Reebok Crossfit Asia

CONTRIBUTED BY SNUFF

Editor’s note: The name has changed since the original post, along with class times.  It’s now “Reebok Crossfit Asia” and we’ve posted an updated schedule (as of April 2013) below. Thanks to Laura Snell for keeping us up-to-date!

Let me give you a little background about myself.  I’m not a big fan of working out.  I know I should do it.  I know it’s good for me.  And I know it makes you feel better.  I just don’t like to do it.  If I can help it, my workouts would consist of 1 pint curls.  And Running?!?  The only time I like to run is if someone is chasing me…with a knife…a really big knife.  So I have no love for working out.

I was going to write an article on Crossfit Asia in October ’08.  I figured it would force me into the gym, which was going to be my New Years Resolution.  Well, you can see how that turned out; it’s what, almost March!  I’ll be honest with you fine readers; I was little intimated about going to the gym, because I’m not a big gym guy.  There’s 1001 pieces of equipment and trying to figure out what machine does what is a little intimidating.  Who wants to look like a dummy and get onto a machine backwards or upside down?  Then add the 100’s of other people trying to get onto the same machine and you blocking the view of the guy flexing in front of the mirror.  Not fun!

Well folks, Crossfit Asia has no machines and no mirrors.  Not a single one.  It has all your basic equipment that doesn’t really need much instruction on how to use.  The only thing you’ll really need to work on is your form, but guess what?  They have a staff of up to 9 people who will help you with your form and keep you motivated.  As for mirrors, you’ll have to flex at home.

So what is Crossfit?  Crossfit is a workout (or a life style to some) that uses a variety of functional activities like running, rowing, weightlifting, calisthenics, and basic gymnastics.  The typical workout consists of various exercises that are either done in rounds, repetitions and/or time.  For instance, a workout would consist of 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, and 15 non-weighted squats.  You have to do as many repetitions as you can in 20 minutes.  Sounds scary right?  The good thing is they’ll scale down the workout to fit your athletic prowess.  Now, I know some folks can’t do a push-up or pull-up.  Well, they thought of that too.  They have these big rubber bands that assist with the push-ups and pull-ups.  There are a lot of exercises that I was not familiar with, but lucky for us, they have a friendly staff who will walk you through and explain anything you don’t understand.

Jamie, owner and trainer, was a former U.S. Air Force member who spent 13 years serving our country.  Jamie’s very passionate about Crossfit and his love for fitness is contagious.  He makes you want to work out harder.  He’s made a friendly and welcoming environment at Crossfit Asia where people motivate each other to keep on, keeping on.  According to Jamie, 60% of the “crossfitters” at his gym are women and he has a staff of women and men.  He also has a Japanese trainer.  Did I mention no mirrors?

I know you guys are curious if I did a workout today.  I was hoping to come in, ask a few questions, get a tour and then go to McD’s for lunch.  No such luck, I did do a workout, because, well, because Jamie made me.  It consisted of a 400 m run, 21 Kettlebell swings and 12 Pull-ups, which I had to do 3 rounds for time.  I finished at 11:12.  That’s right, I had an 11 minute workout today and it kicked my booty!

Crossfit Asia is a great alternative to the crowded gyms on base and I always seem to workout better when I have other people motivating me.  They also have a kids room and if your child needs supervision they charge a minimal fee.  Boot camps are starting soon and they offer an introductory workout if you want to see if it’s right for you.  Give them a ring for more information.  Also, I wanted to thank the ladies who worked out with me today for not embarrassing me too much.

For more information and pricing check out their website at https://www.reebokcrossfitasia.com/blog/and join their Facebook page.  For more info about crossfit check out www.crossfit.com.

Reebok Crossfit Asia

Phone: 098-987-7754

Class Schedule: Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. (Supervised kids room available), 10:30 a.m. (Supervised kids room available), 12:00 p.m. (Supervised Kids Room available), 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:15, p.m. 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.

Saturday – 10:30 a.m. Free Workout (open to anyone wanting to give CrossFit a try or those who are looking for a good work out on Saturday mornings), 12:00 p.m. Team Work Out (a fun way for members to get to know each other, do team-building exercises, get a great workout and strengthen the RCFA community)

Special Note: For all classes you must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start warming up. If you don’t, you won’t be able to workout with that class (ex: for the 5:30 a.m. class you have to be there before 5:15 a.m.) Supervised kids room is provided for some of the evening classes also; call ahead if you require childcare.

Pricing: 10,000 yen/month for unlimited classes

Address: 2-33-30 Murokawa, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

GPS Coordinates: 26.3315853, 127.80898580000007

Directions: Go out Kadena Gate 2 and keep going straight.  Pass the large 4 way intersection / Koza Music center and keeping going straight.  You’ll pass the sign for the zoo.  Keep going straight.  As you go down the hill, you’ll see an ENEOS gas station on your right.  At the traffic light take a left.  Follow the road for a couple blocks and the gym will be on your right.”