I really wanted to like this outdoor class, but the instructor (a sub) was not professional at McLaren Park today. It started by not being on time, then also not clear about instructions. I might not be in the best shape, but I do expect professionalism.

Arena Ready was so welcoming to us! Great workout, very friendly crew and helpful coaches that gave great tips to help with the WOD! Would definitely recommend dropping into this gym if visiting from out of town or joining if you’re close by. Drop in was $30 and totally worth it because all of the equipment is in great shape. Thanks for including us!

It was a true pleasure to train at areanaready CrossFit! Sarah, her husband, the trainers, and community were all very forthcoming and extremely nice and helpful to both me and my girlfriend while we trained there and went well beyond what you could ever expect just to make us feel welcome. Definitely coming back when we’re in San Fran again!Thank you so much for having us!

SF’s best kept secret. 🙂

Ive been doing CrossFit for about 3 years (barbell lifting for longer) and in that time Ive been to 7 different boxes in SF, NYC, and Virginia. I dont usually like doling out superlatives, but this place is far and away the best of em. Theres no question that in terms of instruction, programming, community, fun, compassion, and style, Arena Ready takes the cake on all fronts. Its the CrossFit experience that I wish everyone could have.I came in as a shy newbie and a year later I was doing things I couldnt have imagined: ring muscle-ups, handstand pushups, and completing workouts I wouldve laughed at in disbelief a year earlier. I also had a bunch of new friends and a few new role models.One of the coolest things about this gym is how gratifying it is for people of all skill levels. The programming can be challenging for even the most experienced CrossFitter, but Rob & Sarah always offer a spectrum of scaling so that everyone is able to do the workouts at a level that takes plenty of grit but can be done safely. There is a level of variety and care in the programming at AR that I havent found anywhere else, and the blog which delivers it daily is incredible: posts are motivating, funny, heartfelt.The programming is engaging, fun, and challenging. CrossFit standards are creatively remixed (e.g. The AR Deconstructed Duo DT) while old favorites, skill workshops, Olympics, and strength cycles reliably show-up from time to time. Rob is like some kind of genius DJ but for workout programming.The community is warm and welcoming. Each workout begins with a Question of the Day which everyone answers, saying their name beforehand; the upshot of this is that you get to know people really quickly and the gym has developed its own set of running jokes (What. Color. Tanktop. Is. Brett. Wearing???).The instruction is excellent: Rob, Sarah, and the cast of homegrown coaches put a huge emphasis on correct movement and warming up properly. Olympic lifts are so complex they border on artistry, which makes good coaching is really important. The AR coaches themselves are all accomplished lifters and skilled instructors, and they helped me overhaul my technique in a few places. It also helps that theyre all cool people who are fun, goofy, and wise.A small but important detail: the music is great. You dont know how important this is until you go to a gym that doesnt have it. Rob is a connoisseur of jams and routinely plays bumpin 90s throwbacks and heartpumping house mixes. Just watch out for Country Wednesdays.Equipment is clean and well cared for. The barbells are nicely broken-in and routinely maintained. At most other gyms Ive been to, the barbells are either completely neglected and falling apart or so new that the knurling feels like a vegetable grater.I was lucky enough to be able to attend AR for a year and a half until I moved to NYC. Since leaving I havent found anything like it. Believe it or not, its a huge motivator for me to move back to the Bay Area. If youre interested in getting fit, exploring CrossFit, or continuing your CF training, AR is your spot. Just be ready to get your heart broken when you move away and cant find anything as good.

Expertly programmed workouts driving my fitness to new heights. Come try this!

The best coaches and community around.

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