Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not sure If I want to do CrossFit, can I just drop in to try out a class?

Yes! While we do not allow drop-ins to our regular group classes until you have completed a one-on-one Introduction to CrossFit Series, you are welcome to drop into any of our MetCon classes. These classes incorporate many of the movements you would see in a typical Crossfit class, except we don’t use barbells.

Visit our Start Here page to learn more and sign up for a No Sweat Intro.

I’m super fit already, do I have to start with a Intro coaching series?

Have you been regularly squatting, dead lifting and pressing? How about snatching and cleaning dumbbells? Climbing ropes? We have established (high) movement standards that you must meet in order to gain entry to our regular group classes. If you are competent at performing basic gymnastics movements, the power and Olympic lifts, and are already fit, you may be a candidate for Testing Out.

Please book at No Sweat Intro  to learn about our gym and your options for getting started.

I haven’t worked out in a really long time, will CrossFit be too challenging for me?

No! One of the many great things about CrossFit is that every workout can be scaled or modified to suit any fitness level. What that means is that a new CrossFitter and a veteran Crossfitter can do the same workout, but the workout is scaled according to each athlete’s fitness level.

We teach our athletes how to scale and modify workouts in all of our introductory programs and our coaches always provide modifications in our regular group classes. You do not need to get in shape before starting at San Francisco CrossFit. That’s what we are here for.

Sign up for a No Sweat Intro to meet with one of our staff and learn about the best way to get started.

I really want to strengthen my “core.” Will CrossFit help?

Yes! While you will not see crunches at San Francisco CrossFit, we know that a weak trunk and poorly stabilized spine is the single most significant limiting factor in all human movement and sports. To this end, our programming specifically addresses trunk or “core” strength.

I’m visiting San Francisco from another CrossFit. Can I drop in to a class while I am in town?

We welcome drop-in athletes at San Francisco CrossFit.  Visit our Dropping In page to learn more and sign-up.

I don’t want to lift weights because I don’t want to get too muscular.

If you are really worried about this, read this article. (http://www.stumptuous.com/this-just-in-high-rep-low-weight-toning-is-crap) But the short answer is no, lifting weights will not bulk you up. In fact, it will help you burn more calories and look better naked.

What about Cardio?

Surely because we never do any long sessions of running, CrossFitters can’t have any endurance or stamina… Wrong! The widely touted measure of aerobic stamina and endurance is VO2 max, the amount of oxygen that your body can consume during sustained aerobic exercise — medium intensity stuff like distance running or biking. There is a common misconception that long bouts of aerobic exercise are the only way to build stamina and endurance, but this simply isn’t true.

In the same way muscles must be taken beyond their limits and torn to stimulate growth, your ability to process oxygen must be pushed out of equilibrium in order to increase your capacity to process it. Running at some level below your aerobic threshold (i.e. less than 100% VO2 max) will do little if anything to increase this ability. To push it out of equilibrium and induce growth you have to workout at 200% or more of your aerobic ability. In metabolic terms, you need to work the high-intensity phosphagenic and glycolytic pathways in order to improve the medium-low intensity aerobic pathway.

Still want to learn more? Check out this article from the CrossFit Journal.
Click Here

Do you have showers?

Yes. We have one shower in each restroom. We do not provide towels, must bring your own.

What is your cancellation policy?

Private coaching and physical therapy appointments must be cancelled 24 hours in advance and can be done by calling or emailing your coach directly (all emails are first names @sanfranciscocrossfit.com). Because it is very difficult for our coaches to re-book their appointment times on short notice, athletes who cancel their appointments within the 24 hour cancelation window will be charged for the appointment. In addition, private coaching series expire within 6 months of the first session.

Can I schedule an appointment with Kelly Starrett?

Kelly is currently unavailable for one-on-one appointments with clients. We have an amazing staff of PTs  (all trained by Kelly) who offer Movement & Mobility consults (both virtual and in-person).  

Check out the Movement & Mobility page for more information.

I have an injury, can you help?

Yes! We specialize in working with injured athletes.  We have 4 on-site Physical Therapist/Coaches who can help get you started.

 Sign up for a No Sweat Intro and we can learn more about you and your injury and figure out the best way to get you started

Are you hiring?

When positions become available to the general public, we post them on our social media channels and our blog. If you are interested in potentially coaching here, please see information on our internship program.

When is your next internship program?

Please note that our internships do not run on set dates. For the most up to date information see the coaching internship page.