North Shore Cross Fit

North Shore Fitness Gem. I hadn't exercised in over 10 years when my cousin insisted that I needed to try CrossFit, the main program at this gym. FYI - they changed their name from Topsfield Fitness and Wellness to North Shore CrossFit some time back - I've submitted a change suggestion here, but I don't know how long it takes for them to post it)

I have found the classes here to have lots of personal attention, to be scaled to my individual ability level; they are motivating, always varied, fun - and really effective for me.

If you want a gym you can just walk into anytime and be totally left alone to do your machines and stairmaster and look at yourself in the wall to wall mirrors - this is not for you. The trainers really pay attention and help and coach at every class. There are no machines - well, except for some rowing machines. They use body weight exercises and free weights in the workouts - as well as creative items such as gymnastics rings, sandbags - fun stuff!

I'm not exactly typical, but I've lost 40 lbs over the last year - and found that my strength, flexibility, endurance are all MUCH improved. The mix of weight and cardio activity that they use really seems to spike my metabolism.

They'll give advice if gaining or losing weight is a goal for you - they usually advocate the Zone diet I think. But they are not selling anything as far as that goes. I have not been following their diet, and they do not care. They just want to get your best performance and fitness out of you.

They also don't make you sign up for years just to try it - no contract. That was refreshing. The first intro session and class are free - and then you can just pay by the class, or get a break by paying monthly if you do enough classes to make that worth it. No signing fee, no penalty for quitting. Signing up here required less BS and paper than just about ANYTHING I've signed up for recently.

Great trainers, fun people, variety. . .works for me!!…