What is the best CrossFit gym near Canary Wharf for beginners?

CrossFit 1864 in Poplar is the only CrossFit affiliate near Canary Wharf with classes capped at 10 people. The gym is 15 minutes walk from Canary Wharf, 5 minutes from Blackwall DLR, and runs a structured Beginners Programme: three personal training sessions, six group classes, and a goal-setting call. No experience required.

Is CrossFit safe in your 40s?

Yes, CrossFit is safe in your 40s when coached well and programmed for longevity. At CrossFit 1864, every movement is scalable and coaches prioritise technique over intensity from day one. Many members started in their 40s with no prior lifting experience and train consistently years later.

Can I do CrossFit at lunchtime near Canary Wharf?

Yes. CrossFit 1864 runs a 12:30pm class Monday to Friday. The session is 60 minutes and includes warm-up, strength or skill work, and a conditioning workout. The gym is 15 minutes from Canary Wharf, 5 minutes from Blackwall DLR, and showers are on site.

Am I too old to start CrossFit?

No. CrossFit 1864 has members who started in their 50s and 60s. The gym runs a dedicated programme called LIFE (Live Independently, Feel Energised) specifically for members aged 50 and above. Every workout is scalable and coaches programme for longevity rather than peak performance.

How often should I train?

If you are just starting, 2 to 3 sessions per week is the right place to begin. As your fitness builds, most members settle into 3 to 4 sessions per week. Your coach will guide you on this as part of the Beginners Programme.

What happens in a CrossFit class?

Each 60-minute class includes a warm-up, strength or skill work such as squats, deadlifts, and presses, and a Workout of the Day. Every session is coach-led, every movement is taught and corrected, and the workout is scaled to your level.

How small are the classes at CrossFit 1864?

Every group class at CrossFit 1864 is capped at 10 people. Most CrossFit affiliates in London run classes of 14 to 16. That cap means your coach knows your name, your goals, your scaling, and your weak points every session.

What is the Free Intro Chat?

It is a free 15-minute call with one of the coaches. Completely informal, no sales pitch. You talk about your goals, your training history, and any questions you have. At the end, the coach will recommend the right entry point for you. There is no obligation to join.

CrossFit vs a regular gym — which is better for busy professionals?

For busy professionals, CrossFit at a coach-led gym like CrossFit 1864 typically delivers more consistent results than a commercial gym. At CrossFit 1864, a coach programmes the workout, leads the session, and knows when you have been absent. The classes are 60 minutes, fully structured, and require zero planning on your part.

Will I embarrass myself if I am unfit or a complete beginner?

No. The culture at CrossFit 1864 has been built deliberately over 10 years to be anti-intimidation. Nobody is judging your fitness level. Classes are capped at 10 and the coach is there to support you, not benchmark you against anyone else.

Is CrossFit really as intense as it looks online?

The CrossFit you see in viral videos is elite-level competition. That is not what a CrossFit class looks like for most people. At CrossFit 1864, intensity is self-selected and the coaches scale every workout to every individual. First-timers are usually surprised by how manageable it is.

Where is CrossFit 1864 located?

CrossFit 1864 is at Unit B05, Poplar Business Park, 10 Preston's Road, London E14 9RL. It is 15 minutes walk from Canary Wharf, 5 minutes from Blackwall DLR, and 10 minutes from East India and All Saints stations. On-site parking is available.

CrossFit vs F45 vs Barry’s: An Honest Comparison from a Canary Wharf Gym Owner

30 May

Written By CrossFit 1864

Fitness for Professionals 10 min read

CrossFit vs F45 vs Barry’s:
An Honest Comparison from a Canary Wharf Gym Owner

The best fitness programme is not the trendiest one. It’s the one that helps you stay healthy, strong, and consistent long term.

Last updated: May 2026 · Reading time: 10 minutes

Canary Wharf has become one of London’s biggest fitness hubs.

Within a few streets, you can find:

CrossFit gyms
Boutique studios
Luxury gyms
Group fitness chains
Strength-focused concepts
HIIT classes

For busy professionals trying to improve their fitness, the options can feel overwhelming.

Three of the biggest names people compare are:

CrossFit
F45
Barry’s

At CrossFit 1864, we regularly speak to people deciding between these different styles of training.

The truth is there is no universally “best” workout.

The best option depends on:

Your goals
Your personality
Your schedule
Your injury history
What helps you stay consistent

So here’s an honest breakdown.

What Is F45?

F45 focuses on group-based circuit training.

Classes move quickly between stations and usually combine cardio and resistance exercises.

People often enjoy:

The energy
The music
The fast pace
The convenience

F45 works well for people who enjoy structured classes and variety.

However, one thing many people eventually notice is limited progression.

Because sessions are highly circuit based, there is often less emphasis on:

Individual coaching
Long-term strength development
Movement progression
Personalised scaling

What Is Barry’s?

Barry’s is famous for high-energy treadmill intervals combined with strength work.

It is intense.

Fast paced.

High sweat.

Many people enjoy the atmosphere and challenge.

For professionals who love high-energy classes, Barry’s can feel motivating.

But for some people, especially beginners or adults over 40, it can feel difficult to sustain long term.

The environment can also feel intimidating if you are newer to fitness.

Find Your Best Fit

Fitness should match your lifestyle, goals, and recovery capacity.

Book a free intro chat with a CrossFit 1864 coach and let’s find the most sustainable approach for your long-term health and fitness.

Book Your Intro Chat

What Makes CrossFit Different?

CrossFit combines:

Strength training
Conditioning
Functional movement
Mobility
Coaching
Progression

At CrossFit 1864, every class is coached.

That means workouts can be adapted for:

Beginners
Injuries
Confidence levels
Mobility limitations
Different goals

The focus is not simply burning calories.

The focus is helping people become stronger, healthier, and more capable long term.

Great fitness coaching is not about pushing everyone equally hard. It’s about helping each person progress appropriately.

The Biggest Difference Is Coaching

This is where CrossFit 1864 separates itself most clearly.

Many fitness classes involve following along.

CrossFit coaching is more interactive.

We actively teach:

Movement technique
Pacing
Scaling
Progression
Proper mechanics

For beginners, this creates a much more supportive environment.

People often feel nervous before starting CrossFit.

What surprises them most is how approachable and welcoming it feels when coaching is done properly.

CrossFit Builds Strength for Life

One of the biggest benefits of CrossFit is strength training.

After 35, maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly important for:

Metabolism
Bone density
Posture
Injury prevention
Healthy aging

Many boutique fitness classes focus heavily on calorie burn.

CrossFit combines conditioning with real strength development.

That becomes increasingly valuable as people get older.

Community Matters More Than People Realise

Another major difference is community.

At CrossFit 1864, people genuinely support each other.

Beginners are welcomed.

Effort is encouraged.

Progress is celebrated.

That environment helps people stay consistent.

And consistency is where results come from.

The best training environment is the one that keeps you coming back consistently.

Which One Is Best for You?

If you enjoy:

High-energy cardio classes
Treadmill intervals
Fast-paced sessions

Barry’s may suit you.

If you enjoy:

Circuit training
Variety
Group workouts

F45 may appeal to you.

If you want:

Coaching
Strength development
Long-term fitness
Community
Scalable workouts
Sustainable progress

CrossFit may be the better fit.

Especially if you want a gym that supports beginners and busy professionals.

Why Professionals in Canary Wharf Choose CrossFit 1864

At CrossFit 1864, we focus on helping normal people succeed.

Not elite athletes.

Our gym is designed around:

World-class coaching
Beginner-friendly support
Scalable workouts
Long-term health
Community
Consistency

That’s why so many professionals in Canary Wharf, Blackwall, Poplar, and East India choose CrossFit 1864 as their long-term fitness home.

Fitness should support your career, your family, your energy, and your health — not become another source of stress.

Ready to See if CrossFit 1864 Is Right for You?

Book a free intro chat with one of our coaches.

We’ll talk about your goals, your fitness background, and what kind of support would help you most.

No pressure, no hard sell, and no workout required.

CrossFit 1864 is a beginner-friendly CrossFit gym in Poplar, East London — 15 minutes from Canary Wharf. We help busy professionals and adults over 40 build strength, confidence, mobility, and long-term health through expert coaching and a supportive community.

CrossFit 1864