Burpees? Wall balls? WOD? With secret lingo, self-flagellating workouts and a die-hard customer base, CrossFit isn’t just an international workout community; it’s a religion.
CrossFit Werk in Wedding is the original of four ‘boxes’ in Berlin where you can find an hour-and-a-half class and the infamous “workout of the day” (WOD). The boot camp-style workouts are done in an eight-person group so the coaches can give you personal attention, correct your form and provide peppy encouragement while you do your timed squats, pull-ups, burpees (a push-up/jump hybrid) and whatever else the trainer decides that day.
The small class size means plenty of opportunities for bonding with your fellow partners in pain – or, if you prefer, some friendly competition. You’ll feel sore the next day, but don’t give up. All you have to do is stick to a strict Paleo diet (no grains, dairy or sugar!) and attend 12 weeks of classes (no small commitment at €100-140 per month) and CrossFit promises “fast results”. They must be doing something right.
Even after class ends, many of CrossFit Werk’s 90-some members stick around for events like barbeques or 24-hour workout lock-ins, showing off their specially designed CrossFit-brand sneakers and comparing “max snatch” stats.
Originally published in Issue #117, June 2013
