Summer and the next vacation season are approaching. Of course, a holiday is primarily for physical and mental relaxation, but let’s be honest: as a CrossFitter, it’s hard to stay completely idle for 2 or even 3 weeks.

The wonderful network of CrossFit boxes worldwide and the community behind them often make a drop-in at your vacation destination a truly special experience. But one thing shouldn’t be forgotten: the “CrossFit Etiquette”, especially for drop-ins. :-) Here are a few tips and guidelines for you:

1. Contact the Box in Advance

If you want to join a class at another box, first check their website, Facebook, or Instagram page. Many boxes provide answers to important questions like costs and sign-up procedures. If there’s no online sign-up tool like we have, send a short, friendly email with essential information about yourself (name, age, home gym, CrossFit experience, etc.). Check the class schedule in advance and confirm that your desired time aligns with the available classes. If there is a sign-up tool, use it to register and, if requested, pay through it as well. This usually makes things easiest for everyone. Don’t be surprised if the box asks further questions, like if you have any injuries – this shows quality as they want to ensure they can support you properly. If you don’t get a response right away, be patient – most box owners are small business owners who do everything themselves, from coaching to administration to cleaning. It might take a few hours to hear back, so try to plan your visit in advance.

2. Check the WOD on the Homepage

If available (some boxes don’t publish the WOD): check the Workout of the Day on the website or social media beforehand. This way, you know in advance if you need to scale anything and can discuss it with the trainer before the class. Different trainers often have cool scaling options – feel free to bring back any new ideas! :-)

3. Always Plan to Join One of the Offered Classes

CrossFit thrives on community, which makes training with locals a fantastic experience. Don’t be the “Do-you-have-Open-Gym? I-want-to-do-my-own-thing” type. It’s much more fun to rock a workout with the local community.

4. Represent Your Home Box

During a drop-in, you’re representing not only the broader CrossFit community of your home country but also your home box. Please, let’s not hear any complaints – keep in mind the points below, even if the owner or coach doesn’t explicitly mention them:

  • Respect the coach: the local trainer may use different cues or tools to improve your technique. There are many ways to reach a goal – stay open-minded and let yourself be corrected or scaled if the coach deems it necessary.
  • Follow the box’s house rules. These are often displayed in the box or on the website.
  • If you finish before others, cheer them on, even if you’ve only just met!
  • Be punctual – arrive at least 10 minutes before the class and introduce yourself.
  • Positive attitude! No complaining, like “Burpees again?”...
  • Bring your necessary equipment: shoes, jump rope, wraps, etc.
  • Introduce yourself to your fellow athletes.
  • Finally, represent CrossFit 40477 with your shirt, and feel free to bring us back a souvenir for our wall! :-)

Some boxes offer the first drop-in for free. This is not a given! On the contrary, paying for a service should be expected. It’s always appreciated if you buy a shirt as a souvenir from the box (especially if the training was free). Some boxes don’t allow drop-ins from other boxes, which may have valid reasons we must respect. This doesn’t justify leaving negative feedback. We offer travelers special deals in the form of weekly passes – if you plan multiple sessions, ask the box if they have something like a week pass.

The CrossFit Affiliate Map is a helpful tool in finding a suitable box.

We wish you a wonderful holiday and great experiences visiting other boxes!