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.

The Real Reason Adults Over 40 Thrive in CrossFit

25 May

Written By CrossFit 1864

Fitness After 40 6 min read

The Real Reason Adults Over 40
Thrive in CrossFit

Most adults over 40 do not thrive in CrossFit because of intensity. They thrive because of coaching, structure, and support.

Last updated: May 2026 · Reading time: 6 minutes

Most people assume CrossFit is about intensity.

Heavy weights.

Fast workouts.

Competition.

But the reason so many adults in their 40s and 50s succeed in CrossFit usually has very little to do with that.

It comes down to support.

Fitness Feels Different After 40

At this stage of life, people are juggling a lot.

Work
Family
Stress
Responsibilities
Injuries
Busy schedules

Trying to stay consistent on your own becomes harder.

That’s why environment matters so much.

Coaching Builds Confidence

One of the biggest barriers to fitness is uncertainty.

People worry:

Am I doing this right?
Am I too old?
What if I can’t keep up?
What if I get injured?

Good coaching removes that uncertainty.

At CrossFit 1864, our coaches guide people step by step.

Movements are adjusted.

Technique is taught.

Progress is built gradually.

People gain confidence because they feel supported.

Start With Support

You do not need to figure CrossFit out alone.

Book a free intro chat with a CrossFit 1864 coach and let’s find the right starting point for your goals, body, and experience.

Book Your Intro Chat

Community Creates Accountability

There’s something powerful about training alongside people who genuinely want to see you succeed.

At CrossFit 1864:

People learn your name
Members encourage each other
Coaches check in
Effort gets celebrated

That community creates consistency.

And consistency is where real transformation happens.

Transformation does not come from one perfect workout. It comes from showing up consistently.

Progress Looks Different for Everyone

Some members want:

Weight loss
Strength
Improved mobility
More energy
Better mental health
Confidence
Longevity

Every journey is different.

What matters is having a place where your goals matter.

You Are Never “Too Far Behind”

Many people who start in their 40s and 50s feel like they’ve left it too late.

They haven’t.

We see people make incredible progress every year because they finally found:

Structure
Support
Coaching
Encouragement

The right environment changes everything.

CrossFit Is About More Than Fitness

The physical changes are important.

But many people notice:

Improved confidence
Reduced stress
Stronger routines
Better mindset
Renewed motivation

Those things impact every part of life outside the gym too.

A Supportive Start Matters

CrossFit looks very different when it’s built around beginners.

That’s exactly what we focus on at CrossFit 1864.

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, parents, and adults over 40 build strength, confidence, fitness, and long-term health through expert coaching, accountability, and a supportive community.

CrossFit 1864