Why I Believe CrossFit is the Best Way to Train
Why CrossFit Classes at Our Wrexham Gym Deliver the Best Training Results
As the Owner and Head Coach at CrossFit Wrexham, I might be biased. But I genuinely believe CrossFit is the best way to train — not just because of the results it delivers, but because of how it brings people together and helps them fall in love with fitness.
What Makes CrossFit the Best Way to Train?
Structure, Simplicity, and Expert Coaching
What sets CrossFit apart for me is the structure and simplicity it offers. Every class is planned, coached, and thought out, which means you just have to show up and give your best effort. You’re not left guessing what to do, and you're never training alone. There’s a coach guiding you, supporting you, and making sure the workout is right for you — no matter your experience or fitness level.
Power of Community
But it’s the community that makes it truly powerful. Training alongside others, sharing the highs and the struggles, creates something special. There’s this energy in the room that pushes you further than you’d ever go alone. I’ve seen people surprise themselves time and time again — hitting personal bests, learning new skills, and growing in confidence — just because someone next to them cheered them on or said, “You’ve got this.”
The Motivation in Variety
The variety in CrossFit keeps it exciting, too. The workouts are always changing, which keeps you mentally engaged and constantly improving. One day it’s lifting, the next it’s gymnastics, then cardio — your body never gets the chance to plateau, and it stays fun.
Why Group Classes Beat Open Gym for Long-Term Progress
I only train in classes now. I’ve done the personalised programming route, trained in Open Gym, and stepped away from classes — and honestly, I missed out. It didn’t take long to realise I wasn’t hitting the same intensity, and I wasn’t progressing the way I used to. Open Gym has its place — it’s great for extra skill work, accessory work, pre-hab or rehab — but it should never replace class. The coaching, structure, and group energy can’t be matched.
Why Classes Still Matter for Experienced Athletes
I see others fall into the same trap as I did — usually around the 2–5 year mark. They start to think that to keep progressing, they need a more personalised programme, so they stop coming to class and shift to Open Gym. While their intention is to level up, what often happens is the opposite. They end up training alone, following a plan that might be more tailored on paper, but without the energy, intensity, and accountability that comes from training with others. Yes, they might improve specific skills or increase their training volume, but more often than not, they plateau in terms of overall fitness and strength. Without a coach pushing them and a group driving the intensity, they never quite reach the same training threshold they hit in class. It’s a quieter decline — they’re still training hard, but not as effectively.
There’s simply no replacement for being coached, surrounded by people who challenge you, and feeding off that shared effort. The magic of CrossFit is in the class environment, and that doesn’t stop being true the more advanced you get.
Case Study: Solo Training vs Classes
Coach Tom Kelly, one of our longest-serving members and coaches, has done it all: solo programming, Open Gym, and group CrossFit classes.
Earlier this year, Tom won the CrossFit Open at CrossFit Wrexham (again). His secret? Showing up to class.
“Being in class at the start of the year really helped prepare me for the Open. We tailored the workouts to be more competitive and pushed each other hard. Benchmarking myself against other people in class - whether they were running faster or squatting heavier - drove me to improve my fitness.”
For Tom, the difference is simple:
Classes = Structure, coaching, intensity, and community
Solo = More flexibility, but requires serious mental grit and self-accountability
“You need to be really mentally strong to make the most of solo programming. In Open Gym, it’s all too easy to call it a day early or spend too much time doing nothing. In class, the workout is set, the coach is pushing you, and the community is right there beside you.”
Even as an experienced athlete, Tom still prefers the buzz of class:
“I feel better after being in class with friends. It’s more than just training - it’s social, it’s fun, and I know I’ve pushed myself properly.”
That said, Tom’s also realistic:
“There’s always a place for Open Gym if it helps you fit training into a busy schedule - especially with work or childcare. But if you want to get the most out of your workouts, you should prioritise coached classes whenever you can.”
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Coaching
Sometimes, people shy away from classes because they worry the coach will encourage them to lower the weight or modify the workout. But that’s a good thing.
“When you're alone, you might go heavier, but with poor form or lose the workout’s intended stimulus,” says Tom.
“In class, coaches make sure you’re getting what you need out of every session.”
Classes help you move better, progress faster, and avoid injury. It’s not about doing less - it’s about training smarter.
Why CrossFit Changes Lives, Beyond Fitness
More than anything, I believe in CrossFit because it changes lives. It helps people get fitter and healthier, yes — but it also gives them a sense of purpose, progress, and connection. It builds stronger humans, inside and out. That’s why I do it, and why I’ll always stand behind it as the best way to train.
Want to Try It for Yourself?
Come train with us and see why we’re one of the most trusted gyms in Wrexham. Contact me to book a free No Sweat Intro today to discuss your goals and how we can work together to achieve them.