CrossFit Local

I don’t often write Unilocal reviews but CrossFit Local is definitely a five-​star box. I’ve done many drop-​ins over the last several years and the coaching here was top notch. The coach (Emily) has a keen eye for movement and gave me great feedback on my movements. Highly recommend this box!

I dropped in on a few classes at CF Local when I was visiting my family in Chapel Hill and I was incredibly pleased with my experience. The gym was easy to find and everyone was friendly and welcoming. The coaching was high quality and I appreciated the scaling options presented for each workout. I look forward to returning to CF Local when I’m in town again!

I dropped in for a class at CrossFit local while I was visiting NC. About a week beforehand, I used the gym website to send an email asking about drop-​ins and received a call from the owner, Chad, almost immediately. At my class, the coach, Josh, led a group warm-​up (I’ve been to a couple gyms that neglect this portion, and it drives me nuts!) and an overview of form for split jerks before sending us to the racks. He was attentive during the wod and offered everyone form cues as we worked. After class, a member led a crushing abs session for a nice finisher.
Overall, everyone was incredibly welcoming and the programming felt thoughtful and challenging. I especially enjoyed that they post their workouts with Rx, L1, and L2 scaling options so everyone goes into class knowing how to tailor the workout to fit their skill level. Bonus: Lola the dog will come lick your sweaty face as you cool down! I will definitely return for wods during future visits to the area.

Local is the oldest, most established CrossFit gym in Chapel Hill. If you are in the area and thinking about a drop-​in, this is the place to go. If you are new to CrossFit, this is a great place to start.
VERY WELCOMING — If you are new to CrossFit or experienced and looking for a new gym, this is a great place to check out.
CAMARADERIE — The members are very open and welcoming. Like any gym, you’ve got different constituents. Chapel Hill provides plenty of students, recent graduates and professionals of all ages — Local brings everyone together in a fun, open, environment.
COACHING — Many of the coaches have been at Local for years. At any time of day you’ve got experienced coaches who are focused on helping your athletic development in a safe, but challenging way. Local has their own process for on-​boarding coaches in addition to the required certifications.
CLASS OPTIONS — In addition standard CrossFit classes, Local offers a barbell club and occasionally other focused classes (muscle-​ups, double-​unders, etc.).
CLASS TIMES — There are plenty of morning classes on the hour, starting at 6 AM. Evenings are full with classes on the hour or half hour.
SPACE — As Local has grown there is the ‘Old Room’ and ‘New Room’ — this offers lots of space and class flexibility. In addition to the interior space, the parking lot out of the two dock height doors out back provides plenty of room. ‘Class outside’ is common, especially in the spring and fall.
EQUIPMENT — The owners know that good equipment improves the experience. Both rooms have plenty of racks, bars and weights. They’ve got rowers, roman chairs, an air-​dyne, reverse hyper and plenty of prowlers.
KID CARE — Kid care is offered occasionally during mornings, evenings and sometimes weekends.
SHOWERS — There are a pair of showers /​changing rooms.
EVENTS — Local does a lot of events, which lets you have as much CrossFit in your life as you’d like. Diet challenges, lifting challenges and social events are common.

If you want to get in shape, you’re in the right place! I’ve been to a fair amount of Crossfit gyms, and this is just what I needed; 4.4 out of 5.
It’s hard to review a gym, so bear with me haha. There are so many different styles of working out and they all work for different people, but I’ll try my best.
There is a strong sense of community and they do a lot of group exercise, so if you’re like me and can’t push yourself, you have another person keeping you focused. They also do some things on their own causing them develop the ability to push ourselves and become aware of their limits (it’s easy to get carried away during a group workout). The amount of reps or weight during the workout is left up to you and the instructors only tell you to go up in either if they’re confident in your ability. The workouts are intense; focused on high heart rate and proper form. They’re exhausting for the first month or so, but after a month or so you can do them without feeling sore. The gym itself is standard issue: has the standard equipment and is located inside a converted office space. The staff however, is what makes this place work (and you too! haha)! They know you and your fitness level within a week and they make a big deal about giving you personal attention!