CrossFit^® Combat Fitness

Fantastic experience: My wife and I went to CrossFit Combat Fitness for a free introductory workout in February of '09 after one of the kinesiology faculty from Fresno Pacific University recommended it to me one night after class. The workout that night was to work on our squats, and the skill lesson had to do with something called a snatch (one of the olympic weightlifting lifts). I remember the details for two reasons. 1) I'd initiated the conversation with the kinesiology professor by asking if there was anywhere in town to learn the olympic lifts. 2) Because I'll never forget what it was like to see Erik, the owner, take my wife aside and work with her individually, teaching her how to squat, and the look of, "awesome!" all over her face. Unfortunately it wasn't until October that we actually decided to join. Erik had been working out a fitness program to help keep me in condition specifically for martial arts, and my wife was looking for something more than she'd been getting from the classes at GB3. We finally decided to go all the way and become full fledged members of CrossFit Combat Fitness. We couldn't be happier that we did. I'm a bit of a nerd, so I looked up all the background and certifications of all the staff. Most were certified by USA Weightlifting, coach Erik was one of two in the valley to have RKC's level 2 qualification in kettlebell training (a likewise small group nationally), each and every coach had a degree in Kinesiology from Fresno State, coach Ericlee was actually one of Fresno Pacific's Kinesiology instructors, and Coach Erik had been one of the strength coaches for Fresno State. These are things that kind of set them apart. I mean, lets be honest. It's good to know you're not just throwing your money at some swishy pants wearing guy randomly shouting, "One more! One more!" We've been greeted with open arms and expertly taught ever since. The first workout (4 rounds for time of a 500 meter row) sticks out painfully in my mind (can you say, "wheeze"), and I remember Coach Ericlee watching me row that night and giving me tips. I can't count how many times Coach Andrew invited me to come workout with him on Saturdays to get extra help with some of the more technical aspects of the olympic lifts, or Coach Alan setting up a special slow motion video system to break down my form as if I were Tiger Woods. When my wife had a non-CrossFit related knee injury, Coach Erik didn't even blink before figuring out how to make the workouts and classes accessible. Many of the members have become close friends, too, coming over for Easter dinner or going on trips to Yosemite. You walk into the place and it's quality quality quality. I could go on about the comfortable facilities themselves (compared to other CrossFit affiliates we've seen), the warmup before every class, whatever, but you get the idea. CrossFit Combat Fitness really has become part of our lives, and I can't imagine ever signing up anywhere else.

Fantastic experience: Excellent place for indoor sports.

Fantastic experience: Wonderful times and instruction for my first time doing cross fit. I never felt pressure to push myself too far. Also, I was able to get private Kettlebell lessons which were terrific! After several lessons I feel confident in my ability to handle a kettlebell safely and improve my strength with them. I can also now spot many mistakes and misinformation on the internet and even some books, which was an eye opener to say the least. Very good teaching and good, strong times!

Fantastic experience: Great coaching and an extremely positive atmosphere.

Fantastic experience: Great staff, terrific training space, and excellent team environment.

Fantastic experience: Amazing. Always a great workout with great trainers.

Fantastic experience: I absolutely love combat crossfit! The staff is awesome! I have been going for about 9 months, three hours a week and have seen a huge change in my body! The staff is really good about pushing when needed and altering the work out if your not ready to push yourself just yet! I highly recommend it!

Fantastic experience: The whole crew at Combat have been fantastic. The coaches of the time I have been there have provided consistently the structure needed to make sure I'm learning proper form and technique. And, the community of athletes is incredibly supportive. A great box for the beginner and those who want to be more competitive.

Fantastic experience: I have a die-hard respect for Erik Traeger. His professionalism & dedication to bring together elite coaches with the tenacity to participate in ongoing, training, education, and the quest for their own personal athletic triumphs. Its that passion that transcends, engages, empowers, and propels participants at all fitness levels towards surpassing personal goals. The only thing stopping you from success, is you... "Start today, stronger tomorrow." (thank you to all the amazing coaches, this is by far the best group of athletes... training athletes, God bless you all) Follow my journey...Instagram:DIVABEAR81