***FIRST TO RATE*** Free burpees for everyone! Time for a SIX month review: I began my leap into CrossFit half a year ago with the only expectation of becoming healthy and not having to own "fat" pants. I remember starting "on-ramp" classes at the Folsom Street location (*woot* I am an original member of the second location!) where I was going to die from rowing 500 meters. Lifting anything on a barbell was foreign to me. All these strange lacrosse balls and resistance band warm ups... also foreign to me. Days, weeks, and months have passed since I started CrossFit Golden Gate... Now that CFGG has moved to it's new home, next to the House of Prime Rib, it gets better and better! There is a parking alley in the back, so no meter maids to be afraid of here! Buses are convenient and close by (depending on where you need to head... there is the 1, 19, 27, 47, 49). And if you eat meat, just head on next store after a WOD for a protein refill. Coaches: Danielle (the Boss lady), Vic, Dan, Steven are all wonderful in teaching me proper form and technique. They all have a keen eye on watching you during WODs too! For instance, during those crazy AMRAPs of strict presses, sometimes... I get a little tired, and sneak a push press in there BUT nope, they watch you! and call you out! I remember when I first started CrossFit, I was so lost (I am still lost, just a little less now), but each coach would take time to make sure you are doing the movements right before letting oneself at the WOD. Sometimes, when I'm just being ornery, I still ask for refreshers on what a movement might be (I still can't remember all them different Cleans). When I first started CrossFit, I remember my Baseline WOD... 500 meter row (out of breathe by the first minute) 40 air squats (probably didn't squat pass parallel) 30 sit ups (good thing I could throw my arms up to propel myself) 20 push ups (knees) 10 pull ups (black resistance band) and it took me... hm... more than 12 minutes? WELL, as a new year workout, I redid my baseline... and guess what? 5:32 with no bands or knee push ups! *WOOT* Gone are the days of my supple and soft librarian hands, gone are the days of ineffective workouts at the gym, to my new found health, I owe to CrossFit Golden Gate ♥ NOW some tips: 1. If you are a visiting athlete... come here! 2. If you are planning to join CF... start here! (is CrossFit a cult? probably, drink the Kool-Aid, it tastes great!) 3. I personally like the RuPaul radio station that is played, but you can change to Taylor Swift, if that floats your boat. 4. Demographically, girls workout in the AM and boys workout in the PM... so depending on what tickles your pickle, show up to a morning or evening. (I am a Noon WODer... because I'm too cool for school!).