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.

How CrossFit Helps You Outside the Gym After 40

28 May

Written By CrossFit 1864

Fitness After 40 7 min read

How CrossFit Helps You Outside
the Gym After 40

Fitness after 40 is about far more than appearance. It’s about having the energy, strength, and confidence to enjoy life fully.

Last updated: May 2026 · Reading time: 7 minutes

Most people join a gym hoping to improve their fitness.

What surprises many people at CrossFit 1864 is how much training improves life OUTSIDE the gym too.

Especially in your 40s and 50s.

Because at this stage of life, fitness is about much more than appearance.

It’s about feeling capable again.

More Energy for Everyday Life

A lot of adults arrive feeling drained.

Work stress
Poor sleep
Busy schedules
Long days

Exercise can feel like another thing on the to-do list.

Ironically, consistent training is often what gives people their energy back.

Members regularly tell us they:

Feel more productive
Sleep better
Have more energy during the day
Feel mentally sharper

Build Long-Term Health

Fitness should improve your life outside the gym too.

Book a free intro chat with a CrossFit 1864 coach and discover how training can help you feel stronger, healthier, and more energised.

Book Your Intro Chat

Strength Makes Everyday Tasks Easier

One of the biggest benefits of functional training is that it supports real life.

Things like:

Carrying shopping
Lifting luggage
Playing with kids or grandkids
Climbing stairs
Gardening
Moving furniture

Strength gives people confidence in everyday situations.

That matters more and more as we age.

Real fitness is not just about what you can do in the gym. It’s about what your body allows you to do in life.

Exercise Improves Mental Health Too

Many members start training for physical goals.

What they often gain is:

Reduced stress
Improved mood
Better routines
Increased confidence
Stronger mental resilience

Training becomes an outlet.

A positive hour in the day focused entirely on yourself.

Community Reduces Isolation

One thing many adults underestimate is how important community becomes later in life.

People are busy.

Social circles shrink.

Work and family dominate schedules.

CrossFit creates connection.

At CrossFit 1864, people encourage each other, support each other, and celebrate progress together.

That environment has a huge impact on consistency and wellbeing.

Fitness After 40 Is About Longevity

Most people are not chasing extreme goals.

They want:

Long-term health
Mobility
Independence
Confidence
Quality of life

The goal is to stay active and capable for years to come.

That’s why coaching and sustainable progress matter so much.

Small Improvements Add Up

Many people wait for dramatic transformations.

Real change usually comes from small consistent actions repeated over time.

Showing up
Moving regularly
Building strength
Creating routines
Feeling supported

That’s where lasting results come from.

Long-term health is built through small actions repeated consistently.

Fitness Should Improve Your Life

At CrossFit 1864, the goal is not simply harder workouts.

It’s helping people build healthier, stronger, more confident lives outside the gym too.

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