Crossfit is making waves in Malaysia
Crossfit was founded by Greg Glassman in the early 2000s, and there are now more than 11,000 CrossFit affiliated gyms around the world today.
Back in 2012, when I first stumbled upon the training system (which combines elements of strength training, Olympic weightlifting and metabolic conditioning), it was almost unheard of in this part of the world.
At that time, there was only one official CrossFit affiliate (or “box”, as CrossFitters call them) in the entire country.
Fast forward three years, and you see these boxes or gyms that purportedly do “CrossFit-inspired” workouts cropping up at every turn.
The fundamental difference between the two is simply that the former has to pay an annual licencing fee to CrossFit.Inc, which is now a US$4bil (RM14.8bil) brand, according to Forbes.
However, some would argue over issues like credibility and legitimacy, especially when it comes to the quality of coaches when it concerns the latter.
Pushmore is the first CrossFit affiliate in Malaysia and South-East Asia, and boasts some of the most experienced CrossFit coaches around.
Here is a list of some of the best-known CrossFit facilities in the Klang Valley:
Pushmore Fitness Centre
Location: Merchant Square, Petaling Jaya
Fees: RM195/month
Founded in 2008, Pushmore is the first CrossFit affiliate in Malaysia and South-East Asia, and boasts some of the most experienced CrossFit coaches around.
It derives its name from the gruelling and intense experience typical of a CrossFit workout-of-the-day (WOD).
The 3,000 sq ft facility may seem sparse at first sight, but has all the training essentials you require to get fitter, faster and stronger.
CrossFit Vidatha
Location: Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur
Price: RM200–RM350/month (depending on the package)
CrossFit Vidatha was founded by a husband and wife team who made the decision to ditch corporate careers to pursue their fitness dream.
Vidatha has several meanings, which include “body of warriors”, “knowledge” and “community”.
Like its namesake, the couple aims to create a community of lifetime learners, as well as to highlight the importance of functional fitness and its practical approach in real life situations through the sport.
Operating out of a warehouse spanning 10,000 sq ft space, District 13 is currently the biggest CrossFit facility in the Klang Valley. Photo: District 13.
District 13
Location: Bangunan TH, Petaling Jaya
Price: RM220–RM255/month (depending on the package)
You can’t go wrong with a bad-ass name like that. Operating out of a warehouse spanning 10,000 sq ft space with 20-metre high ceilings, District 13 boasts an impressive set-up and is the biggest and really one of the coolest places to train in the Klang Valley.
The gym aims to nurture communal spirit among CrossFit athletes while providing quality training and inculcating healthy lifestyle habits through its close-knit and focused approach.
And oh, I actually train at this box. Come say hi.
CrossFit Pahlawan
Location: Citta Mall, Petaling Jaya
Price: RM199–RM299/month (depending on the package). Rates are subject to 6% GST.
CrossFit Pahlawan is the newest kid on the Malaysian CrossFit block and is already a hit among the community for its spacious setting and top-notch equipment.
It is founded by a bunch of gym buddies who discovered the joys (and pain) of CrossFit and decided it would be a brilliant idea to start a box of their own and spread the love (and torture) of CrossFit.
Spanning some 5,000 sq ft, it is also slightly “fancier” than your typical CrossFit box, and comes with locker rooms and a lounge cum mini-café for a well-deserved post-WOD cuppa.
Generally, for training facilities that are often converted from warehouses or shop-lots, CrossFit isn’t cheap. Many of these facilities have minimal equipment, no mirrors, no locker rooms, and offer none of the conventional gym amenities like coffee and towels.
Yet folks alternating reps of the clean-and-jerk with kipping pull-ups are willing to fork out a premium to throw themselves into their chosen ordeal of the day.
Perhaps the biggest payoff (besides getting jacked) is the camaraderie and working out with like-minded folks towards achieving the same fitness goals. Many of these facilities come with a familial vibe.
One perk to the CrossFit system is that you have certified instructors to watch over your form and technique while you perform these notoriously exhaustive workouts.
It is somewhat like small group training, except that coaching is part-and-parcel of the programme. This will certainly be beneficial for the fitness novice who has little or no experience with exercising.
Meanwhile, critics will tell you that CrossFit places too much importance on speed and heavy loads, at the expanse of proper form and technique. This is one of those clear situations where inexperience and competitiveness can breed injury.
Some experts also believe that the routine lacks direction and periodisation (an organised training approach that involves progressive cycling of various aspects of a programme), and perpetuates a do-or-die approach that drives people to physical and mental burnouts.
However, if the alternative is pigging out on doughnuts on a couch, then I say, heck, keep the CrossFit momentum going!
