The 2020 Drop-In Awards

What a year it’s been!  I started a blog about dropping in to various CrossFits throughout North America, then COVID hit and it got tremendously difficult, if not impossible to drop-in.  Even with that limitation, I hope I’ve been able to share a lot of good content with you.  I’m currently hard at work to get you more.

It’s the end of the year and I think it would be fun do to something on the lighter side.  So, here it is.  Your 2020 drop-in awards!  These awards don’t go to the CrossFits that have the best facility, coaching or programming.  Frankly, all the places I’ve been to have been consistently good. 

These awards embrace the fun things that stuck out to me with some of my visits.  If a CrossFit I’ve reviewed isn’t on this list, it’s not because they’re not deserving of an award.  They’re all excellent.  It just means I’m not creative enough to think up something.  But I have another year to ponder.
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So here are your 2020 Drop-In Awards:

1.  The Most Indestructible Rig Award goes hands-down to Hunters Creek CrossFit in Orlando, FL.  I’m not sure what they have stabilizing their rig but I think you’d need explosives if you want any hope of dislodging it.  This is a great CrossFit that has a lot going for it.

2.  The Drop-In Gets to Pick the Music Award – Little things mean a lot.  And I was pleased to be asked to pick the music genre for the workout at Beacon Community Fitness in Portland, ME.  You’ll find super nice people here and it was a great workout as well (to very good music).  

3.  The You Can’t Get Any Cleaner Than This Award – I’ve been to a lot of clean CrossFits but holy smokes, CrossFit Schenectady in NY was like 5-star luxury hotel kind of clean.  It’s almost like this level of cleanliness doesn’t belong in a CrossFit.  Well done, CrossFit Schenectady!

4.  The King of the Chipper Workouts Award goes to CrossFit OTG in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.  I’ve worked out here several times and have been joined by my wife and my sister on occasion and we all say the same thing; We never walk out of there feeling like we’ve been shorted on our workouts.  Nick (the owner) is a great guy and is passionate about what he does.  And you will most certainly get your money’s worth if you drop in at CrossFit OTG.

5.  The Most Fun CrossFit Name Award goes to Stay Classy CrossFit in San Diego, CA.  I can appreciate good branding.  And I really love this CrossFit’s name.  You can tell that they are fun as soon as you see it.  This is a great nod to a fun movie set in San Diego.  It’s referenced throughout their web site.  I’m sure it’s reflected in their t-shirt sales as well.

6.  The Most Fun Ice Breaker Award goes to CrossFit for the People in Albany, NY. CrossFit for the People (CFTP) has a great culture.  I’ve dropped in several times and every time we’ve stood in a circle before class and introduced ourselves and answered some sort of inconsequential question about ourselves like do you prefer ice cream in a cone or a cup.  I’ve heard of this in other places, but this is the only place I’ve seen it in consistent practice.  CFTP is a great overall CrossFit experience and I can’t wait to return.

7.  The Most I Wish I Were There Every Day Award has to go to Reebok CrossFit St. Thomas.  This one’s kind of a layup.  I mean, it’s St. Thomas.  Such an amazing island and I was very happy to get off the cruise ship and work off some of that cruise ship food there.  If you go to their web site or follow them you’ll see that it’s not uncommon for them to do a beach workout.  I think Reebok CrossFit St. Thomas will hold on to this award for a while.  At least until I can get to a place like Hawaii to possibly challenge them.  I definitely want make a return visit for both the atmosphere and the CrossFit experience.

So, there you have it; Your 2020 Drop-In awards.  Despite all of the obstacles that have gotten in our way this year, I hope you’ve been able to stay safe and get some good workouts in, wherever you are.  I hope you’ve enjoyed the information Drop-In Diary has shared with you so far.  Most of all, I hope you have a very safe, happy and healthy 2021.  See you next year!