What our Clients have to say

I was extremely fortunate to be a member of CFS for 5 months whilst living temporarily in Sydney. Hailing from NY and having previous CrossFit experience, I was amazed at what a difference those few months had on my overall fitness and athletic ability.  My form improved markedly, I was lifting heavier weights, doing some WODs fully RX, and running faster than I ever have in my life.  I attribute all of this to the quality training Andrew, Oliver, Kat, Dan, et al offer.  The physical space itself is also a great workout environment with some of the nicest people around (not a scintilla of ego).  One thing I keep telling people about CFS, Andrew in particular, is in my home box I couldn't get double unders.  I was told I just had to keep trying.  Andrew looked at what I was doing, gave me three different instructions, told me to string them together and lo and behold, I was doing double unders!  This literally took all of 2 minutes.  This example is not an isolated incident.  
My biggest regret in leaving Australia is that I couldn't take CFS with me.

Erika

Doing the same thing day in, day out hasn't ever been one of my strengths — I get itchy feet all the time and want to find something new and different. I've tried classes, corporate gyms, outdoor
training, you name it, but after a few months it's the same routine over and over again. Six months into CrossFit Sydney and it still feels brand new — I haven't done the same thing twice. Andrew and his team work hard to guide you through the WOD's, offer advice, share their knowledge of correct form and encourage you to give more. If you don't have a movement they work with you to perfect it, so you're always left feeling a sense of achievement.
Working with Liz over the past month has increased my strength and understanding of correct technique ten-fold. Her understanding of common movements in CrossFit paired with her physio background have made the world of difference in an injury that has been present over
the past 12 months. By prescribing a strengthening and stretching program the pain has completely dissipated and made a noticeable difference in my strength and flexibility. She is an absolutely invaluable resource at CrossFit Sydney.
I can't thank you guys enough for providing such an awesome place.

Erin

I had been interested in Crossfit for a number of years before finally trying it. I spent a lot of time on the net, watching videos and clicking through the HQ site. Every time I felt ready to attend, I would convince myself that it was probably a little too intense for me (I was not fit, overweight and coming off a couple of knee injuries). I still kick myself to this day for delaying it so long, as what I expected and what I experienced could not be any different.

From the moment I walked in, I experienced a very welcoming and friendly team environment. Andrew, the team of coaches and the rest of the Crossfitters showed a great willingness to help me to get better. I got fitter and stronger in much quicker time than I had experienced before and from that first session, I haven't stopped learning.

I recommend Crossfit Sydney, to anyone who wants to try Crossfit. Whatever your goals - this is the team to achieve them with.

Leon

I was really keen to get into it when I joined CFS four months ago. As it turned out I had a lot of work to do to get the basics right such as unassisted pull ups or squats. With the support and encouragement of all the staff at CFS, in particular the pt sessions with Kat Dalecki, I feel that I improved tremendously in a short period of time. I'm really glad I got to train with Kat who is so professional, knowledgeable and friendly, and it's also her gymnastics experience that really makes a difference in our sessions together. Not only am I the strongest I have ever been, I have also improved my body awareness and flexibility. I'm so excited to be constantly learning new skills and challenging myself. Andrew and his team really do provide highly personalized quality coaching that can take you beyond your limitations.

Maja

After just two months at CrossFit Sydney I already feel stronger and healthier than I've ever felt before.  The staff are supportive and friendly, but know when you need to be challenged. CrossFitters are not preeners or meatheads - everyone is there to enjoy themselves and test their abilities.  I've always favoured running, but CF has helped me add muscle and shave minutes off my running times.  New workouts every day make things interesting and you soon learn your weaknesses and strengths. I'd recommend CF over any other form of exercise, and CF Sydney over any other box!.

Love the gym mate, I am fitter than I have ever been, the discipline around the WOD's and the
O-lifting is awesome, the best I have seen. People tell me they dont see as many injuries at his 'box' either. Also good selection of trainers.

I've really enjoyed my time at CFS and am sad to go. CFS has a great atmosphere thanks to its trainers and members. They have a fantastic setup, great coaching, extra sessions aimed at flexibility, specialty sessions for more advanced CrossFit moves, more timetable options than you could ever need, are very welcoming and suitable for all experience levels. There is always plenty of coaches to help you with your form or a query and plenty of space. Every session includes a mobility warmup after the normal warmup and before the WOD which I really enjoy and find lacking at other affiliates. They use an excellent tool to track your workouts called BeyondTheWhiteboard and I've really enjoyed the progression I've experienced in 6 or so months I've been there.

I really enjoy Crossfit Sydney. It's not so much that it's good personal training.  But it is. And it's not so much that it's connected to the CrosFfit movement.  Which it is.

Basically without sounding too wanky it's a route from A to B with your body with people who really, really know what they're doing.  Whatever your goal is - from look buff to learn O-lifting technique - they know what they're doing.  But without being precious or snooty or elitist.

The gym is basically a mix of good natured people who want to do interesting things in sport and fitness.  There's a nice vibe and if you want to push yourself there's a lot of support but there's no pressure. And Andy who runs it is much more about long term gains.

I've been going for a year now and the changes have been imense.  And a lot of them fixed problems I didn't know I had, like posture.

I'd recomend it for anyone who goes to the gym and likes to get a bit of a sweat on but finds the usual routine dull.

Coming to Australia from America I was a bit concerned that the CrossFit movement hadn't reached the Southern Hemisphere. Though I had only been CrossFitting for a year, I really wanted to continue my training when I found out I would be studying abroad in Australia for two months. Having trained at a box in northern California as well as CrossFit Fenway in Boston, I only had positive experiences up until coming to Sydney. I did my research and looked at the different CrossFit options available in Sydney, and decided on CrossFit Sydney. I immediately loved the authenticity of the box, the time options, and most of all, the knowledgeable training. I thought that my strength might decrease while being abroad, but Andrew pushed me until I got my FIRST unassisted pull up! The workouts have been great and I feel like my mobility has increased so much that I can't wait to go home and show my trainers how far I have come. If I am ever back in Sydney there is no doubt in my mind that I would return to CrossFit Sydney as well as recommend it to any CrossFitters visiting, or even non-CrossFitters! I was also fortunate enough to experience the NEW location which is a wonderful facility with lots of space, training options, and solid equipment. I will definitely miss CrossFit Sydney and thank you for how much you have helped me!

In the first few weeks at CFS I was quite nervous, every movement was new and I was extremely unfit.  Andrew assured me that if I kept coming I’d see results and others predicted that in a short time I’d be hooked. They were right. I’ve always played team sports and would haphazardly go to the gym, but now it’s a situation of looking forward to each WOD. It's a great way to start most days of the week and the buzz lasts for hours. I still find a lot of the work to be both a mental and physical challenge but I love every minute of it. It’s very rare for me to leave CSF without a huge smile. The trainers are excellent. They're your mates and we have a laugh but they know their stuff. They know the capabilities, potential and goals of every CFS member and based on this they seriously push us. I love being around people who love crossfit and while I’m still an amateur, everyone supports eachother. Making the most of the whiteboard has also helped as it's a great way to track improvements and interact with the other crossfitters. In terms of changes I’ve seen, I think the most important one has been with my confidence. I’ve also found that regularly overcoming the mental challenge of a difficult WOD has helped me generally with work and study pressures and it's also a great of dealing with stress. I’ve become a lot stronger, a lot fitter, lost weight and toned up. My mates wish I’d shut up about CFS but I’m sure if they just came along they’d quickly realise why I don’t!

What is CrossFit? Is it just another fad and more importantly is it
right for me? These were just a few questions I asked myself before I
started at CrossFit Sydney.

I started my first class at the CrossFit Sydney box (the word we use for
‘gym’) about nine months ago. I will admit that I was nervous about
heading into the unknown. The only information I had was from media,
friends and a recommendation from my sister who is a personal trainer
and boot camp business owner.
Since that nervous start, CrossFit has provided me, and many others,
with a new type of lifestyle and community. Most days I leave the box
with a feeling of pride and a sense of achievement as well as utter
exhaustion from the intense workout.

Training at CrossFit Sydney is intense and the workouts WILL challenge
you daily. The basic CrossFit model is focused around the work-out-of
the day (WOD). The people you train alongside come from all walks of
life. Don’t be surprised to be training with stay at home mums, personal
trainers, members of the armed forces, athletes from a variety of sports
and office workers.  CrossFit is suited to ALL types of people and the
great thing is that every WOD is scalable to ALL levels of fitness, from
the absolute beginner who has never been to a gym to elite athletes (who
we like to refer to as Fire Breathers).

“Leave your ego at the door” is a popular saying within the community. Unlike many traditional gyms there is no sense of intimidation or judgement from fellow peers at CrossFit Sydney. You’re accepted as yourself and you’ll quickly feel a true sense of camaraderie.  Shouting words of encouragement (Merc!!!.. just 10 more reps to go) or lying on the floor at the end of a workout alongside the others, laughing together and thinking ‘wow, can’t believe we all made it’. When you achieve a personal accomplishment it becomes something truly special when shared with fellow CrossFitters.

I walked into CrossFit Sydney nudging 105Kg with a Judo & Japanese
Jujitsu background as well as coming from a traditional globo gym. I
thought I was fit (from my limited understanding of “fitness” meant) but
was barely able to run around the block and I couldn’t even do a
pull-up. I’m now around 90Kg , can run 10km, have dramatically improved
my overall strength, agility, endurance, flexibility, have changed my
body composition completely, can do a pull-up and often start the day
with a quick 100 burpees!
I have recently entered a CrossFit competition held at another CrossFit
box which will be my first of many. I’ll also be doing the City2Surf
this year along with many other challenging events. Nine months ago I
wouldn’t even have considered these things possible. I’ve leant that the
ONLY limit you have is yourself.
Think of facing a mental wall. Now think about learning how to TEAR it
DOWN and CLIMB right over it. This is also another of the many benefits
of CrossFit.

If you are truly ready for a change, if you want a better quality of
life which will translate to every aspect of your life I personally
challenge you to four week of training at CrossFit Sydney . Andrew
Cattermole and the other trainers are exceptional at what they do. Their
focus on technique is second to none. As a group, they are passionate,
patient and are a wealth of fitness and nutritional knowledge. Don’t be
surprised if you also make good friends, as I have met some amazing
people.
So, what are YOU waiting for? The only way to find out for certain is to
take that step out of your comfort zone and give CrossFit Sydney a go.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE?

CrossFit has become a defining part of my life and who I am. Nothing is greater knowing that every day I will be challenged physically and mentally; to perform tasks and movements that I never thought I could possibly do 2 years ago. CrossFit has changed me and my life. Unlike the common, conventional approach to "fitness", CrossFit is a lifestyle and a journey: Not a quick fix. After having been doing CrossFit for over a year, the workouts never get any easier, and still leave me on the floor gasping for air! You're constantly being pushed into new grounds, making it stimulating, challenging, and for wont of a better word: addictive!

Andrew is an amazing coach and has been an instrumental part of my progress in CrossFit:As has the mighty (and very humble) Dan. From nutrition advice to specialized programs to achieve specific goals, there is a solid support base in the wonderful people that call CFS home. After competing in the sectional CrossFit games this year, I can say that I have a better understanding of where my weaknesses lie, and will dedicate the next year into making myself a more complete athlete. I am eternally grateful for the wonderful friends I have made and the joy of seeing other people's progressions and transformations in CrossFit. I cannot recommend CFS enough!

For someone who has never had a real interest in sports, gyms or athletics in the past starting at CrossFit Sydney was a major challenge for me. Over the past 2 years I have found CrossFit Sydney great, I have toned up, got fitter and have got the strength that I have wanted out of a fitness program. Thanks for Andrew for his patience and explaining the ins and outs of CrossFit, I have now found that I can do those weights, running and dreaded box jumps while working at my capability but with Andrew also pushing and challenging myself along at the same time. For me to stick at a gym program I would get bored very easily but with CrossFit Sydney I have never got bored and actually look forward to going to the sessions!

CrossFit Sydney has blown me away in terms of changing my perception of fitness and how to achieve it. CrossFit is an extremely smart way to train - it challenges you mentally and physically, and there is such huge variety in the workouts -  your body and your mind are always guessing. Andrew is an absolutely brilliant trainer and he works with great virtuousity, passion and patience. He has an amazing ability to pass on his knowledge and expertise, always giving you the tools you need to strive for more. 

Every day is different and some days you walk in wondering how the hell you are going to make it through the WOD - but amazingly, you do. Each workout is a personal challenge and you always walk away feeling like you've grown - either having learnt something new (like how to do a Turkish Get Up) or pushed yourself to achieve more (like setting a new PR for a 5k run).  The results are phenomenaI - after having done Crossfit for just over a month, I did my first unassisted pull up today and I am thrilled! I am stronger and faster than I have been in my life and it actually feels like I am training less.

The Crossfit community feel is also something to behold - the atmosphere in the CFS gym is awesome and everybody is extremely encouraging of one another from beginners through to the super-human CrossFitters. If you are training 5 days a week and feel like your fitness has plateaued - try CFS and really shake things up!

I came to CrossFit as an avid marathon runner and was quite dubious about Andrew’s “run less, but get faster” training. However, I let him convince me to train the CrossFit way for a gruelling, hilly marathon in Mongolia. I was amazed to cross the finish line and discover that I had come 2nd with a time of 6:37. The other female runners there stated that this marathon was roughly double their fastest road race time. My fastest road race is 4:08 which means I ran 1 hour and 39 minutes faster than I should have. I now actually believe Andrew and plan on using his training methods for the Busselton Ironman.

I’d first heard about CrossFit at the Fitness Expo (Filex) in 2009. Initially I thought it looked way too difficult to even try, and very much a male dominated sport which can be a little intimidating. Finally, my curiosity got the better of me, and a couple of months off training due to a stress fracture in my foot was the incentive I needed to get fit quick - I decided to call Andrew at CrossFit Sydney. Best decision ever.
 
Andrew is informative and encouraging but expects you to give 100%. The classes are set-up so you still get one-on-one coaching from Andrew or one of the team and go at your own pace, but having the other’s around you really makes you lift and push yourself to new limits. There’s a no bull-shit in the box. This is honesty the best way to train and each session I surprise myself at the improvements. (I even learnt how to ‘clean & jerk’). Andrew ensures everyone get’s a great workout, from beginner to advanced.
 
I’ve been with bombarded with injuries over the years from playing sport and I’d accepted the fact that I would never have full strength and movement back in my shoulders after 2 recon’s and 3 years of attempts at weights programs. I was wrong. I am the strongest and fittest I’ve been all thanks to CrossFit. There have been massive postural changes, my nutrition is back on track, my energy levels are through the roof, and I find I am sleeping better too. I have improved my running technique and enjoy running a much quicker pace! and that’s just after 2 months of solid CrossFit.
 
If you have a specific event or goal to work too, Andrew will see that you reach it with an expert background in all styles of training and the nutritional support to follow. As a fitness professional, I can honestly say this is the best way to train to increase strength, flexibility, cardio fitness, weight loss and gain and have a bit of fun doing it. Absolutely love it! CrossFit rocks.

Let me start by saying…I LOVE CROSSFIT! I started training at CrossFit Sydney almost 3 months ago, in this short space of time I’ve noticed huge improvements in my endurance, strength and power. The things that have impressed me the most about CFS are the trainers’ dedication, encouragement and most of all knowledge, in every aspect of training; from running, olympic lifting, gymnastics, stretching to injury prevention. At 2 months and 19 days in, I got my first muscle-up… I have to put this down to Andrew’s exceptional coaching. Every single session is challenging physically and mentally, which I believe drives every individual to determination of achieving their personal records. Best of all is the environment at CFS; everyone respects and encourages everyone’s personal achievements.

I discovered CrossFit through a friend of mine who is living in NYC. He suggested I try it as I was always complaining about the lack of results I had achieved at gyms and the time constraints I had to keep fit given my occupation. I was sold the idea of CrossFit based on achieving results as efficiently as possible, and I was certainly not disappointed.

CrossFit's basic model is based around the Work-out-of-the-day (WOD). A WOD will give more results than most weights or aerobic gym routines, and are designed for beginners with very little fitness history, to uber-atheletes who are constantly looking for the next challenge. Personally I found CrossFit unique because it mostly utilises body weight and range of motion rather than overly-heavy load bearing exercises that can result in injury, and the time constraints for most workouts (usually around 20 minutes) mean that workouts are extremely intense, but allow the body for sufficient recuperation, which for me was a big problem that I was having with standard gym workouts.

Andrew's knowledge base and attention to technique during training would be second to none, as he recognises that it's not just about going as crazy you can for each WOD, or trying to lift the heaviest weight one can for days involving weights, but getting the most out of every single movement to make sure your body is being fully tested and therefore getting the most benefit. He also incorporates pre and post workout stretch routines, as not only does this assist with workouts, but is essential in preventing long-term injuries. Andrew also provides recommendations on diet and eating patterns to make sure the body is fully recovering after each workout.

After doing CrossFit for about 2-3 months and making some changes to my diet (which for me involved increasing fat consumption and cutting back on carbs), I noticed considerable improvement in strength, fitness level and general health, and I it certainly made me realise what a waste of time the gym, and even personal training at standard gyms, had been for me over the last 10 years. CrossFit's approach to strength and fitness is far more holistic and the results were obvious. I will be moving from Sydney to HK, and will although they do not have an official CrossFit there (yet), I will be doing my best to maintain the WODs. It will be impossible to go back to doing standard gym training after doing CrossFit. Definitely a life changing experience!

Mine is the familiar story of having been a distance runner and gym junkee wannabe for years before completely revamping my notion of fitness since commencing at CrossFit Sydney. Any CrossFit gym can probably cause that epiphany though. What makes CFS unique is the dedication Andrew and his trainers show to individual members. Everything is scaled to suit every person in a completely supportive environment. Having not even completed 40 WODs yet, Andrew and the team's excellent instruction has already led me to adopt a better and faster running technique, improve my max deadlift weight by 125%, post a Fight Gone Bad score that is up there with the leading women in the world and I'm well on my way to perfecting some of the gymnasitic movements like kipping pull ups and muscle ups.

What would I say to anyone considering coming to CrossFit Sydney? If you're looking for expert advice on technique, excellent general physical conditioning, weight loss, strength or just want to be challenged, you'd be silly not to come along.

Stefan

Crossfit Rocks!!!.

Monica

Doing Crossfit in the morning is the perfect antidote for a work life spent sitting in front of a computer in an office. Doing a short, high intensity workout outside in the fresh air each day keeps me physically and mentally ready to deal with work and life stress, and because it is all over and done with by 8am in the morning, I can fit it in regardless of how busy I am at work or how chaotic the rest of my life is. You only have a short time in your life to explore your physical potential, and CrossFit's emphasis on continuously improving all the dimensions of fitness is the best way I've found to find out what my body can do. Also, working with a group makes it more fun and encourages me to push harder than I would if I was training by myself.

Anthony

I used to do your standard gym-workouts 3 times a week with weights and cardio. My body shape hardly changed if ever and I never felt fit.

In the 3 months I have been at CrossFit some dramatic things have happened. The results speak for themselves:

• I can do 100 chin-ups.
• 4 weeks after I started training I ran the SMH Half-Marathon and finished in 2 hours
• Without specific training I finished the City 2 Surf in 80 mins
• I finished the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker. The focused and intense CrossFit trainings provided the stability and core strength for me to finish without injury.

I'm fitter than I ever was at school. Only now it's more expensive buying smaller suits. I spend less time in the gym, am fitter and eat healthier. I tell my friends there are no fat people at my gym. Some start that way, but they don't for long.

Tim - Former chubby Accountant

When I first started with CrossFit Sydney in April 2008 I thought I was pretty fit, but I was also really bored with my exercise routine. I was hooked from my first session and continue to enjoy the variety that each session offers. In the 6 months since starting CF I have maintained my bodyweight but have dropped about 4% bodyfat (that means I've gained some pure muscle) and have increased my pull ups and regularly post improved times on every WOD we do. I recently ran the Sydney Half Marathon and despite not having run more than 5km in the past 15 years (most recently ran 5km about a month before) I finished the race in about 2 hours - right in the middle of the pack. I took a rest day and was straight back into my CrossFit sessions. I'm full of energy and convinced that CrossFit works. It's the most fun I've had exercising for a long time. Andrew's knowledge is second to none and his expert advice and opinion is always valued.

Alix

Crossfit has been the best work out program I have ever completed. Overall my speed, strength, and endurance have improved drastically. I can not recommend anything better if you are serious about getting into outstanding shape.

Daniel

I've never felt better in my life.  CrossFit is a mental and physical workout, where you are always in competition with yourself and others.  I found this competitive element helped me maintain focus and give the 110% you need to give to fully experience CrossFit. I've got to say that it is not just about feeling totally and utterly spent at the end of each session, but the skills you pick up in lifting and throwing and agility and balance, skills you need to improve in order to get the most out of CrossFit, keeps you mentally alert and interested.  Finally, the huge variety of workouts keeps you fresh and looking forward to what each new session may hold.  As I said, it works almost every muscle in the body, including the brain, and makes you more motivated and sharp for the whole day.

Liam

Hi Andrew

I would like to thank you for all your hard work in training Jessica and getting her ready for her new career in the Australian Defence Force, especially with getting her upper body strength where she needed it the most.

She is currently getting towards the end of her training and is passing with flying colours as a matter of fact she has been approached by her training officer to consider becoming a trainer for the navy which I believe she is considering doing as well as her job training.

Jessica is due to graduate on the 14th August  so I will send you pictures when she does.

Ana