Your First CrossFit Class at Excel: What to Expect

What to Expect at Your First Excel CrossFit Class

If you’re thinking about trying CrossFit, chances are you’re excited but maybe a little nervous. That’s totally normal, everyone feels that way before their first class. At Excel, we make your first visit simple, safe, and fun. Here’s exactly what happens when you walk in for the first time.

A Warm Welcome

You’ll be greeted by one of our coaches, smiling, ready to help, zero judgment.

We’ll give you a quick tour of the gym, show you where the equipment is, the restrooms, the water station. You might be introduced to a few members, you’ll see how community‑first we are: people who used to be new just like you.

Meet Your Coach & Share Your Goals

Before you jump in, your coach will chat with you about what you want to achieve, your fitness background, and any past injuries. We believe in “coaching every body, caring for every corner.” No matter your fitness level, we’ll meet you where you are.

Simple Warm‑Up

We start with a light warm‑up: simple movements to get your blood flowing and muscles awake.
Everyone does it together, no one’s left behind. The goal is loosening up, not wearing out.

Your First Workout (Scaled for You)

Then comes your first workout, a simple version designed with you in mind. For example: maybe basic squats, some bodyweight movements, light rowing or a timer workout.
If others are doing more intense versions (pull-ups, heavier weights), you’ll have scaled options (ring rows, bodyweight or lighter weights). We won’t throw you in the deep end.

Supportive Community

Throughout the class, expect cheering, encouragement, and high‑fives.
We believe camaraderie matters more than competition, everyone here is on a journey.

“I left my first class thinking, ‘Wow, I can actually do this.’”

Cool‑Down & Next Steps

At the end, we’ll cool down with some easy stretches and movements to help your body recover. Your coach will check in with you: “How did it feel? Any aches? What did you like or not like?”

Most people leave their first class thinking, “Wow, I can actually do this.”

What to Bring / FAQ

  • Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers.

  • Bring water, and a positive attitude.

  • Plan for about an hour.

  • No experience required. Everyone starts somewhere.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to expect, the best way to truly experience CrossFit at Excel is to come in and try it yourself.

Simply email info@crossfitexcel.com to book your Free Intro Session—we’ll save your spot and make sure your first class is everything you hoped it would be and more.

CrossFit in Manteca vs. Planet Fitness: Which Fits Your Goals?

Intro: Why Budget-Minded Locals Consider Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is popular for its low-threshold access, sometimes as low as $15/month with an annual fee, making it a go-to option for those watching their budget.

1. Cost Comparison

  • Planet Fitness starts at $15/month (Classic) or $24.99/month (Black Card), plus a $49 annual fee, according to NerdWallet and the official site.

  • CrossFit memberships in Manteca typically range between $140–$200/month, offering full coaching, structured programming, and community support.

Planet Fitness is undeniably cheaper, especially for casual access, but CrossFit delivers added value for serious results.

2. Self-Service vs. Coach-Led Environment

  • Planet Fitness offers a no-frills, self-guided approach. Equipment is ample, and there’s some training available, but structure is minimal.

  • CrossFit Excel (inside Excel Health and Fitness) delivers coach-led sessions with personalized scaling, technique correction, and dynamic programming.

Planet Fitness suits those comfortable working independently. CrossFit offers expert guidance every step of the way.

3. Accountability and Community

  • At Planet Fitness, the environment promotes individual privacy ("Judgement Free Zone") with limited social bonding.

  • At CrossFit Excel, community is foundational. With up to 10 classes a day and veteran coaches, it fosters an encouraging, accountability-focused culture.

If community fuels your consistency, CrossFit has a clear advantage.

4. Who Thrives in Each Setting?

  • Planet Fitness works well for those seeking cheap, reliable access—especially beginners or casual goers.

  • CrossFit excels for individuals who prioritize consistent progress, personalized guidance, accountability, and results.

Conclusion: Which Do You Choose?

If you just want affordable access to gym equipment., choose Planet Fitness.

If your goal is real transformation through coaching, structure, and community, CrossFit in Manteca is built for that.

CrossFit in Manteca vs. OrangeTheory in Modesto: What’s the Difference?

Why Manteca Locals Compare These Two Fitness Options

When people in Manteca start looking for serious fitness solutions, CrossFit and OrangeTheory often come up. But while both promise results, they offer very different experiences. Here’s how to decide which is right for you.

Workout Style: Functional Strength vs. Heart Rate HIIT

CrossFit

CrossFit focuses on constantly varied, functional movements. Expect a mix of:

  • Olympic lifts

  • Gymnastics

  • Plyometrics

  • Endurance training

  • High-intensity intervals

It’s about building real-world strength, conditioning, and mobility through diverse daily workouts.

OrangeTheory

OTF delivers heart-rate–based interval training using:

  • Treadmills

  • Rowing machines

  • Dumbbells and resistance equipment

Every workout is built around five zones of effort, tracked in real time on screen to encourage optimal calorie burn and afterburn (EPOC).

Class Structure and Coaching Differences

CrossFit

  • Each gym (called a “box”) is independently owned.

  • Programming may vary, but classes always include warm-up, strength or skill work, and a Workout of the Day (WOD).

  • Coaches provide hands-on instruction, movement correction, and personalized scaling options.

OrangeTheory

  • Franchise model with strict programming consistency.

  • Classes rotate through intervals in three sections: treadmill, rowing, and floor exercises.

  • Coaches guide the group but don’t offer much personalized technique work compared to CrossFit.

Cost Comparison

OrangeTheory Pricing (based on national averages)

  • Basic (4x/month): ~$59

  • Elite (8x/month): ~$99

  • Premier (Unlimited): ~$159

  • Drop-ins or packs: ~$28–$35 per class

CrossFit Pricing in Manteca

  • Typically ranges from $140 to $200 per month

  • Longer-term commitments (6–18 months) can reduce monthly cost

  • Includes unlimited classes, full coaching, and progress tracking

Which Type of Person Is Each Program Best For?

Choose CrossFit if you want:

  • Strength training and athletic development

  • Constant variety in workouts

  • Hands-on coaching with personal attention

  • A strong community and accountability system

Choose OrangeTheory if you want:

  • Predictable, cardio-focused workouts

  • Real-time heart rate tracking and performance metrics

  • A structured group fitness experience

  • Consistent class format across all locations

Conclusion: Honest Pros and Cons of Each

Both CrossFit and OrangeTheory help people get fit—but in different ways.

  • CrossFit emphasizes performance, strength, and variety. You’ll lift weights, learn new skills, and train for life’s real challenges.

  • OrangeTheory is built for those who love tech tracking, cardio-based intervals, and consistency.

Your choice depends on what motivates you—and what kind of progress you’re looking for.

If you're still unsure, try a free intro class at Excel Health and Fitness in Manteca and compare it to a session at OrangeTheory in Modesto. The best way to decide? Experience both.