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.

Reformer Pilates vs CrossFit for Strength: What East London Professionals Need to Know

31 May

Written By CrossFit 1864

Strength & Mobility 9 min read

Reformer Pilates vs CrossFit for Strength:
What East London Professionals Need to Know

Pilates can improve mobility and posture. CrossFit can build strength and resilience. The best long-term approach often includes both.

Last updated: May 2026 · Reading time: 9 minutes

Reformer Pilates has exploded in popularity across Canary Wharf and East London.

And it’s easy to see why.

Many professionals are looking for fitness that helps them:

Move better
Reduce stress
Improve posture
Strengthen their core
Feel healthier

Pilates can absolutely help with those goals.

But many people eventually start asking another important question:

Am I building enough strength?

At CrossFit 1864, we regularly speak to professionals who enjoy Pilates but feel like something is missing from their overall fitness.

Usually, that missing piece is progressive strength training.

What Reformer Pilates Does Well

Pilates is excellent for:

Mobility
Body awareness
Core control
Posture
Flexibility

For desk workers in Canary Wharf spending hours sitting each day, these benefits matter.

Many people feel better quickly when they begin moving more consistently.

Pilates can also feel less intimidating than traditional gyms.

That makes it an excellent starting point for many beginners.

Build Real Strength

Mobility matters. Strength matters too.

Book a free intro chat with a CrossFit 1864 coach and discover how beginner-friendly strength training can support long-term health and confidence.

Book Your Intro Chat

Why Strength Matters More After 35

As adults get older, maintaining muscle becomes increasingly important.

After 35, muscle mass naturally declines unless people actively strength train.

Strength supports:

Metabolism
Bone density
Balance
Posture
Healthy aging
Long-term independence

This becomes especially important for professionals balancing stressful careers and sedentary lifestyles.

Many adults are not under-muscled because they lack cardio.

They are under-muscled because they simply do not challenge strength consistently enough.

Mobility helps you move well. Strength helps you stay capable for life.

What CrossFit Adds

CrossFit combines:

Strength training
Conditioning
Functional movement
Mobility
Coaching

At CrossFit 1864, workouts are adapted to the individual.

That means beginners can start safely even if they have:

No lifting experience
Injuries
Mobility limitations
Confidence concerns

Good coaching helps people learn movement patterns gradually.

The goal is not extreme intensity.

The goal is building a stronger, healthier body over time.

CrossFit and Pilates Can Work Together

This is important.

The conversation does not need to be: “Pilates OR CrossFit.”

Many people combine both successfully.

Pilates can improve mobility and control.

CrossFit can build strength and conditioning.

Together, they create a very balanced fitness approach.

Why East London Professionals Need Strength Training

Most professionals around Canary Wharf spend large portions of the day:

Sitting
Commuting
Stressed
Inactive

Strength training helps counter many of the physical effects of modern working life.

It supports:

Posture
Resilience
Energy
Confidence
Injury prevention

And importantly, strength training improves quality of life outside the gym.

Strength training is not just about aesthetics. It is one of the most important tools for long-term health.

Beginner-Friendly Strength Training at CrossFit 1864

Many people assume CrossFit is only for experienced athletes.

That is not how we coach at CrossFit 1864.

We focus heavily on:

Coaching
Progression
Scaling
Support
Beginner confidence

Our goal is helping people train consistently for the long term.

Especially adults in their 40s and 50s.

The Best Fitness Plan Is the One You Can Sustain

The reality is this:

The best training approach is one that supports:

Your goals
Your lifestyle
Your energy
Your long-term health

For many professionals, combining mobility work with strength training creates the strongest long-term results.

Sustainable fitness is not about extremes. It’s about building a body that supports your life for years to come.

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