Question 1

Do I need to be in shape before I start?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to be fit to start. You just need to be willing to start.

Our workouts are designed to be scalable, meaning movements, loads, intensity, and volume can all be adjusted to match a person’s current fitness level. This is a core principle of CrossFit. The same workout can be appropriate for a beginner and an experienced athlete by modifying difficulty.

In fact, many people get in shape by starting CrossFit, not the other way around. With proper coaching and gradual progression, new members can safely build movement quality, strength, and conditioning from whatever baseline they begin with.

Question 2

Do you offer beginner-friendly classes?

Accepted Answer

Every one of our classes is beginner-friendly because CrossFit is infinitely scalable. You will not feel separated, singled-out or left behind.One of the biggest misconceptions about CrossFit is that you need to get in shape before you join. The truth is exactly the opposite.CrossFit is designed to meet you where you are today.Every workout can be scaled to match your current fitness level, mobility, experience, and goals. Someone attending their first CrossFit class can complete the same workout alongside someone who has trained for ten years. The workout stays the same while the movements, weights, and repetitions are adjusted to fit each athlete. That means beginners aren't separated into different classes, and experienced athletes continue to be challenged.We also offer an optional CrossFit 101 Beginners Course for our new members that prefer to onramp into our program in a one-on-one setting with a personal trainer.

Question 3

What level of experience do your coaches have?

Accepted Answer

Having a full team of coaches that have at minimum earned their CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate, and most have their CrossFit Level 2 Trainer Certificate with additional certifications and education focused around gymnastics, weightlifting and scaling among others. This ensures every class is led with a consistently high standard of coaching: clear instruction, precise movement correction, and effective class management. That consistency drives better results, improves safety, and creates a more engaging member experience. For our gym, it means a coaching staff equipped to deliver on our promise: Move better. Get stronger. Live longer.

Furthermore, our Head Coach and Owner holds a CrossFit Level 3 Trainer Certificate. This requires passing a rigorous 4-hour/160-question exam, 375+ hours of coaching, and is held by less than 1% of trainers globally. This level of experience sets the standard for excellence across the entire gym. For members, it means more intentional programming, higher-quality coaching, and a safer, results-driven experience. For coaches, it provides expert mentorship, clear standards, and ongoing development that elevates their craft.

Question 4

Do you teach proper form?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Coaching and movement quality are central to everything we do. We prioritize technique, then consistency of technique, then increase weight or speed. This is ongoing process that never stops regardless of your level of experience.

Question 5

Is this safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With proper coaching, scaling, and progression, this is one of the safest and most effective ways to train.

Question 6

What are your class sizes like?

Accepted Answer

We intentionally cap our weekday classes at 16 participants so every member receives the level of coaching they need to train safely and make real progress. Smaller class sizes allow our coaches to closely monitor movement quality, provide individual feedback, and help you improve form and technique in every workout.

Question 7

Do you offer a trial?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your first class is free, and we offer a $99 Trial Membership Month so you can fully experience the our coaching, program and community.

Question 8

Are there long-term contracts?

Accepted Answer

No long-term contracts. We want you here because it’s working for you.

Question 9

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Unlimited Month-to-Month membership may be cancelled with a 30-day notice. Members taking advantage of our $99 Trial Month may cancel their membership renewal at any time during the trial month period.Paid-in-Full memberships do not renew automatically. A CFDA team contacts the member in advance of the plan end date.Ten-Class Pack members may cancel prior to using their 10th class pass. Members may cancel using any of the following methods: the CFDA Member app, email info@atlbarbell.com, or an email directed to our Head Coach/Owner (Michaelsquared@atlbarbell.com) or General Manager (Autumn@atlbarbell.com). In short, we don't make it difficult to cancel.

Question 10

What does "Unlimited" membership mean?

Accepted Answer

Our Unlimited Month-to-Month and Paid in Full Unlimited memberships allow members to visit the gym for CrossFit classes, Open Gym and Yoga as frequently as wanted. We do not put a cap on how many times per day, week or month that a member may access the gym.

Question 11

Do you offer discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The following discounts are available on our Standard Month-to-Month Membership:
$15 off to: Military/Veteran, Student/Teacher, Police/First Responder, Family/Spouse per family member,  OR become eligible after your first 12 months of continuous membership​
*Note: $15 discounts cannot be stacked
$5 off for Payment via ACH (eCheck/direct withdrawal from bank account)​
40% off Referral Discount: If you were referred to us by a current member, we will apply a 40% discount off your first month of Standard Month-to-Month Membership following your Trial Membership month. Your referree will also receive a 40% discount off of 1 month of Standard Membership.
*Note: 40% discount cannot be stacked with a $15 discount

Our Six and 12 Month Paid in Full Memberships are heavily discounted due to the upfront financial commitment. We typically only recommend these programs to members that have demonstrated consistent attendance.

Question 12

Can I use funds in my FSA or HSA to pay for membership?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Some insurance providers outright cover gym membership. If not, to qualify,  you’ll typically need either:
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a doctor that prescribes exercise as part of a treatment plan for a diagnosed medical condition (such as diabetes, hypertension, or obesity), or recovery from an injury or surgery.
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a doctor that prescribes exercise as chronic disease prevention plan.

Radvocacy Wellness operates inside CrossFit Downtown Atlanta, and can be contacted if an LMN is needed ($30 processing fee).

If/once eligible, an FSA/HSA medical spending card can be used directly for membership billing or membership can be paid in advance and expensed to your provider.

Question 13

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Our address is: 215B Chester Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
We are located in the Reynoldstown neighborhood of Atlanta, steps away from the Atlanta Beltline, near Madison Yards. We have found that direction/driving apps reliably get you to us.

When you arrive at our location, our entrance is down the walkway, to the right of the garage with the mural.

Question 14

Where do I park?

Accepted Answer

Parking is no issue. We have plenty of free, available parking at our building. There are also 5 dedicated parking spots marked for CrossFit Downtown Atlanta, near our entrance (on the right of the parking lot).

Please do not park in the dedicated parking spots marked for our neighbor, GoPuff.

Question 15

What should I expect in my first class?

Accepted Answer

You will be guided through a structured session that includes a warm-up, skill or strength work, a workout and cool down. A coach will walk you through everything and adjust movements and weights as needed. You will not feel singled out since our coaches provide individualized feedback to everyone in class, even the long-time CrossFitters.

Question 16

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely and stay cool as intensity increases. Most members choose breathable shorts or leggings and a lightweight t-shirt or tank. You may also find it helpful to bring a water bottle.

Supportive athletic shoes designed for gym or functional training are recommended to provide stability for lifting, jumping, and dynamic movements. Heavily cushioned running shoes can feel less stable during strength work. Some examples of well-adopted footwear for CrossFit are the Reebok Nano and Nike Metcon. But to clarify, CrossFit-specific shoes are a nice-to-have, not a requirement. You can get fit wearing any type of sneaker.

Question 17

Do you have Open Gym?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Flexible Open Gym access gives members freedom, autonomy, and the ability to make fitness sustainable long term. Open Gym hours are:Monday through Friday:  4:15am until 11:00pmSaturday and Sunday: 6:30am until 8:30pm Open Gym space is reserved in 1 hour increments.All membership options and class passes enable Open Gym access. Unlimited and 10 Class Pass Members may reserve Open Gym during any session time available on the full schedule. Our 3x Weekly members and Drop-ins may access Open Gym based on availability during scheduled class times.Access to CFDA during non-class times is provided by using a member-specific door code. We DO NOT offer an Open Gym-specific membership.

Question 18

I am a woman. Will I get bulky?

Accepted Answer

Some women worry about “getting bulky,” but that’s not how this kind of training actually works.

Building significant muscle size requires very specific training, a calorie surplus, and often years of focused effort. Instead, what most women experience is getting stronger, leaner, and more defined. You will build muscle, but in a way that improves shape, posture, and metabolism, not bulk.

Question 19

Does it makes sense to start CrossFit during middle age?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We have many dedicated members in the 50+ age range. In fact, this is one of the most impactful times to begin. Training now helps you maintain strength, protect muscle mass, support bone density, and keep doing the things you enjoy for years to come.

Every workout is coached and tailored to you. We adjust movements, weights, and intensity based on your starting point, any past injuries, and your goals. You aren't expected to “keep up” with anyone. It's all about making steady, safe progress.

Question 20

How quickly will I see results?

Accepted Answer

If you train consistently, you can start feeling results within the first couple of weeks. You'll begin to notice higher energy levels, improved confidence in movements, and the satisfaction of completing workouts that once felt intimidating.

As the weeks go on, strength builds, endurance improves, and physical changes begin to follow. Real transformation happens when showing up becomes a habit. Stay consistent, trust the process, and you will be surprised by what your body is capable of achieving within your first two months.

Question 21

Will this help with weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Our workouts support weight loss by combining high-intensity workouts with regular strength training, helping you burn calories while building or preserving lean muscle. This can improve metabolism and make it easier to maintain results over time. Of course, properly fueling your body plays heavily into this process. We recommend that you consume ~1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight, daily. Lose it! is one of our favorite fitness trackers, but any food tracking app will help you with daily nutrition tracking.

Just as important, coached classes and a supportive community help you stay consistent; a key factor in sustainable progress.

Question 22

How do your workouts support people taking GLP-1 medications?

Accepted Answer

Many people successfully participate in CrossFit workouts while taking GLP-1 medications for blood sugar management or weight loss.

When losing weight, especially with appetite-suppressing medications, the body can lose lean muscle mass along with body fat. Resistance training (lifting heavy relative to you) is important because it helps signal your body to preserve and build muscle, which supports strength, metabolism, joint health, and long-term function. CrossFit includes regular strength work that can help protect muscle while you improve overall fitness.

If you are taking a GLP-1 medication, it is especially important to prioritize hydration, adequate protein intake, and consistent fueling to support safe training and muscle maintenance. As always, follow guidance from your healthcare provider.

Question 23

How often should I come?

Accepted Answer

If you are new to CrossFit, starting with at least 3 days per week helps you establish a healthy habit, learn movements and manage soreness. You will be sore. Coming into the gym is an important aspect of recovering from soreness.As you progress, training 5 days per week is the ideal balance. This frequency allows you to build strength, improve conditioning, and develop movement skills while still giving your body the recovery it needs to adapt and stay healthy. We encourage a 3 days on, then 1 day off workout to recovery schedule.Remember, progress comes from consistent training and smart recovery. Rest days, quality sleep, and good nutrition are essential parts of getting stronger, moving better, and supporting long-term health.

Question 24

What if I'm struggling to make it to class?

Accepted Answer

Building a new, healthy, fitness habit is not an easy task. We regularly reach out to members when they have not been into the gym within a reasonable amount of time. Our goal is to help you be accountable and consistent.

Additionally, we offer flexible Open Gym hours outside of our class schedule. When life unexpectedly gets in the way of your daily workout routine, Open Gym provides a training opportunity.

Question 25

Do you have yoga classes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer yoga on Thursdays from 7:15pm to 8pm. It can be taken separately or paired with the 6:45pm CrossFit class that transitions into the yoga class.

Question 26

Do you have locker rooms and showers?

Accepted Answer

We have two unisex, single occupant restrooms, each with a shower.

Question 27

Is your gym accessible for people with disabilities or previous injuries?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We believe fitness should be welcoming and available to everyone. Our facility offers designated accessible parking and wheelchair-accessible restrooms to make getting to and using the gym as easy and comfortable as possible.

Just as important, our coaches are experienced in adapting workouts for a wide range of abilities and physical needs. We take the time to understand each member and provide thoughtful modifications so you can train safely, build confidence, and feel like a valued part of our community from day one.

Question 28

When am I billed

Accepted Answer

Month-to-Month memberships are automatically renewed on the 1st or 16th of the month. Your first recurring payment is automatically aligned to one of these billing dates after your Trial Month. Please let us know if you have a preference otherwise, the billing date is aligned with the next closest date. If you are on the $99 Trial Month Membership, a CFDA team member contacts you via email prior to your first renewal.10-Class Packs are automatically renewed upon the completion of your tenth session.Paid-in-full memberships are not automatically renewed. You will be contacted by a CFDA team member prior to your plan end date to discuss renewal.

Question 29

Can I pause my membership?

Accepted Answer

When travel, health, work or general life circumstances require you to temporarily step away from CFDA for a half-month or longer, you may take advantage of a membership pause.Unlimited and 3x Weekly Month-to-Month memberships are eligible for a half-month pause6 Month Paid-in-Full membership is eligible for up to a 1-month pause12 Month Paid-in-Full membership is eligible for up to a 2-month pause

Question 30

What payment methods are accepted?

Accepted Answer

CFDA accepts:All major credit cardsACH Direct PaymentAccount to Account Payment Apps: Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, Apple Pay, ZelleCash and Check

Frequently Asked Questions