It’s not uncommon for us to be asked what sets SCFIT apart from other gyms in Birmingham. This question sometimes leads on to the wider, bigger question: ‘what makes CrossFit different to a normal gym?’. To dive a little bit deeper into this topic, let’s first set the scene. What is a normal gym?
What do we mean by a ‘normal gym’?
There are a whole range of different types of gym out there, and Birmingham is no exception. You’ll find a vast array of different gyms in Birmingham, from 24 hour access gyms, martial arts gyms, women’s-only gyms, gyms with swimming pools and studios – you name it – so what exactly do we mean when we talk about a ‘normal gym’?
Generally speaking, a typical gym consists of an open-plan gym floor, filled with different pieces of equipment for members to come in and use as they please. The gym has set opening times, but members will arrive at different times, and spend different amounts of time working out. Usually the gym’s equipment would be grouped into zones, with a row of cardio machines (bikes, rowing machines, treadmills, cross-trainers etc), a space for weightlifting machines (also called ‘cable machines’, which typically focus on an isolated muscle or group of muscles), as well as free-weight areas (with dumbbells, kettlebells) and often an area set aside for stretching and floor work. Sometimes referred to as a ‘Globo gym’, these gyms can sometimes feel impersonal. It’s not uncommon to see members arrive with headphones in, complete their workout and leave once again without speaking to anyone. This isn’t always the case, but a member certainly wouldn’t feel out of place if they kept to themselves.
What are coaching gyms?
In a typical globo gym, you are unlikely to see much ‘coaching’. There might be Personal Trainers working 1 on 1 with clients, but for the most part, members plan their own workouts and keep to themselves. This is the biggest difference when it comes to coaching gyms: coaches are on hand to ensure members are not only performing movements safely and correctly, but there to help them make decisions to suit their experience and background, and push them towards their goals. It’s most common to see coaching gyms operate a group class format, enabling coaches to deliver a specific programme to a group of people, and coach them accordingly. There are many coaching gyms out there – often martial arts gyms will follow the coaching format, as will other gyms that offer small group classes, but the group class format doesn’t automatically mean that the participants will be coached. Picture a large group yoga class where the teacher moves through the whole sequence at the front of the class. They’re providing an excellent demonstration, but it’s unlikely that they would move around the room, get to know each individual member, and adjust the movements for their needs. Sometimes there might be an element of this, but in a large group setting (eg 25+ in a class) this can be challenging.
CrossFit Gyms are Coaching Gyms
CrossFit is of course this ‘coaching gym’ style, where staff members are trained to not just provide session programming for members, but spend time helping and coaching each member on an individual basis, even within the group setting. They’re there to help the members get the most out of their session, support and encourage, and guide them towards the best options to suit their needs and goals. This is no doubt the number one stand-out reason that sets SCFIT apart from ‘normal’ gyms – it is a coaching gym, where workouts are adapted and personalised for the individual, and delivered to suit the member not only in that workout – but in the context of their long terms goals, too.
Community Feel
Another key difference between SCFIT and a ‘normal gym’ would be the sense of community. As every new member is screened and onboarded by a member of the coaching team, then introduced on the gym’s dedicated member App, it’s no surprise that a sense of community is fostered. The small group class format allows members to get to know one another, and build relationships that extend beyond just that class. There is a sense of camaraderie in performing a workout at the same time together, experiencing the same challenges and celebrating the same wins together, so it’s no wonder that the community is a big part of the SCFIT gym experience. It’s this community that makes members feel welcome, and feel that they belong, and what holds them accountable and encourages them to keep coming back again and again.
Staff Care and Attention
The coaching team at SCFIT are committed to not only getting to know every member, but finding out how best to support them in every single class. The team share best practice and take part in regular CPD and training sessions, and regularly check in with members to gain insight into how they’re doing, and whether they’re reaching their goals. It’s our business to care – and it’s why we love what we do!
We WANT you to show up
This might sound obvious… but believe it or not, many normal gyms thrive on the memberships of members who don’t show up. There are often a staggering number of members who pay their fees month on month and never attend. In fact, in many Globo gyms, their membership numbers vastly exceed the gym’s capacity, but it continues to work because many simply won’t show up. This is where SCFIT is different: we are in the business of helping you get fitter and healthier, so naturally… we want you to show up. If a member is absent for a couple of weeks, the SCFIT team will reach out to check in. Keep missing class and we’ll call to check they’re ok. We’re invested in our members’ journeys, and have no interest in making money from those who aren’t using the services.
All the bells and whistles
On top of the coaching, the care, the community – there are lots of fun ‘extras’ that set SCFIT apart from normal gyms. We celebrate member milestones, and make a point of doing shout-outs when our members have achieved awesome things! We hold charity and community events, and make an effort to support the local businesses in the area. We run special Social Saturday sessions every two week, providing free coffee to members! We welcome drop-ins from out of town, and love to see our members take their fitness to other places too. SCFIT offers on site refreshments and prep-meals for purchase, and we are delighted to have our own merchandise for sale too, so that members can wear the SCFIT logo with pride!
The bigger picture
Looking at the bigger picture – at SCFIT, we notice. We notice new members and welcome them with open arms. We notice when someone is struggling, and offer various types of support to help them stay on track. We notice when you’re here – and we notice when you’re not.
If you’re looking for someone to train that isn’t like a ‘normal gym’ – but is so much more – then you’ve come to the right place. Book a free No Sweat Intro with a member of the SCFIT team and find out what you’re missing.