CrossFit Brand X has a reputation in the CrossFit community for the highest standards of coaching and character. They were the 5th affiliate registered and are now the longest continuously operating affiliate in the world. Every affiliate starting up should visit Brand X to see what a CrossFit box should be. Several have and they've acknowledged that their own boxes are the better for it.

Unfortunately I can't train at Brand X all the time. I can only visit and it breaks my heart every time I have to leave. I'm apparently the only person in the world who wants to move TO Ramona if I win the lottery. My wife and I have made really good friends at Brand X. Last visit the trainers practically fought over having us over to their homes for dinner and several, including the owners, Jeff and Mikki, have offered to have us stay with them. I have never been as impressed by any human beings as I am by Jeff, Mikki and their staff. The word I keep coming back to is "honourable".

Brand X trainers have a well-deserved reputation for the highest standard of coaching, producing athletes known throughout the region for the quality of their movement. Connor Martin is a member of the Level 1 training certification team, several, 3 or 4? Of the other trainers are on the CrossFit Kids seminar team and Jeff Martin is one of the few people in world to have been awarded the title of "CrossFit Coach" for their contribution to the growth of CrossFit. If someone is allowed to run a class at Brand X you know they've been carefully trained during an extended internship under very demanding supervision. Jeff drives himself hard and expects no less of his staff. I’ve seen him checking on clients he knew to have a problem while he was running seminars in Australia. He and Miki have a capacity for caring that he would be embarrassed if people knew about. So I’ve told people Jeff, live with it.

Jeff and Mikki were personally asked by Coach Glassman to develop the CrossFit Kids program. The program and methodology they developed is now in use in hundreds of CrossFit boxes across the world and Brand X remains CrossFit Kids HQ. One of my favourite things to do is sit and watch the Kids classes at Brand X. The trainers are so great with the kids and it's wonderful to see how much the kids have grown and developed as athletes between visits. Some of them have gone on to own their own affiliates and many more are trainers at affiliates across the country.

I loved seeing so many families there. You’d see one parent in the morning class, another in the evening, the kids after school and grandparents during the day. Families have 3, 4 and in one case 5 generations of family members training there. And they’re all so friendly to a couple of strangers from the other side of the world. We fitted right in to the classes, they taught us, corrected us, scaled the workouts for us and were unceasingly professional. I train at home normally and was overwhelmed by the volume of people through the place on our first day. When I watched for a bit, and tried the classes for myself, I saw how well run the classes were. It’s what you’d expect I guess, if you’ve been doing it for longer than anyone else you get pretty good at it.

Jeff has a particular love of powerlifting and he’s taken CrossFit athletes to being state and National record holders. The methodology he developed is now known as “CrossFit Strength Bias” and modified versions of that template are in use all over the world. It gets results.

Since our first visit, I’ve come to maintain their website for Jeff and Mikki. I don’t take any money for it and their attempts to pay me have become something of a longstanding battle between us. I believe in what the Martins are doing and I’d do it if it cost me to do so, which I guess it does to some degree. I will always look for ways I can do more and I hang out for the time when I get a chance to get back to dusty, hot Ramona and train at Brand X.
Nothing I say can overstate what you find at CrossFit Brand X. As overblown as this review may sound, the truth is better. I stand by everything I say and anyone wanting to verify anything can contact me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

If you can train at Brand X, do.
And I will be incredibly jealous of you.

I have been a member of CrossFit Brand X since 2004. As pointed out by Craig M, this box is a foundation affiliate and the Martins have established many of the common elements of boxes around the world. All of what Craig says is true and I won't repeat that here.

My experience at this affilliate is personal and unique but also a shares a common thread with many people I have spoken with over the years.

I was a chubby computer geek with little physical coordination or confidence when I started training off site with Jeff and then two members of Brand X who came to my office to teach self defense classes. Over time I have seen many changes in myself as well as CrossFit and at Brand X. But here are some of the things I see as consistent over time:

1) Committment to virtuosity - It is not always ok to just go fast. You have to master the basics before you can blur the line between form and speed. “NO REP” – Get used to it.

2) Commitment to safety: "Put that down." "Not in my Gym" and "Don't be stupid." Sure it is cool to lift really heavy stuff and to PR in the benchmarks but not at the expense of injury or overtraining.

3) Commitment to well-rounded lifestyle: Being in the gym is secondary to being a happy, well-rounded person. Your commitment to working out is only good as far as you can sustain a healthy balance. Barbecues and study halls and support of volunteerism are a big part of Brand X.

4) Commitment to healthy nutrition: Brand X promotes and helps support a way of eating that follows the original CrossfFit "Fitness in 100 words" by Greg Glassman. Fitness is forged in the kitchen as well as in the black box. The quality of food and the quantity of food you eat contribute to your performance as well as body composition.

5) Commitment to smart programming: The Martins are the originators of the "Puppies, Pack, Big Dawg" scaling and the CrossFit kids and CrossFit teens programs. Buy in and Cash outs add value to each class. The Martins and the staff host and create seminars and classes using principles from other affiliates and incorporate them into the class structure (Mobility, Gymnastics, Endurance, as well as the Strength Bias created at by Jeff Martin, CrossFit Mom founded by CrossFit Brand X trainer Andrea Nitz.)

6. Commitment to Mentoring - I would be remiss in not giving credit to the many trainers and staff that make Brand X a great place to train. Some have come and gone but the core team is a wonderful group of mentors and examples of caring and commitment. Dan Strametz, Dan Edelman, Debbie Rakos, Danelle Marks, Andrea Nitz, Connor and Keegan Martin, as well as new trainer Camzin M with whom I have not trained, but I am confident she meets the high standards Jeff and Mikki maintain for staffed coaching. Allison Patinaude and Lura Poggi are beloved crossfit kids trainers who I love to watch nurture the littlest children's love of play and fitness. I hope I have not missed anyone.

Personally, I have been changed over time by these principles, have gotten stronger, faster, better, more confident and overall happier by being a member of the Brand X family. I have had some long absences and I always feel missed, and welcomed back when I walk in the door.

As with every program, you get out what you put in, but if you come with a willingness to learn from those around you and follow the advice of the very experienced and careful instructors, you will grow and thrive at CrossFit Brand X.

My worst complaint ever is that sometimes it has been too crowded but class schedules are expanding and the space next door, the Hurt Locker is often used for extra classes and for training that is more geared toward a competitive focus.
Check it out. It’s worth the drive and you won’t be sorry!

http://www.reviewsfortime.com

Brand X sets a high standard of excellence and they treat you like family

I loved the multiple visits I have made to Brand X.

I discovered Brand X in 2008 through their website and the free scaling of the crossfit.com workouts that the coaches offer. This is an incredible service that Brand X provides the entire crossfit community.

If you have a chance to visit you should. It is worth the drive from however far. A few years ago my brother and I did a road trip from Northern California to San Diego primarily just to hang out at their box and get excellent coaching. It was an amazing experience. We did this simply because we were garage crossfitters who were helped out so significantly by their website and the helpful forums. The only problem is that I had such a good experience at their gym that I haven't been to another crossfit affiliate that has comparable coaching! They set the bar high.

Jeff and the coaches do a PHENOMENAL job and have created an incredible community and training facility. Jeff, his family, and the coaches at Brand X are the kind of people you want on your side when the sh*t hits the fan and you are in serious trouble. They are generous, kind, they pursue excellence in their own lives, and they teach you to pursue excellence in your own life.

They have a unique space, a great tumbling floor, they emphasize safety, proper technique, and a warm and inviting community. The offered different kinds of classes, had solid programming, and creative warm-ups. It had a family-friendly atmosphere and it was fun to see the crossfit kids classes that they had. It was common for parents and their kids to crossfit at Brand X. This is the kind of place you hope your children will love and grow up in like Jeff's kids have. Whether you are getting up there in years, you have young children, or are a serious crossfitter with your sights on the Regionals and the Games, it would be difficult to find a better place to train. I met multiple people that would drive past many boxes on their way to Brand X because of the coaching and community. They also take their training seriously and it was obvious that they seek virtuosity in their coaching.

This truly is a killer box.

Josh K

reviewsfortime.com

I have been attending the gym for over 6 months now. In that time it has changed me both physically and mentally. I dropped over 10 pounds of body fat and replaced it with 15 pounds of muscle. My confidence in myself has risen dramatically. When I look in the mirror I like who and what is see. With direct assistance from all 13 trainers many of which have been teaching for over 8 years. I have accomplished more in 6 months then most do in 2 years.

Brand X is also the CREATORS of CROSSFIT KIDS and continue to be leaders in the fight against childhood obesity. Their Kids program is designed for kids 3 and up. Class are designed to improve fitness but while have FUN. Its more of a game for the kids then working out. 6 of the 13 CROSSFIT KIDS trainers are also the same people certifying all the other gym and trainers in CrossFit kids world wide.

In short, to go anywhere else is to stunt your progress in your fitness, weight loss or weight gaining.

CrossFit Brand X is a top notch facility that employs some of the best CrossFit trainers in the world. Brand X provides an environment that is challenging, encouraging and focused on improving the lives of its members. Brand X has provided my family with the tools to improve not only our health, but our self esteem and lifestyle as well. My children are active and focused on fitness and healthy living as a result of the positive experiences provided for them through Brand X and CrossFit Kids. The Martin family, as the founders of CrossFit Kids, live what they teach and there is no better example of this lifestyle than them. The passion that the trainers have for us, as clients, goes beyond just teaching proper mechanics and movements. They truly want to help make people better at life. Brand X is an amazing place and we are lucky to be a part of it!

My nephew, husband, and I have been members of CrossFit Brand X since November, 2005. It is a second home to us and has improved our lives tenfold. Much like work and school are factors in how we plan our lives, so is our attendance at CrossFit Brand X. A day without CrossFit Brand X would not be our "normal" - it is that important to us. The trainers at CrossFit Brand X are top-notch and truly desire to improve the physical condition of all of the members. Workouts are closely monitored by certified trainers for proper form, movement, and optimal output. I feel safe and productive under the watchful eyes of Brand X's trainers. I have watched my nephew, a teenager, blossom into a young, athletic man without boundless confidence as a direct result of being part of the CrossFit Kids program. He loves it so much, being a CrossFit trainer is his career goal. I honestly cannot recommend this gym enough. Better lives are handed out on a daily basis.

In 2007, I attended my first ever CrossFit class at CrossFit BrandX. They must have done something right, because it sure wasn't the water that kept me coming back. I would travel 3 times a week, driving 45 minutes each way, from Oceanside to Ramona, to attend this gym.

Using their expertise and knowledge, the coaches approached training with a praxis approach - testing theory, practicing, measuring results, refining techniques.

Members that have been there for awhile are autonomous. They know more about their own fitness than anyone in any traditional commercial gym setting. People know what their personal records are, what their fitness goals are, and are aware of what types of food they put into their bodies.

This is the sign of a great environment. CrossFit BrandX is more of an educational facility with mentors and coaches.

Above all, the heart and soul of this gym is the family atmosphere. The owners, and coaches treat all of their members like extensions of their family. It is the community that makes this gym.

Now, as a gym owner of a CrossFit gym myself, I can only hope to replicate the same success as CrossFit BrandX.

"Why I Train " Patrick O'Hannigan

I train because I want to be able to be there for Thomas and Jane and Cathleen while also setting a good example for them.

I train because without that, there's no assurance I can help my darling wife with lifting heavy objects when the need arises.

I train because every single trainer I've met at BrandX is an inspiration for me, and that's an enviable record for any gym to have.

I train because my kids still like to be carried sometimes.

I train because Kim said my running stride was a good one and Mikki once called me a "blur," and there are some compliments that you enjoy but also feel compelled to continue making good on.

I train because I never made the cut on any varsity sports teams and was always picked last for playground games.

I train because my favorite brother-in-law (6'4", approximately 240 lbs) found it entirely too easy to push me into a snow drift on Mount Laguna last winter.

I train because I didn't need the ten extra pounds I started CrossFit with.

I train because St. Paul said something about fighting the good fight and running the good race, and however metaphorically he may have meant such verses, those first-century fishermen and Pharisees were also tough hombres, most of them.

I train because the idea of "functional strength" appeals strongly to me.

I train because people I like and respect also train.

I train because I find that not being intimidated by bigger people is a useful kind of confidence to have.

I train because I've spent a lifetime being self-conscious about the way I walk and stand, and while there's nothing I can do about a leg-length differential or mild cerebral palsy, there's a lot I can do to make those things non-issues.

I train because it's a twisted kind of fun that has to do with endorphins and with shaving seconds off workout times.

I train because as much as I admire Marines and cops (dad was both), there are times in life when the only "first responder" in a crisis is you. Or me. And I'd like to be useful on those occasions.

I train because the BrandX trainers aren't just muscle-heads, and they never condescend.

I train because I want to be physically active until I'm dead.
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