but what do I have to do to get a response?

Mean Streets is a joy. Every one is very welcoming (both coaches and members) and the coaches know what they’re talking about. They have a nice selection of classes (gymnastics included) and a wide range of class times. I’d definitely recommend.

Crossfit is amazing! Jo is awesome and we really get a workout! Ronnie is great and we love it here!

We’re visiting from Seattle. The gym used to be a funky old nightclub. Rich was our coach and he was super friendly! Everyone in class was friendly too. I can’t recommend this place enough. Love Crossfit community!

Great spot, easy to find. And the staff are really friendly. Overall it is a very enjoyable experience working out in this establishment.

This is my third attempt at participating in CrossFit. I work out in the morning prior to work lifting weights and Running. Problem is solitary workouts don’t seem to get the return on time investment. I made two attempts prior to attending classes at Smiley Streets. Each time I felt like I was rushed into movements that I couldn’t do. In four weeks of attending Smiley/​Mean Streets, this has never happened.
There are several coaches at Cross fit mean streets and smiley streets that really take the time to show us the movements. I love the scale up options in every workout.
Chris is an excellent coach, I have taken my front squats from 85 one rep max to 115 for 15 reps in 2 weeks. Coming from someone who is brand-​new to these movements I am very excited. Chris spent some time showing me some technique today and I Expect I will work up to 135 next session. Chris is very involved in every class and has a great balance of showing you a technique and letting you try, making small improvements every time. He is not going to let you stand around though, he seems to know when you crossed the line from exhaustion to slackin.
Ronnie is a great coach as well he will never win a bedside manner award. I got to say the guy teaches you what you need to know, when you need to know it, and pushes you to do things that you never thought you could do. I think his style is hilarious and motivating I can tell he is serious about keeping people healthy, and getting people in shape.
My one fear was doing CrossFit, was risking an injury to a sore shoulder in a somewhat bad knee. After four weeks, this is no longer a concern and I’ve never felt stronger.
My recommendation, go four times a week for two weeks and you will be addicted.

I have been a member for about 10 months now. I do the WhipCon class, its intense. The coaches are very knowledgeable, and guide you through the whole workout. I really value being able to work out here

Ronnie and the rest of the trainers here are great! The programming and the attention to detail is 2^nd to none. These guys are old school Crossfit and it’s refreshing to have that! If you’re looking to get stronger, faster, or more efficient this is the team to help you. The box is very unique and in the heart of Downtown LA. Thanks CROSSFIT Mean Streets for allowing me to train with you and your awesome members and I look forward to my next visit to LA!

I recently stopped in as I was in town for business. Mean Streets asked for my gym owner to email my status of my membership. They happily took me in. I went to the 6 am class and loved it. If you get a chance to workout there when they lift on the sidewalks, IT IS AWESOME! I loved doing deadlifts on the sidewalk having people look at us like we were crazy. The WODs are hard. Sometimes you stop into gyms with easy WODs, that is not the case here. The instructors I had were all great. Nadia definitely stuck out in my mind. She was so knowledgeable and concerned with everyone’s technique and scaling. I really appreciated that. The other great part here are the everyday-​ers. They are regular people who were very welcoming and helped show me the ropes and even asked if I was coming back the next day. I went three days straight and I would go back again in an instant! I have nothing negative to say about this gym! The décor of the gym was cool too. An old rustic motorcycle, old school posters and photos, and the chandeliers were wild. Drop-​in when you are in town! They have sweet t-​shirts too!
A great place for anyone. The toughest of the tough, or the fresh beginner.

Let me start this review off by saying I am not close to an athlete. I exercise regularly but my physique is not Brad Pitt in Fight Club. It’s more of the average friend in that one movie who had two lines. I also completed four classes at Crossfit Mean Streets so I’m not a grizzled veteran who can now squat ten times his body weight. I’m just a guy who desires to reach a level of fitness that I’ve never had.
With all of that said, Mean Streets is the perfect place for anyone (of any fitness level) to start (and continue) their journey into Crossfit. Most boxes seem to give one free introductory class. Mean Streets gives you three. If you utilize all three classes (like I did), you will know if this is something that you want to continue with. Last night I signed up for unlimited classes each month.
Each coach I’ve interacted with seems to care about you achieving your fitness goals and not getting you injured (from what I can see, not paying attention to your form and ego gets you injured). I was gassed after each workout I did and I was unbelievably sore after three days. But I felt fantastic and I know that Crossfit is going to help get me where I want to be physically.
I may be a beginner, but I’ll easily walk from a place if its general «douchey-​ness» level is too much to bare. This place isn’t that. Clearly everyone is there to workout (hard) and everyone seems fun to be around. I’m thrilled to be that guy who finishes last for a while but, with the coaches at Mean Streets, I think I’ll be making a great deal of progress sooner than later.

I just started going to this gym this week, and it’s awesome. I’ve worked with four different trainers so far, and each has gone out of his or her way to make me feel comfortable and enjoy the experience. The employees make a point to remember everybody’s name! That says a lot about the gym culture.
Is it intimidating? Yes. Is it hard? Yes. But nobody is judging you. From my limited experience so far, every work out is a team effort. People want you to do YOUR best, even if it’s terrible in comparison to the group.
I joined this gym so I could be motivated to get into shape. If you can motivate yourself to walk in the door, they will help with the rest.

I heard about CrossFit Mean Streets, through a friend of mine who had been going there for months. He constantly raved about how great the classes were and how much improvement he saw in his strength, and that the environment helped motivate him to continue to want to work out. So, I decided to try it out and I LOVE it!
I am not an athlete by any means, and I thought I would be intimidated by all the hard bodies, and what looks like professional «cross-​fitters,» all over the gym, after taking just one class, I really felt like I belonged.
The instructors have all been very thorough and friendly. I especially enjoy when the owner, Ronnie, teaches the class. He has a tendency to go into a lot of detail when explaining each new movement, which for me is perfect, since I need a lot of instruction and support. You can tell Ronnie is really passionate about Cross Fit, and works hard to keep a competitive, yet friendly, workout environment, and there is a really great sense of community.
There are several other, much closer, branches of Cross Fit I could go to, as I live in Long Beach, but I love the atmosphere at Mean Streets so much, that it is worth the commute!

I believe there are 3 measures of a great CrossFit box, 1) coaching, 2) programming, and 3) community. Mean Streets is top notch in all three.
I have been a member at Mean Streets for over a year starting last May. In the beginning I was only attending the Whip Conditioning classes. If you are looking to amp up your endurance, trim down a bit and feel strong that is definitely a great option. After a few months of Whip I started attending the CrossFit classes. I was, like some others have commented, at first concerned about my abilities and my form but I have ALWAYS received very helpful feedback from ALL of the coaches at Mean Streets. Sean, Jenna, Basile, Zacq, Mark, Tahir, Nina and Ronnie have all taught me how to push myself both physically and mentally to be the best version of me.
Ronnie’s experience, expertise and imagination are all evident in the WODs he programs daily for both CrossFit and Whip Con. Everything from the warm-​up, the stretching and the workouts themselves are creative, challenging and scalable. Ronnie is definitely an innovator in the sport of CrossFit he is also a big proponent of proper form, strategic technique and his clients’ safety.
As for the community, CrossFit seems to draw people who are wired with a similar work ethic. That is, folks who are committed to pushing themselves and encouraging others to achieve their personal best. I have made great friendships through the community at Mean Streets! They keep me moving when I’m not feeling my strongest and knowing that I will sweat alongside them is what gets me up to hit that 6am class each morning.
Finally, as for the CrossFit lifestyle, I can pick up and carry my 6 year old when necessary, I can help my mom and grandma in and out of an SUV, I can catch a friend that is passing out from an injury and safely help them to the floor, I can carry ALL of my groceries in from the car in one shot, I can carry 2 bundles of firewood to my campsite after dragging a wagon full of kids around the campground… the point is, I feel like I am becoming the strongest and most capable version of myself and THAT is worth every penny and every ounce of sweat!
If you are serious about giving CrossFit a try, I strongly recommend Mean Streets!

I’m going to try to answer some questions about Crossfit and Mean Streets from my perspective as a month and a half long attendee. I’m sure that after reading some of the other reviews here, anyone can gather that the people who have trained here are happy with the gym and their results so far.
1. Does Crossfit really work?
Yes; you will be able to achieve your health and fitness goals (especially as a newbie) with Crossfit. As with anything, you need to stick with it and continuously strategize and progress.
Because of the high intensity nature of Crossfit workouts though, results are typically rapid – A month and a half here and my body is much more defined and my face is thinner.
2. How does Mean Streets compare against other gyms?
I took a look at a couple different gyms in LA and called one other for a trial before joining Mean Streets. Here is what I personally think:
Anyone’s primary consideration in attending a gym is probably going to be the distance they have to travel to get to it. Having said that, I’ve met people at the gym who travel from as far as Venice, CA and workout regularly.
Since Crossfit is so popular now, there are many investors who are sprouting gyms to cash in on it, but are not necessarily hiring trainers who want to train people. Sure they might be certified, but certification is different from the honest, almost obsessive passion to teach or train.
Mean Streets is an environment designed by people who regularly compete and are hardcore into Crossfit. It is not a gym that was designed just to take advantage of the «fad» and rake in the cash. Think of Mean Streets as training grounds.
Coaches pay attention to everyone. They make sure your form is good and push you to help you progress but not injure yourself. The environment is supportive, but not lenient. If you have problems with discipline when working out like I do, I can attest that this gym and its people will help you progressively develop your mental toughness. The environment in general knows how to support and motivate without being coddling.
TL;DR — The coaches are definitely top-​notch qualified professionals who are out to train you, not just make money. The environment will push you and support you, but not baby you.
3. Are there a lot of muscle douchebags in Crossfit?
This question weighed my mind when looking to join a Crossfit gym because of the general negative idea I had that bodybuilders are elitist and douchebaggy. There is also some smack talk about the Crossfit «fad» on fitness forums.
As a newbie, it’s easy to be influenced by the stuff you read on the internet. However, after I bit the bullet and joined, I saw that Crossfit Mean Streets had none of that negativity at all; though I can’t say that about other gyms.
People come here to train and that’s what they do with the tutelage of the coaches. There is absolutely no elitism; advanced people in this gym actually go out of their way to help out newbies like me.
4. What if you’re socially awkward?
I’m extremely socially awkward so I wanted to include this in here for the other socially awkward people.
I wanted to assure you guys that Mean Streets doesn’t care if you’re awkward. They will still train you well.

As a female in my early 40’s walking in to CrossFit Mean Streets in Downtown LA should have been very intimidating. I couldn’t do one pull-​up, doubted I could ever get to the top of the ropes that hang from the ceiling, and the heavy weights and giant tires would scare many away at first glance. The place itself screams rugged, intense, serious workouts with a good dash of testosterone. The owner and most of the trainers looks like they just stepped off the cover of a fitness magazine! My personal goal wasn’t to get down to zero body fat or lift twice my bodyweight — so what am I doing in this place?
But from the moment I walked in the door I felt like I belonged. Everyone is very friendly and so eager to help and give tips — not just the trainers, but the members as well. Everyone gets to know your name and notices when you’ve been MIA. Don’t get me wrong — this is not your cheesy happy-​go-​lucky gym that is just grateful you showed up and doesn’t invest in your success. No, not at all! The trainers (and members) are serious about helping you reach your goals! They will encourage and push you every step of the way and cheer for you when you surpass an obstacle or achieve a personal record.
Since starting at Mean Streets several years ago, I have seen an explosion of CrossFit gyms popping up on almost every corner — and other gyms or workout facilities claiming to incorporate CrossFit in their programs. Unfortunately many of these are watered down versions of what Mean Streets has to offer. The owner, Ronnie Teasdale, was one of the early successful CrossFit competitors, back when most had even heard of CrossFit. He may seem a little gruff but I believe he is that way because he truly has a passion for what he does. He lives it and breathes it. Health & fitness is a way a life for him and truly a core value. He knows his stuff and is very knowledgeable. He is unapologetic about this passion, and at times this is misinterpreted and he gets a bad rap. If you actually take the time to listen to the advice he gives, you truly won’t fail.

I went here for about 3 months last year and at first I was really impressed with all the equipment they got, and the way everything and everyone is focused on working out, the emphasis on getting out what you put in, and so on. Most everyone there seems really fit and there’s some really impressive physiques. The workouts are very intense and you’ll walk out pretty much completely exhausted after only and hour.
That said, unfortunately, I ultimately have to agree with Matt G. — if you’re a beginner looking for guidance, this is not the place to go. I took ALL the fundamentals classes and only started the regular Crossfit classes when the coaches told me so. I repeatedly asked for feedback on whether I was doing each exercise with proper form, I would tell the coach to keep an eye out and tell me when I’m doing something wrong. Unfortunately, they were often too busy with other stuff (like talking to their buddies).
For all the money I was paying I just expected more. Come on, Equinox is cheaper than this and they have saunas and whirlpools. Yeah, you won’t get fit there, but hell, I mean you could just take the WOD from the blog and do it at 24 hour fitness for ¹⁄₁₀^th of the price.
Finally, when I put my membership on hold due to persistent back pain (probably caused from bad technique), one of the team members tried to sell me on some dubious «cleansing» supplements. I really thought he was a cool guy up to that point, so I trusted his recommendation, but when I checked out the website for the product it was clear that it was just one of those scammy affiliate marketing products.
I canceled my membership after that, and will be looking for another option as well.
If you’ve done weight training before, and you just need someone to motivate you and kick your ass into shape, this is a great place to go. However, if you’re new to weight training and you’re looking to really learn from the ground up, or afraid of injury, you should look somewhere else instead. The fundamentals classes are really more of a refresher than anything else.

Location drew me in (walking distance from my place). The space is very cool (like a converted old 1920’s ballroom).
My problem was the coaching. Ronnie did my 1^st «fundamentals» class. It seemed like his 1^st time teaching. He was disorganized, spoke for too long, got frustrated when we were having trouble with our snatches, etc. I didn’t feel like I was getting the instruction I needed to safely execute power lifting techniques.
I feel like CrossFit is really dependent on the coaching and I was not impressed with MeanStreets. Considering the expense, I will shop around for coaching that is worth the money.

You want to work out? Come now and you won’t be disappointed.
I’ve been coming here for about 5 months. Before coming here, I’ve been to multiple other Crossfit gyms across the country.
This gym truly has a great group of instructors ranging from Strength, Mobility, Conditioning and Gymnastics. If you come here on a regularly basis, you will see dramatic changes to your body. The best thing is, they have classes starting at 6AM and goes as late as 8PM. They even have a great weekend schedule as well!
So get off your butt and check it out!

If only I could give lower than a one star review. I have been to crossfit gyms throughout the LA area. While many have different feels to them one thing none of them lacked was compassion for humans. This gym however, not only lacks compassion for humans and the area they opened their gym in but also the owner seemingly is not capable of managing himself in public let alone a business. Admitting to the things he did within an article brings up the question, what are you not willing to tell the public you’ve done? It saddens me that such hateful people are affiliated with a community who does not carry that kind of mentality.
Feel free to read the article and see what so many are referring to: