What it's like to drop in to CrossFit Reykjavik

“Blind is the bookless man.”

— Icelandic Proverb

By: Dana Korman (VRX Iceland Alumni 2018)

CrossFit Reykjavik in Reykjavik, Iceland 2018

One of the best things about CrossFit is undeniably the community. A benefit of this community and world-wide fitness phenomenon is that you can find it almost anywhere! So of course when you go on vacation you’re going to try and get a good sweat sesh in and try out a new box.

Even after doing CrossFit for almost five years, I still get a little nervous about dropping into a new gym. I don’t know anyone, where the equipment goes, how competitive everyone is, and it’s not your usual space. Dropping into CrossFit Reykjavik with the VoyEdge RX crew this summer completely eliminated 100% of that.

The facility at CF Reykjavik is top-notch, if you have the time to partake in the amenities do it! For starters, this was one of the biggest boxes I’ve been to, with a fleet Concept 2 rowers, Assault Runners, Assault BIkes, hot and cold tubs, a whole RomWOD area, and almost anything else you can imagine.

The experience of visiting an international box is a little different than dropping by in another state, so here are a few things I learned.

You’ll understand more than you think, but it’s still not a whole lot.

CrossFit has its own unique language so you’ll probably be able to deduce what a movement is, especially if you see 14/20 or 20/24 next to it. Pretty standard for wall balls and box jumps. Some aren’t as easy.

While the classes are in Icelandic at CrossFit Reykjavik, and the members speak in Icelandic, the coaches are great at explaining everything in English and doing demos. For the most part you can understand what’s going on and follow along with the class. Just don’t blink.

The coaches at CrossFit Reykjavik are great

Math is hard. Unless you’re used to lifting in kilos, multiplying everything by 2.2 (from lbs. to kilograms) can be a little difficult to do quickly. The Rogue plates have pounds on them but a lot are in kilos so if you’re like me and just wing it, the barbell gets heavy fast.

Most importantly: just have fun.

Dropping into CF Reykjavik was a really fun experience. I didn’t worry about hitting a PR or being top of their leaderboard. I lost count 6 minutes into our 20:00 AMRAP, have no idea how much weight I clean and jerked, definitely got some odd looks dancing during an EMOM, but had a total blast.

Smile, laugh, and also lift a ton of weight

Long story short: When you travel with VoyEdge RX you’ll instantly make friends and that makes dropping into CF Reykjavik even more memorable. Try out an Assault Runner if you never have, enjoy the change of scenery, and don’t forget to get a handstand picture in front of the wall.

P.S. Did I mention we had a private, professional photographer during the whole trip?!

Till next time, people……see ya out there!

~ Dana Korman