The Right and Wrong Way to Welcome Visitors to a CrossFit Gym

Another great article from Patrick McCarty @ Breaking Muscle:  The Right and Wrong Way to Welcome Visitors to a CrossFit Gym

We've faced these very same problems as we've visited gyms around the country and beyond.  Some were awesome hosts: Valdosta, Pretoria.  Some were okay if we were willing to do their programming: Austin, Thomasville.  But some were just too spendy for a day pass:  Swamp Rabbit in Greenville.

Here are Patrick's rules for being a good host:

1. Make your website visitor-friendly. Have a link specifically for visitors that outlines the policy, drop in fee, and expectations, as well as includes a contact form. List open gym hours and your stance on doing your own programming versus sitting in with the class.
2. Provide open gym hours. It’s all the rage folks. Lots of athletes are now following OPT,Invictus, Outlaw, or individual programming. Why turn people away?  
3. Don’t kill visitors with fees. With flight, hotel, food, car rental, and incidentals, travelers are already getting soaked. Having a $25 drop in fee, for multiple days, can be tough. I don’t want to use your gym for free, but I will buy a shirt, some of your protein, and recommend the hell out of your box. How about an “unlimited visitor pass” that is good for a week for $50?
4. Create a visitor-friendly culture. We really are supposed to be a worldwide community. That quiet lady in the corner setting up a bar just might be someone from CrossFit HQ, orValerie Voboril, or Becky Conzelman. Go introduce yourself.
5. For the love of all humanity, return communication promptly.