Getting Started with CrossFit in Switzerland

CrossFit has exploded in popularity over the past two decades, offering an efficient and effective training methodology to build overall fitness.

Now a global sensation with over 15,000 affiliates, CrossFit arrived in Switzerland around 2009.

Today, you can find over 120 CrossFit gyms spread across the country.

This article will explain what exactly CrossFit is and we’ll also provide tips on how newcomers can find CrossFit gyms near them in Switzerland and what to expect from your first session.

Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain strength and energy, or join a supportive community, CrossFit provides a rewarding path forward.

So let’s explore how you can give this transformational training approach a shot in Switzerland today!

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit® has become one of the most popular and fastest-growing fitness movements according across the globe, according to a study by Sportorthopa¨die-Sporttraumatologie.

But what exactly is it? At its core, CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program built on varied functional movements performed at high intensity.

The overarching goal is to prepare trainees for physical contingency while building competence in 10 fitness domains: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy.

Unlike most gyms where individuals focus on isolated muscle groups using single-joint movements, CrossFit aims to improve overall fitness through constantly varied functional movements executed at high intensity.

The workouts, referred to as WODs (Workout of the Day), utilize compound or multi-joint exercises that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

Squats, deadlifts, presses, pull-ups, rows, thrusters, kettlebell swings – these full-body movements mimic and prepare us for real-world activities and sports.

No two workouts are ever the same.

Sessions typically last under an hour and can be scaled to accommodate different fitness levels.

The CrossFit regimen also emphasizes measurable observable progress across broad time and modal domains.

So whether your goal is to run faster, lift heavier weights, improve gymnastics skills like handstands or muscle-ups, or simply become fitter overall, CrossFit provides measurable markers to track your improvement.

It’s the deliberate attempt to optimize physical competence in each of these 10 fitness domains that makes CrossFit both distinct and effective.

Why Do CrossFit?

So why has CrossFit exploded in popularity over the last two decades? There are many motivations driving people to join CrossFit boxes (the term used to describe CrossFit gyms).

The general health and fitness benefits of regular training are already known:

Makes You Stronger
Burns Calories Efficiently
Keeps You Burning Calories Post-WOD
Might Help with Weight Loss
Heart-Healthy
Improves Your Mobility
Makes You Run Better
Helps You Rest Easier
Gives You a Confidence Boost
Super Time-Efficient

But what makes CrossFit stand out even more compared to a regular gym? Here are some of the most unique benefits specific to CrossFit:

Community and Camaraderie

The community atmosphere in CrossFit boxes is frequently described as welcoming, supportive, and fun.

CrossFit workouts are usually done in group classes where members encourage each other.

You suffer together and triumph together. This creates bonds and friendships that enhance accountability and motivation.

Effective and Efficient Workouts

The structure of CrossFit workouts, constantly varied at high intensity using functional full-body movements, has proven to effectively and efficiently improve overall fitness.

In as little as 3 one-hour sessions per week, people have transformed their health and abilities.

Competition and Benchmarking

CrossFit fosters a competitive spirit, both internally and externally, that helps members push past their perceived limits.

Internally, members compete with themselves by striving to better previous personal records and benchmarks.

Externally, CrossFit hosts sanctioned competitions across the globe where elite athletes compete to place while amateur athletes participate for the thrill.

Professional Coaching

CrossFit workouts are technically complex, utilizing hundreds of functional movements in varied combinations at high intensity.

Having an experienced coach guide each session enables members to learn proper form to minimize injury risk.

Coaches also scale workouts appropriately for individual fitness levels.

Holistic Lifestyle

CrossFit promotes broader lifestyle changes beyond gym sessions, including nutrition guidance for better performance and recovery.

There’s also emphasis on forging mental toughness and self-confidence to create more capable, resilient and happier humans.

In summary, CrossFit offers an efficient, effective and fun way to get fit while joining a supportive community.

It builds overall physical competence across 10 domains relevant to sports and life while enabling measurable progress towards your unique goals.

CrossFit in Switzerland

CrossFit arrived in Switzerland around 2009 and its popularity has steadily grown since. You can now find over 120 CrossFit-affiliated gyms spread across the country on platforms like Wodily:

CrossFit boxes have sprouted in most major cities like Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, and Lausanne.

But they can also be found in smaller suburbs and towns as the demand for this type of training continues rising.

Some Swiss boxes attract members from neighboring countries like France, Germany and Italy as well given the international draw of CrossFit’s global community.

The coaches leading Swiss CrossFit boxes are well-educated in the CrossFit methodology, having completed the Level 1 Certificate Course and often higher-level specialty courses as well.

As more Swiss natives have gotten into coaching over the last decade, they’ve shaped boxes that blend CrossFit’s core principles with local culture and lifestyle.

Here’s a spotlight on two pioneering CrossFit boxes in Zurich that have helped anchor the Swiss CrossFit community:

CrossFit Zurich

Founded in 2009, CrossFit Zurich was one of the first affiliates in Switzerland. Their international team of coaches focuses on creating competent, resilient and happy athletes through proper movement patterns, benchmarking and lifestyle habits.

They emphasize sound nutrition and recovery to complement training. What began as a small community has grown into a Tribe with members from over 40 nationalities united by their passion for fitness.

CrossFit Kreis 9

Situated next to Altstetten train station for easy access, CrossFit Kreis 9 opened its doors in 2013 with the goal of helping individuals find their path to lifetime fitness.

Their personalized approach enables members to train at their level while making step-by-step progress.

CrossFit K9, as it’s affectionately called, also prioritizes professional development for aspiring coaches through their Level 1 Seminar Staff program. The box has built a tight-knit community where friendships thrive alongside PRs.

These two boxes exemplify the growth of CrossFit across Switzerland over the past decade.

Whether in the German, French or Italian part of Switzerland, you can now find a box filled with like-minded individuals chasing elite fitness in most cities and many country towns today.

Find CrossFit Gyms in Switzerland

As a newcomer interested in trying CrossFit for the first time or a traveling athlete looking to drop in, the easiest way to find CrossFit gyms near your location in Switzerland is through:

Wodily – Lists all affiliated CrossFit gyms and boxes in Switzerland. It includes reviews, opening hours, important details, the phone number and how to get started. They list all the CrossFit gyms near you in a simple way. It’s a little bit more comprehensive and detailed than the official site.

CrossFit’s Gym Finder Map – The official CrossFit website has an interactive map listing all affiliated gyms. You can search by city/town to see CrossFit locations closest to you.

Social Media Groups – Local CrossFit communities often have Facebook Groups and Instagram accounts that can provide recommendations on boxes to check out.

Reach Out Directly – Don’t hesitate to message or call CrossFit gyms directly near your area to ask questions before visiting. Coaches are usually very welcoming to prospective new members.

Most CrossFit gyms offer free introductory sessions, beginner Elements courses and drop-in rates for traveling members. This enables you to trial boxes conveniently before purchasing a membership to find your perfect fit.

Ready to Give CrossFit a Shot?

If you’ve been curious about exploring CrossFit for better health, more energy and a supportive community, Switzerland offers an exciting range of boxes to meet your needs.

Here are a few quick tips to help you get started:

Search online maps and directories to find CrossFit gyms near where you live and work on a map like Wodily.
Call or message the box to explain you’re new to CrossFit and interested in an intro session. Ask what they recommend for beginners.
Pack comfortable workout clothes you can move freely in along with athletic shoes and water. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out any paperwork.
Attend the onboarding orientation where coaches will assess your movement competency and fitness level. Be open about any prior injuries or mobility restrictions so they can appropriately scale workouts.
Focus first on learning proper movement patterns before chasing heavy weights or speed. Master the mechanics; intensity comes later.
Embrace the community atmosphere. Introduce yourself to members and coaches. Ask questions and cheer each other on!

CrossFit boxes pride themselves on having beginner-friendly onboarding programs.

They understand it takes time to develop strength, confidence and skills to complete certain complex movements safely.

So don’t worry if you initially struggle with certain lifts or gymnastics elements.

Stick with it, focus on sound mechanics, scale appropriately and you’ll be amazed by the progress you can make in just a few short months.

The coaches, community and methodology make CrossFit an incredibly rewarding way to get fitter, stronger and healthier.

There’s a special energy and magic within boxes that’s hard to convey in words alone.

You have to experience it for yourself.

So we encourage you to take that first step and try a session at a CrossFit gym near you today!

You have nothing to lose and a whole new lifestyle to gain.