Virtual Drop-In with CrossFit for the People

​Theoretically, it’s easier to drop in than ever before.  You don’t even have to leave your house.  There’s actually a little more to it than that but many CrossFits are offering live online classes right now.  So, maybe you have a special place that you’ve been to and you want to workout with them and feel a little less distant. 

I contacted Kayla, the owner of CrossFit For the People because I was aware they were doing live online classes, I really enjoy the folks at CFTP and, of course, dropping in is what I do.  They’ve always had good programming.  Kayla was as gracious, as always, and let me join in.  So, my wife and I jumped in for one of their Saturday morning class. 

CFTSP’s workout was consistent with their on-premise workouts.  Our coach was Joe, known as “the king of warmups” and he was true to his title.  A good long warmup and into an even longer workout of KB swings, jump rope, pushups, sit ups and man-makers.  It was a partner WOD but your partner didn’t have to be in the room.  Fortunately, I had my partner with me.  I imagine the logistics would have been more difficult with an online partner.  Even as a partner WOD, this was still a chipper.  The workout moved along smoothly until we got to the man-makers.  It got a little (or maybe a lot) slower at that point but luckily that was the last movement.

I was really glad we got to do this workout.  It was nice to see some familiar faces and have that feeling of dropping in, or close to it.  The coach and everyone online was very nice, as always.  I’ll try to drop in to another session with them soon. 

Conceptually, dropping in online is pretty easy.  However, if you’re interested in trying it, there’s some things to keep in mind. 

• You’ll want to check with your CrossFit of choice to see if they’re doing live online classes and if they’ll allow you to join them.  Please don’t take offence if they can’t accommodate you.  Things are a little crazy right now and owners are doing their best.
• You may need to have access to whatever program they’re using to register such as Wodify or SugarWOD and need credentials specific to that CrossFit. 
• These places are working hard to stay afloat.  See what kind of fee they’re charging.  They may not have one in place,  A virtual drop in is something they may not have had in mind.
• Experience will most likely be necessary.  It’s harder for a coach to keep an eye on you online and they’ll be keeping things moving.  If you’re new to CrossFit, this might not be the best time to give this a try.

There’s another really good alternative for you.  Not all places are live online.  However, some still have great programming so if you follow them on Facebook or Instagram, you can get their workout details and do it on your own.  Nick at CrossFit OTG in New Jersey has been religiously posting a video each day on his workout and gives you all the details.  I’ve also seen really good posts from Reebok CrossFit St Thomas, CrossFit Beacon (Portland, ME), CrossFit Crosscheck (Mississauga, Canada) and Stay Classy CrossFit (San Diego), to name just a few. 

There are owners and coaches are still working hard to bring you excellent programming.  The important thing is to keep moving and stay consistent. 
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Please stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong in mind, body and spirit.

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