Box etiquette
We’re a community of athletes bonded by the method in which we train, an admiration for each other’s individual success, and a commitment to personal accountability and mutual respect.
Be on Time.
We cover a lot in class and utilize every minute. No, we won’t lock the doors five minutes after class starts; however, if you’re late, please assimilate into class by mimicking what you see going on!
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Check Your Ego at the Door
Please check your ego at the door, it’s likely to get trounced if you don’t; no one cares how much you can deadlift or how many muscle-ups you can do unbroken, we only care how well you can lift it. The coaches are there to help you improve now and long into the future.
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Don’t Break Down Your Equipment Until Everyone Has Finished the Workout
At CrossFit Gastonia, no one breaks down their equipment until everyone has finished the workout. This is a common courtesy that you too will one day benefit from as everyone is last in the workout someday. You can cheer on others, grab a foam roller, or just sit and enjoy the down time to finally breathe, but don’t touch your equipment.
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No Ghost-Riding the Barbells – Ever.
Yes, we know how cool it is and may sound to drop a barbell overhead, clang and bang, right? You know what’s not empowering? When you barbell drops to the floor and dances into someone else’s shin and leaving a massive bruise on their leg. Not sure what ghost-riding looks like? Ask your coach next time in class and he/she will be glad to show you!
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Treat Empty Barbells Like They Were Your Baby
Would you drop your baby from two feet above the ground? We certainly hope not. We use an empty barbell a lot in class for drill and technique work. When putting the barbell down, gently place in on the ground like the fine piece of steel it is.
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Check Your Surroundings and Stick to Your Equipment
The box is not your oyster, it’s many people’s oyster. If you set up on one part of the rig for toe to bars, don’t take someone else’s bar just because they’re not there. If your kettlebell is further away from the rest of your equipment than you would like, well then, RUN to the kettlebell, don’t use someone else’s just because it’s closer.
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Kindergarten Rules Still Apply
You have to clean-up after yourself. It’s your responsibility to get out and put away your equipment, count your own reps, get your own tissue, and clean off your bars. Plus, by carrying those huge boxes and rolling the rowers back can attribute to major bicep gains.
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Chalk Usage
Chalk stays in the chalk bucket. Yes, you’ll have to walk all the way to the chalk bucket to dust your hands. While some people believe that chalk is the magic dust of CrossFit performance, the fact of the matter is that a light dusting of your hands is all you need.
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Children at the Box
Children who can sit on the couch or in the kids room while their parents workout are welcome to come to the box with Mom or Dad. We love that our CrossFit kids are able to learn from their parents and build relationships with other friends. They are not allowed at any point to come onto the box floor or training area. Sure we like kids; however, the safety of the children and quality of the athletes’ training environment demands this arrangement.
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Introduce Yourself
Remember when you were the new guy or gal? A friendly introduction goes a long way. Plus, they may need to revive your unconscious body later on and “hey dude” is so impersonal.
--
Go the Distance
Every athlete pushes themselves in a different way. You can scream, cuss, cry, go to your happy place, bleed, or even rest…just don’t quit. The human body is capable of more than you can possibly comprehend; challenge it accordingly.
We cover a lot in class and utilize every minute. No, we won’t lock the doors five minutes after class starts; however, if you’re late, please assimilate into class by mimicking what you see going on!
--
Check Your Ego at the Door
Please check your ego at the door, it’s likely to get trounced if you don’t; no one cares how much you can deadlift or how many muscle-ups you can do unbroken, we only care how well you can lift it. The coaches are there to help you improve now and long into the future.
--
Don’t Break Down Your Equipment Until Everyone Has Finished the Workout
At CrossFit Gastonia, no one breaks down their equipment until everyone has finished the workout. This is a common courtesy that you too will one day benefit from as everyone is last in the workout someday. You can cheer on others, grab a foam roller, or just sit and enjoy the down time to finally breathe, but don’t touch your equipment.
--
No Ghost-Riding the Barbells – Ever.
Yes, we know how cool it is and may sound to drop a barbell overhead, clang and bang, right? You know what’s not empowering? When you barbell drops to the floor and dances into someone else’s shin and leaving a massive bruise on their leg. Not sure what ghost-riding looks like? Ask your coach next time in class and he/she will be glad to show you!
--
Treat Empty Barbells Like They Were Your Baby
Would you drop your baby from two feet above the ground? We certainly hope not. We use an empty barbell a lot in class for drill and technique work. When putting the barbell down, gently place in on the ground like the fine piece of steel it is.
--
Check Your Surroundings and Stick to Your Equipment
The box is not your oyster, it’s many people’s oyster. If you set up on one part of the rig for toe to bars, don’t take someone else’s bar just because they’re not there. If your kettlebell is further away from the rest of your equipment than you would like, well then, RUN to the kettlebell, don’t use someone else’s just because it’s closer.
--
Kindergarten Rules Still Apply
You have to clean-up after yourself. It’s your responsibility to get out and put away your equipment, count your own reps, get your own tissue, and clean off your bars. Plus, by carrying those huge boxes and rolling the rowers back can attribute to major bicep gains.
--
Chalk Usage
Chalk stays in the chalk bucket. Yes, you’ll have to walk all the way to the chalk bucket to dust your hands. While some people believe that chalk is the magic dust of CrossFit performance, the fact of the matter is that a light dusting of your hands is all you need.
--
Children at the Box
Children who can sit on the couch or in the kids room while their parents workout are welcome to come to the box with Mom or Dad. We love that our CrossFit kids are able to learn from their parents and build relationships with other friends. They are not allowed at any point to come onto the box floor or training area. Sure we like kids; however, the safety of the children and quality of the athletes’ training environment demands this arrangement.
--
Introduce Yourself
Remember when you were the new guy or gal? A friendly introduction goes a long way. Plus, they may need to revive your unconscious body later on and “hey dude” is so impersonal.
--
Go the Distance
Every athlete pushes themselves in a different way. You can scream, cuss, cry, go to your happy place, bleed, or even rest…just don’t quit. The human body is capable of more than you can possibly comprehend; challenge it accordingly.
