Last July, we celebrated the farewell of coach Niels, who joined the Marine Corps. Niels had been a full-time coach at CrossFit 020 for the past yearss, and his impact was clear—over 60 members attended his final workout and BBQ. This kind of turnout shows just how much our members value the relationships they build with their coaches. It’s a clear reminder that when you join CrossFit 020, you’re investing in a dedicated team of people who truly care about your progress.
The Truth About Weight Loss and Gyms
The most common goal for people joining a gym is weight loss. According to recent 2023 data from the RIVM, over 50% of Dutch adults are now classified as overweight, compared to only about one-third of the population in the 1980s. Despite the growing number of gyms—today there are about 0.2 gyms per 1000 inhabitants compared to far fewer in the 1980s—the number of people struggling with weight issues continues to rise.
So why do more gyms not necessarily lead to fewer people being overweight?
The answer lies in the type of gym you choose. At budget gyms like Basic-Fit, you’re paying for access to a facility. But at a gym like CrossFit 020, you’re paying for access to a team of coaches who guide you to success.
The Real Issue With Access Gyms
Here’s a common scenario: someone wanting to lose weight signs up at the nearest, cheapest gym. They might go a few times in the first month, but soon, life gets in the way, and they stop showing up. For the next 11 months, they continue paying for their membership without ever being contacted by the gym to see how they’re doing or why they stopped.
The problem? They didn’t need a gym—they needed guidance. Weight loss doesn’t just happen during 2-3 hours of weekly exercise; it’s about making the right choices throughout the day and week. A gym alone can’t give you that support.
Why Coaching Matters More Than Access
At CrossFit 020, we invest in coaching, not just facilities. When you walk in, our first priority is understanding your goals and creating a personalized plan to help you achieve them. If weight loss is one of your goals, we’ll be honest: working out alone isn’t enough. That’s why we offer nutrition coaching from the start, helping you build the right habits to support your weight loss journey.
Exercise is still important, though. It helps you burn calories and build muscle, which in turn boosts your metabolism. Muscle burns more calories than fat, even when you’re resting. So building muscle is essential for sustainable, long-term weight loss.
Community and Accountability Make All the Difference
At CrossFit 020, we’re more than just a gym—we’re a community. Our coaches work hard to create an environment where like-minded people connect and have fun while working toward their goals. When you look forward to coming to the gym because of the people, it’s easier to stay committed and motivated.
We take pride in actively reaching out to members who have been inactive to get them back on track. Unlike other gyms, we don’t want to build an inactive membership base. Our mission is to truly help people fight the growing obesity rate by keeping them engaged and accountable.
Looking for Weight Loss? Choose Coaching, Not Just a Gym
If you’re serious about weight loss, find a gym that hires full-time coaches dedicated to your success. Especially avoid gyms where the staff only works a few hours a week alongside their other jobs.
So, remember the party we had for Niels? Having so many people come to say goodbye to one coach is proof that you are investing in more than just a workout. You’re part of a supportive community led by coaches who are committed to your success. You definitely won’t see this kind of event at an access-only gym when a machine is being replaced with a new one!
Your Fitness Journey at CrossFit 020
Here’s what you can expect when you join us:
1. No Sweat Introduction: A 30-minute conversation with one of our coaches to discuss your goals and how we can help.
2. 28-Day Kickstart Program:
• Train 3 times a week with a coach in a small group of 5 people.
• Receive a personalized nutrition plan with daily goals.
• Get daily accountability from your fitness and nutrition coach, along with support from the group.
3. Ongoing Support: After the Kickstart, you’ll continue training in group or semi-private classes, always in regular contact with our coaches.