CrossFit 5150

I dropped in to Crossfit 5150 after working in the area that day. The box is great — Rafi was coaching and he clearly instructed on a pretty complicated wod in a way that was understandable to all levels of athletes. The class was smaller but every level was represented and we all had a great workout. The class was organized and efficient and every member introduced themselves to me and were super kind. With the Games around the corner I highly recommend dropping in to this box as it is very close to Carson and the Home Depot Center. FYI if you use Apple Maps it will take you a block east of the actual location.

They keep the box simple and small. If you are into a gym where the main goal is for you to get a good work out, this is it. No gimmicks, no super complicated memberships. You come, you workout, and you are on with your life.
Daily challenging WODs, the use of WODify to track individual progress, and a super supportive team that know how to train you safely, so you get the best workout without overworking OR underworking your abilities! No competition, just a right support to meet your personal goals!
Bravo my friends!
Also: Don’t forget to do the Sunday Sanctuary WOD, best Sunday «Brunch» ever!

In a nutshell, I’m super pleased with how I feel and how my body looks (so far, I reduced my body fat by 2.2% — I’m 127 lbs and we have another body fat test in a couple of weeks!). I have even received several compliments on the toning of my arms from several co-​workers (although in my mind, I thought my arms always looked toned — guess not!).
With the encouragement of the box and coaches, I competed/​completed some events that I previously thought I would have DIED doing (partially from embarrassment and partially from the strength and skill sets required). Those events included CF Reverse Tri — with CrossFit WODs in between running, biking, and swimming and CrossFit Battleground. But I had so much fun, I plan on doing these events and other similar type of events this year in addition to normal running races.

The coaches pulled together a team for the Huntington Beach to San Diego Ragnar race. Although skeptical of the concept of running and van transfers — I thoroughly enjoyed myself even with the lack of sleep, running at 1:00 AM in the morning, and changing in porto-​pots.
Speaking of running, my running continues to improve. I placed first in my age group for a local 10K (and yes, there was more than just me in the division!). Although I haven’t hit the 1:45 for the half marathon — I am still striving for it and aim to hit it at the next Huntington Beach half marathon.
Bottom line … the coaches and members at CF 5150 make it a fantastic place — and I am toned and stronger with measurable results!

If you want to compete, join this gym!
I drop in here occasionally when I’m in Long Beach and though I’m not here everyday, or even every month, I feel comfortable every single time I workout with this crew.
Chris, Rafi, Veronica & Tanya are excellent coaches. They take the time to make sure you are safe, performing correctly and always start class on time.
This box is super comp savy. They are out in the community as much as possible and I consistently see so many of their members supporting one another, even those that are not competing.
Good coaches, good community.

I’ve been to a TON of CrossFit gyms. This is one is one of the best in the country. Great coaches, programming, and atmosphere. I make sure I stop by here for a workout every year when I go watch the CF Games!

Great place to train regardless of what physical fitness level your at. I came in as an injured athlete and was made to feel welcomed. All workouts were customized to my limits and I was never made to feel as if I wasn’t good enough. Very encouraging, positive and gun place to be! Thanks to the awesome athletes and wonderful coaches!

Received a rely from Charles, provided a break down of the various membership levels and fees. Fees do seem to be in market (slightly on the higher side) for Crossfit, but they offer six month memberships (so you’re not committed for a year).
Again, you’re paying for Crossfit and instruction, not a gym membership. My main problem is my rotating and unpredictable work schedule and I’m not too keen on paying a princely sum for something I might not have the time to properly utilize.

Ok well the cost is worth it. My body totally changed and my fitness level has improved tremendously. It’s a great place and if you work hard you will get great results.

Tremendous coaches and management, and flexible class schedule! Their motto is «Get Committed» Crossfit in itself is intimidating, but 5150’s approach and programing methods are all about making sure you’re getting the most out of every workout without forcing you to go «Rx» if you’re not ready!
The atmosphere is awesome. I immediately felt welcomed by the coaches and current members, making learning easy. The box’s membership is a great distribution of people from the surrounding area. You’ll definitely come for the coaching and stay for the community.
Whether your goal is to lose weight, to get a six pack, or to become competitive, Crossfit 5150 will help you achieve it!
COME IN AND GET COMMITTED!

This place is Awesome (inspiring an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration; causing or inducing awe). There are so many great things about 5150.
The coaches are top notch. They take their time to explain and walk through movements/​exercises. They appear attentive to the folks in all the classes I’ve attended. I have noticed they try to get the veteran Xfitters to introduce themselves to newer members.
My favorite part of 5150 are the members! I have not met a «bad apple» in any of the classes I have attended. Everyone is highly motivated and in a great mood, considering the punishment we go through. The Box is constantly radiating a positive aura, and Chris would allow nothing less.
I appreciate that Chris and Charles have a good rate for our military folks. I try to get many of my soldiers to come to the box, but most live in Orange County and the commute would be too much.
I also enjoy seeing Chris and Charles in different community events. I wanted to sign up for the Triathlon/​Crossfit event this year at Dominguez Hills College, but I leave on a flight the same morning. I have not seen another event like this and would be willing to do one of these events every three months.
Thanks again Chris and Charles for putting together a great Crossfit establishment. Look forward to seeing you guys again soon.
HD

This review is long overdue. Over a year ago I was talked into trying out Crossfit by a very good horsey friend who was in great shape. She was competing in all kinds of crazy endurance races – both on foot and on horseback. I completely admired her for her awesomeness and drive especially since she was a mom like me. She swore by Crossfit 5150 and drug me by my lazy ass in there. I always hated gyms because they were so boring and thought people who lifted were dumb. Well I got my ass handed to me. And after about 9 months at Crossfit 5150 it looked pretty damn good thanks to Chris, the awesome coach/​owner there. That and I found Olympic-​style lifting was very mentally challenging – what a complete surprise and just what I needed.
Committing myself to doing Crossfit was a life-​changing experience. I gained confidence in my abilities, strength inside and out, awareness of how important food is as fuel, and a body I always wanted and now love and take care of. I am not going to lie: it was tough, dirty, and there was a lot of pain and happy tears. But it was worth it.
It really sucked when I had to quit in order to dedicate all my free time to finishing my PhD at USC. I got a bit out of shape and kinda lazy again. Mostly, I have really missed the owners, coaches, and friends I made. Recently, I started trying to find a Crossfit gym closer to me, but none can match 5150. After giving a few places closer to me a try, all I can say is most of the others are total amateurs. (Sometimes I just wanted to scream «AMATEURS!» at them when I had enough of their lame instructors, boring WODs, and high-​school-​cliquishness. But I restrained myself.) I honestly have only found one Crossfit box that has coaches anywhere near Chris’s level of expertise. Also compared to other boxes, it is important to note just how reasonable their monthly membership fees were – I had a student discount and that helped a lot. I really wish I was closer to them so I could join them again and set more PRs.

My first Crossfit experience couldn’t have been more perfect. It has now been 3 months in and I can back this place up like a chick in Juvenile’s music video.
The main coaches are excellent at what they do, are very aware of the different levels of fitness personas that come in (modifying/​advancing/​re-​teaching), and give support/​encouragement that pushes everyone to their highest potential and beyond. They also know when to stop or add more for the freaks of nature.
Looking forward to breaking more PR’s and advancing my strength (which has gone through the roof) with Crossfit 5150.

If you are looking at these reviews, you have one or both of the following questions in your mind. Should I try Crossfit? Should I try 5150? The answer to both questions is yes.
I started a little over a year ago after a long vacation and some serious neglect to my body. I honestly expected to do the promotional month and return to the cheap workouts I used to do. I was wrong. Those first few months of Crossfit were hard. If they are not for you, you are a great athlete and likely need to adjust the workouts.
And yes, like any new sport, you should be careful to avoid injury. I’ve kept in mind the limits for me but have slowly built to doing some WODs RX (as prescribed). After a few months at 5150, I drank the Crossfit kool-​aid and have continued to drink it regularly. I have since visited other boxes on vacation – SF, Fremont, and even Greece. (FYI, it is hard to do a WOD when the coaches don’t speak English.) I have also bought Crossfit-​related toys (foam rollers, lacrosse balls, an expensive jump rope, etc.) Since joining 5150, I actually look forward to the challenge of lifting weights. I used to dread and get extremely bored at the gym. There is no time for such boredom at 5150.
So yes, you should try Crossfit if you want a daily challenge and to get fit. Some folks mix it in with running and yoga and get excellent results.
I like 5150 in particular because of the coaches, management, and its members. Chris (the head coach and co-​owner) and Charles (co-​owner) have become friends of my wife and me.
Chris takes the programming at 5150 very seriously. He has integrated pull-​up progressions, mobility, and skill-​teaching to keep the workouts unique and interesting for folks of all levels. I can tell he is always looking for ways to keep the workouts varied by incorporating different exercises. He is also a great person who always has given me pointers when needed or I ask for them. He – like all the coaches and members — keeps motivating you throughout the hour you’re there. He keeps the class moving so you’re in on time and out on time.
There are rules – like show up on time, please don’t leave a mess, listen during the instructions, and register for class in advance. I’m not sure these need too much explaining. They make the classes run smoother for everyone.
I feel like I can trust the 5150 coaches because they regularly compete in local competitions. While there are many members stronger than me (and simply better than me at many of the movements), I don’t feel like the coaches give them any extra attention. Rather, those members typically give me extra positive reinforcement to push myself or improve my technique.
5150 has done an excellent job of mixing in other «fun stuff» for members. I recently ran Ragnar with 5150 coaches/​members and had a blast. There, 5150 introduced me to Instagram and how you are supposed to order blueberry pancakes. All these life-​changing events. 5150 also has social events like BBQs, friendlies with other boxes, members/​coaches competing in local competitions, etc. We cannot make many of the social events but it is nice that we have the option when our schedule permits.
Bigger is not always better. 5150 is certainly not the biggest box. I don’t see the size of 5150 as a downside or that the size of 5150 has had any real practical effect on my workout experience. I have always got in to the classes I wanted and registered for in advance. Classes go from 530am-​830pm which is enough for me. I like that they cap the size of the classes and don’t have multiple classes running at the same time — which I hear is the case at some boxes. It helps the coaches give you more attention. Big boxes may look pretty but so did the Titanic :)
The only downside is the cost. But no good Crossfit box is cheap. And I do believe that you get what you pay for.

I’ve been a member of this box (aka gym) for about 2 ½ years. My first class was in December of 2011. It was an eye opener for me as I then realized how incredibly out of shape I was. I have always been treated good and encouraged from the very beginning regardless of how much I had to modify a workout. I believe and feel that Chris truly cares about the success of his members. He pushes me but also slows me down when form or technique is being compromised.
I’ve lost over 50#‘s since starting. I recently had my body fat tested via water displacement testing and I had 10 pounds more lean muscle mass and 5% less body fat than I had my previous test.
To sum things up, I trust this box and their trainers enough that my daughter is now a happy member. With positive coaching from Chris and Veronica my daughter has been making steady progress both physically and mentally. At 16 years of age mental barriers can be harder to break through than physical. Between feeling comfortable and sincerely encouraged my daughter is getting stronger and having fun doing it! We (daughter and I) will be hiking over 220 miles together this summer along the John Muir Trail and CrossFit is the cornerstone of our training.

I first came to 5150 on a groupon deal with a friend of mine. We had both been wanting to try crossfit for a long time and it was the perfect opportunity.
I had never been in a gym environment before and I loved how welcoming everyone was. The work outs were hard but, doable. Movements can be scaled for an individual’s skill level which was perfect for a beginner like me.
After the first few weeks I started picking up on things I didn’t really care for. I felt that other members were getting more attention because they were able to perform better or lift heavier than me. I felt overlooked at times and it was extremely discouraging.
The one female coach there is very un-​encouraging and quite honestly unfriendly at times. It was hard to work out with someone who apparently doesn’t like you.
After about 4 months, I decided it was time for me to move on because I was not looking forward to working out as much as when I had started. I went in to tell the owners that I had found another gym that better suited my schedule and financial situation and it was not taken well. Even though I had paid through the end of the month, my account was immediately cancelled. Basically stealing the last month of membership and when I contacted them about this, I didn’t even get a response. Childish and unprofessional.
All in all. I’m thankful that I started here, I met some amazing people but, there is not enough put back into the gym. The coaches are too self involved and don’t pay attention to the less «elite» members of the gym. In my opinion, 5150 is overpriced for what it is and for the attention you will receive and the overall quality and cleanliness of the gym.

Found out about this place because of a Groupon deal. Overall, not a good experience. Would not come back here again.
Cons:
#1– The first day I arrived, I was told ahead of time to arrive early before my first workout so that I could fill out paperwork, etc. Came early and ended up waiting unnecessarily. Didn’t appreciate having to wait around when I could of just came on time because not only was there no one there to speak to me but there was also no need to come at the time that they asked me to.
#2– I was late to a workout (literally 5 minutes) ONCE and the owner Charles expressed a lot of disapproval. This was my first time being late. Seriously? Give me a break. His tone of voice and attitude towards me was totally rude and overboard. I understand that punctuality is important in Crossfit, but do you really think that’s going to get a person who’s trying out your box to sign up for a membership? Yeah, no.
#3– At the beginning of a session, people were standing around chatting and the female trainer, Veronica barked at us for not stopping our conversations at her first asking. Overall, not a very friendly or caring trainer.
Overall, the general atmosphere of this box was militant and tense. I did not feel comfortable here.
The only positive experience that I had was with Chris, one of the co-​owners and trainers. He was really kind and helpful. He seemed genuinely interested in learning about my goals and helping me with my workouts. I can’t say the same about the other trainers I worked with.
It seriously amazes me how so many companies who try to promote themselves through Groupon, Living Social, etc. fail to use common sense in simply just trying to excel in quality CUSTOMER SERVICE because this is what gets people to join a box, buy a product, etc. I guess if you really think about it, it makes sense as to why these companies depend on Groupon, etc to get business. When will they ever get it…

Ok, I’ve been doing CF for a total of like 4 months now. I started at 5150, and can’t imagine going anywhere else! Everyone there is super supportive and fun. They’ve encouragingly pushed me further than what I thought I could do. I like CF so much I actually visited boxes in Vegas and Chicago while on vacay… crazy for me.
Anyways, if you are on the fence about trying CF, just do it, and do it at 5150. I honestly have fallen in love with the place and people! I actually look forward to working out.
Thanks everyone at CF5150 for getting me back into working out consistently!!! You’ve changed my life for the better.

I attempted to attend a Ladies Night this past weekend to get an idea of what CrossFit was all about and was hopeful that it would be something I could add to my weekly routine. Unfortunately, I am not able to review CrossFit 5150 because I was rudely turned away. There had been a misunderstanding of what time the event started, so by the time I showed up the group was already well into their workout. I completely understood that I would not be able to participate, which was fine, but how it was handled left me walking out, never wanting to return.
I have no doubt that CF is an amazing and challenging lifestyle. I have been hesitant to try CF because the reputation is that the routines can make even the most seasoned athlete or fitness buff drop to their knees, and I am neither a seasoned athlete or fitness buff, so there is a bit of intimidation to overcome. But this ladies night seemed like the perfect opportunity for an introduction without too much hype.
Those few minutes I was inside the CrossFit 5150 facility could have been handled so much better. Rather than being told I wasn’t allowed to be there (although I was a guest of an already existing member who had signed up for the event) and couldn’t participate, the person in charge could have easily asked me to stay until the group was done with their session and offer to answer any questions I might have. This would have given me the opportunity to see first hand the types of activities that CF entails and chances are would have inspired me to want to come back for my own session, especially because this location is so close to home. And if there is some policy about outsiders not being allowed to watch, that could have easily been explained, along with some sort of «sorry we can’t let you stay, but please come back and we’d be happy to answer any questions you have…» Sadly, this was not the case and first impressions are hard to beat. I will check out a different CrossFit with hopes that the people there are more welcoming.

4 months later and I’m still giving 5150 5star rating!!!
I have seen a slight :(change in my body appearance and a big change in my strength and my ability of completing the WODs. In my 1^st review, I stated I was able to squat with a 45lb bar now my max squat is 115lbs (CRAZY)!!! I can’t wait to see how I’ll look in 4 more months and what my max squat will be

The thing that sets CrossFit apart from other gyms and work out routines is the community it creates. After a year at CrossFit 5150 I have not only gained strength and increased fitness, but good friends as well. CrossFit is a place you can meet other people who are interested in getting and staying physically fit, eating well, and having a great time.
Before coming to CrossFit 5150 I was extremely intimidated by the section of the gym that actually had weights in it. I usually steered clear of that area and headed for the treadmills and elliptical machines. Boring! I tried group classes at 24 hour fitness and while they were better than the treadmill, they didn’t hold my attention long enough to have any real impact on my body. While I enjoyed running, I felt like I needed a little more to get to a place of whole body physical fitness.
I decided to try CrossFit 5150 on a Unilocal deal. From the moment I walked in the door I felt welcomed by both the trainers and the other clients. I have never felt like I was being judged for modifying moves or taking longer than anyone else to complete a workout. The workouts are never boring and are always challenging. One of the greatest things about CrossFit is that when you are struggling, there are people cheering you on. Our gym is one where we celebrate each other’s successes and push each other to the next level.
A year after walking in the door I still look forward to working out (ok don’t get me wrong, there are definitely days I don’t want to go, but I go anyway, and I’m always glad I did) and I still enjoy the company. I have both lost weight and gained muscle and love that I can fit into old clothes again. In the last year I have done my first ever pull up, gotten over the intimidation of free weights, signed up for my first CrossFit competition, and made great friends.
Come in and check it out! Don’t get scared away if you can hardly move for the week following your first work out — I promise after a while it’s only a nagging soreness instead of a incapacitating one!