Frequently Asked Questions


What is Functional Fitness?

                           A: It might sound like the latest gym buzzword but in reality Functional Fitness is the oldest form of training known to man. Who cares if you can bench press over 100 kilos if you can’t run down the street to catch the bus or struggle to carry the shopping bags in from the car; if you can’t even get up out of the chair without using your arms then you aren’t functionally fit.

                         That’s what Functional Fitness it—the ability to face any and all physical challenges life may throw at you, no matter the time of day, location or even your age.

                         Training functionally will improve balance, coordination, speed, strength, agility, stamina, flexibility, power and cardio/vascular endurance and capacity.

What is CrossFit?

                           A: CrossFit is a strength and conditioning programme based on constantly varied, functional movements executed at high intensity. CrossFit is a system of training designed to build a General Physical Preparedness - in other words, the ability to be ready for anything. This training is based around the list of 10 physical skills (below). The individual most balanced across all ten skills is the most fit;
  • Cardio-Respiratory Endurance
  • Stamina
  • Strength
  • Flexibility
  • Power
  • Speed
  • Co-ordination
  • Accuracy
  • Agility
  • Balance
Why should I care?

                           A: Ever see people that can’t get out of a chair or walk down the street without help? It is our belief that many of the ailments we see in old age are directly caused by a loss of functional fitness. By training our bodies using everyday movements with a wide variety of tools we firmly believe our athletes can lead productive lives regardless of age.

                         For the sports man or woman, functional exercises and skills transfer directly to the sporting arena. Increased strength, speed, agility and flexibility are just some of the benefits of following a functional training routine. Studies have also shown a correlation between injury prevention and general purpose fitness regimes.

How do you train “Functionally”?

             A: We train in the way nature intended us to. We run, we jump, we climb, we lift heavy objects—heck we might even stand on our hands. One thing we don’t do is use machines (except for maybe a rower). Machines force your body to use one plain of motion and isolate the muscle. That’s not real life—when does that ever happen?

             A typical workout might see you doing gymnastic work such as pull-ups or hand-stands combined  heavy lifting through squats or deadlifts followed by some sprint intervals. Another workout may have you working on your Olympic lifting skills combined with gymnastic ring work. The possibilities and variety is endless so you won’t ever get bored of your routine.

But I’m old/young/injured - Will I still be able to train?

                           A: All of our workouts are scalable. We can change an exercise, alter a weight or reduce the number of reps in a given set to cater for all ages and abilities. Don’t worry, we will start at the beginning and work our way up at a pace that makes you, the athlete, comfortable. Our aim is to provide safe, effective training so you can make the most of your life.

I don’t want to train in a group just yet?

             A: CrossFit Optimus offers one to one personal training for those people that would rather train on their own. We strongly encourage our athletes to train in the group classes to benefit from the friendly atmosphere, but realise some people just don’t want to do that right away, if ever.

If it’s scalable, can I just jump right in?

             A: Well, yes you could. But we at CrossFit Optimus pride ourselves on making sure everyone gets the best possible experience from their workout. That is why we recommend all new members undergo a series of ‘elements’ classes. These classes have multiple purposes; they allow us to determine your current level of fitness so we can best tailor the workouts to your skills, and they give you a taste of the type of work you will find in our classes. Hey, we realise this might not be what everyone is looking for—we think you’re wrong, but we want you to be happy with your choices.

Do I need any equipment?

                           A: If you train with us, everything you need will be supplied except your clothes and shoes. If you follow the posted WOD and train at home, you might need to purchase some minimal items to complete the WOD fully. But why would you want to? Come to class and workout with friends!

Why not just go to a regular gym?

                           A: We realise you could go to a regular gym, but then you would miss out on the unique group atmosphere found at CrossFit Optimus. We also believe our training methods are superior to the machine based “3x12 set” of bodybuilding exercises you will find at a regular gym.

                         We are confident that once you try an CrossFit Optimus class, you won’t want to go back to your “old” way of training.

Is it expensive?


                         A: The Prices may look relatively expensive when compared to the budget gyms out there but we believe the way to think of CrossFit is as small group personal training. You will receive friendly expert coaching, programming that is broad and inclusive yet tailored for your needs and a group environment where everyone is working towards the same goal. Comparing that to a faceless gym, filled with machines and very little input (or even dare we say interest) from the staff is like comparing apples and orange.


What is FK.UK?

                          A: FK.UK is the UK’s foremost online functional fitness community. It started off as a simple message board where functional fitness enthusiasts could get together and discuss their training and quickly expanded into something a whole lot bigger. CrossFit Optimus is proud to be one of the original FK.UK associate sites.

                         Visit the link and join in the chat. Our athletes are encouraged to keep a log of their progress in the CrossFit Optimus section of the discussion boards.

Can you train us as a team?

                         A: Yes. CrossFit Optimus offers group speed and agility classes and can create a workout template for you and your team. CrossFit Optimus is proud to be the official Speed, Quickness and Agility coaching supplier to the University of Surrey Stingers American Football team.

What is a WOD?

                         A: The Workout of the Day. This can involve simple gymnastic movements, weightlifting movements, running, swimming, biking—pretty much anything functional might be found here.

What about…..?

                          Still have questions? Why not give us a call or email us and we will be only too happy to help out.