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 Truth About CrossFit and Women: What Canary Wharf’s Female Professionals Need to Hear

4 Jun

Written By CrossFit 1864

Women & Strength Training 10 min read

The Truth About CrossFit and Women:
What Canary Wharf’s Female Professionals Need to Hear

Most women do not need more cardio. They need confidence, strength, support, and a fitness environment that actually feels sustainable.

Last updated: May 2026 · Reading time: 10 minutes

Many women are curious about CrossFit.

But many are also hesitant.

At CrossFit 1864, we regularly speak to female professionals from Canary Wharf, Blackwall, Poplar, and East London who are interested in strength training but feel unsure if CrossFit is the right fit.

Usually, the concerns sound something like this:

“Will I be the only beginner?”
“Is CrossFit too intense?”
“Will I get bulky?”
“What if I’m not fit enough?”
“Will it feel intimidating?”

These concerns are completely normal.

And the reality is CrossFit looks very different from the stereotypes most people see online.

Most people at CrossFit 1864 are not elite athletes. They are busy adults trying to feel healthier, stronger, and more confident.

Most Women Are Looking for Strength, Confidence and Energy

The women we work with are not trying to become elite athletes.

They are:

Professionals
Mothers
Business owners
Busy adults balancing demanding schedules

Most simply want to:

Feel stronger
Improve confidence
Increase energy
Move better
Stay healthy long term

Strength training is one of the best ways to support those goals.

Beginner-Friendly Strength Training

You do not need experience before starting CrossFit.

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

Book Your Intro Chat

Strength Training Does Not Make Women “Bulky”

This is one of the biggest misconceptions around lifting weights.

Building significant muscle mass requires:

Years of focused training
Very specific nutrition
High training volume

Most women who begin strength training notice:

Improved body composition
Increased confidence
Better posture
More energy
Greater physical capability

Strength training helps people feel capable.

That confidence often extends far beyond the gym.

Most women do not become “bulky” from strength training. They become stronger, more resilient, and more confident.

CrossFit Is Adaptable for Beginners

At CrossFit 1864, workouts are scaled for all ability levels.

That means movements, weights, and intensity can all be adjusted.

Beginners are coached through:

Technique
Pacing
Movement patterns
Progressions

Nobody is expected to know everything immediately.

The focus is learning gradually in a supportive environment.

Women Benefit Enormously From Strength Training After 40

Strength training supports:

Bone density
Metabolism
Hormonal health
Posture
Mobility
Longevity

This becomes increasingly important as women get older.

Especially for professionals spending long hours sitting at desks or dealing with high stress.

Strength training is one of the most valuable things women can do for long-term health and independence.

Community Matters

One of the biggest surprises many women mention after joining CrossFit 1864 is how supportive the environment feels.

People encourage each other.

Coaches provide guidance.

Beginners are welcomed.

Fitness feels far less intimidating when you train alongside supportive people.

Fitness Should Improve Your Life

At CrossFit 1864, our goal is not extreme intensity.

It is helping people build:

Confidence
Strength
Resilience
Long-term health

In a way that feels sustainable.

You Do Not Need to Feel Ready First

Many women delay strength training because they believe they need confidence before starting.

Usually, confidence comes after people begin.

You do not need to be fit first.

You simply need support.

The hardest part for most people is not the workout. It’s taking the first step.

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