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.

What is the Free Intro Chat at CrossFit 1864?

The Free Intro Chat is a 15-minute call with one of our coaches. We talk through your fitness goals, answer any questions you have, and figure out the right next step for you — whether that's the Beginners Programme or jumping straight into group classes. There's no commitment and no sales pressure.

Do I need experience to join CrossFit 1864?

No experience is required. Our Beginners Programme is designed specifically for people starting from scratch — three weeks of personal coaching that teaches you the fundamental movements before you join group classes. You'll never be thrown in at the deep end.

How many people are in each class at CrossFit 1864?

Every class is capped at 10 people. This means your coach can genuinely see you, correct your technique, and scale the workout to your level every session. You're never anonymous in a class here.

Do you offer lunchtime classes near Canary Wharf?

Yes. We run a 12:30pm class Monday to Friday, designed specifically for office workers in Canary Wharf and the surrounding area. The session fits within 60 minutes door-to-door — train, shower on site, and be back at your desk by 1:30pm. Showers and lockers are available on site.

Is CrossFit suitable for beginners?

Yes. CrossFit is designed for all fitness levels. Every movement can be scaled or modified, and our coaches teach you how to move correctly before adding intensity. Our Beginners Programme takes complete beginners through the fundamentals in three weeks before joining group classes.

Where is CrossFit 1864 located?

CrossFit 1864 is at Unit B05, Poplar Business Park, 10 Preston's Road, London E14 9RL. We are approximately 15 minutes' walk from Canary Wharf, 5 minutes from Blackwall DLR, 8 minutes from All Saints DLR, and 8 minutes from East India DLR. Parking is available on site.

What are CrossFit 1864's opening hours?

Monday to Thursday: 6:00am–8:30pm. Friday: 6:00am–7:30pm. Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am–12:00pm. Classes run at 6am, 12:30pm, and 5:30pm Monday to Friday, with morning sessions at weekends.

How much does CrossFit 1864 cost?

Group class memberships start at £149 per month for 9 sessions, £169 per month for 13 sessions, and £199 per month for unlimited classes. The Beginners Programme is a one-off £160 and includes 1 goal-setting session, 3 personal training sessions, and 6 group classes.

What happens in a CrossFit class at CrossFit 1864?

Each 60-minute class follows the same structure: a 10-minute coach-led warm-up, 15–20 minutes of strength or skill work (squats, deadlifts, pressing, or Olympic lifting), and a 15–20 minute conditioning workout (WOD). Every class is fully coached and every movement is scaled to your level.

CrossFit is safe when coached properly. Every movement is taught with technique before load. Our coaches scale workouts individually to each member and prioritise injury prevention over intensity. Technique always comes first.

Is CrossFit suitable for people in their 30s and 40s?

Yes — and your 30s and 40s are an excellent time to start. CrossFit builds and preserves muscle mass, increases bone density, and strengthens the joints. Our programming prioritises technique over ego and is built for people who want to be strong and healthy for decades. The majority of our members are busy professionals aged 25–49.

What if I can't do a certain movement?

Every movement in CrossFit can be scaled or modified. Your coach will find the right option for you — whether that's a lighter load, a simpler movement variation, or a different exercise that targets the same goal. No one is expected to do a movement they're not ready for.

How often should I do CrossFit?

If you're just starting, 2–3 sessions per week is the right starting point. This allows for real adaptation while leaving enough recovery between sessions. As you build strength and confidence, you can train more frequently depending on your goals.

Do you offer HYROX training near Canary Wharf?

Yes. CrossFit 1864 offers coach-led HYROX training for all levels — RX, Fitness, and Life. Our approach is built around engine development, strength endurance, movement efficiency, and intelligent race prep. We're in Poplar, 15 minutes from Canary Wharf.

What is functional fitness?

Functional fitness means training movements, not muscles — squatting, lifting, carrying, pressing, pulling, and moving under load. The result is strength that transfers to real life: carrying things without pain, staying capable as you age, and building a body that works well for decades.

Is CrossFit safe in your 40s?

Yes, when coached well. At CrossFit 1864 everything is scalable, technique comes first, and the cap of 10 means your coach watches your movement every session.

Am I too old to start CrossFit?

No. We have members who started in their 50s and 60s. We run LIFE — a programme for 50+ focused on strength and mobility for everyday life.

I've tried to get fit before and it hasn't stuck. Why would this be different?

Because structure and accountability replace willpower. The coach knows your name, the community notices when you're gone, and the Beginners Programme builds the habit before throwing you in the deep end.

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★★★★★ ● 10 years in East London ● 15 min from Canary Wharf ● 5 min from Blackwall DLR

THE GYM WHERE
EVERYBODY
BELONGS.

Coach-led strength and fitness in Poplar, East London. Classes capped at 10. No experience needed.

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10+

Years coaching

70+

Members

5★

Google reviews

Max class size

Sound familiar?

I keep starting and stopping. I can not make it stick.
Big gyms feel intimidating. I do not know what I am doing.
I am getting weaker and I know it.

If any of that sounds like you, you are exactly who CrossFit 1864 was built for.

Why CrossFit 1864

A different kind of gym.

Capped at 10 Most London boxes run 14-16. We cap at 10 so every coach knows your name, your goals, and your weak points.

Built for longevity 10 years developing coaches who teach technique first, intensity second. Anti-intimidation by design.

Fits your schedule 6am, 12:30pm, 5:30pm Mon-Fri. Showers on site. In and out in 60 minutes.

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How it works

Three Steps to Start

Free Intro Chat

15 minutes with a coach. Talk goals, ask anything. No sales pitch.

Your Plan

We build a training plan around your level, goals, and schedule.

Get Results

Show up, train with people who are glad you are there, and track your progress.

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New to CrossFit?

Start Here.
Change Everything.

3 weeks. A personal coach. A plan built around you. No experience required.

PT sessions

Group classes

Goal-setting call

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Google Reviews

What People Say

CrossFit 1864 on Google

★★★★★ 5.0 · 95 reviews

Open Google →

Emma A.

★★★★★

I thought I would be the worst one there. I was not. And even when I was, nobody cared.

Marcus R., 44

★★★★★

Came in thinking I was too old. That thought lasted ten minutes.

Sarah P.

★★★★★

I had started going to the gym four times before. What is different here is that people notice when you are not there.

Nicolo Benzi

★★★★★

Fantastic box, with amazing coaches and wonderful community! Great for all levels, just come and enjoy the vibe.

Matteo Nonne

★★★★★

I have been a member for over 3 years, and sessions continue to be the highlight of my day. Friendly, fun, and accessible to all levels.

Vineet J Nair

★★★★★

Great classes — the coaches are amazing and it is a really fun community. Tough workouts, but they have pushed me to make progress.

Miriam Cheung

★★★★★

An incredible set of coaches and members make this more than a gym, it is a community. No regrets about joining CrossFit 1864.

Anastasia Euan

★★★★★

Great CrossFit gym with quality coaching, fun classes, and very welcoming. Perfect for all abilities — highly recommend!

Corentine Nicolas

★★★★★

Great community, great coaches! I would 100% recommend it to anyone looking for an amazing gym to train.

Desray Preston

★★★★★

A real sense of community, both in and out of the box. Fun, vibrant, energetic and varied workouts — this is a great place.

Zack D

★★★★★

The community is fantastic, and the coaches are incredible. It is a great space for everyone to enhance their fitness.

Dorota Donigiewicz

★★★★★

The most welcoming bunch of trainers at a gym. You will be encouraged to work hard and do your best.

Sigrid Bris Salum

★★★★★

I feel very supported by all the coaches. It has changed my lifestyle and helps me mentally too. Good vibes and amazing people.

andrea gacanin

★★★★★

Great crossfit! Everyone is so welcoming! I did two drop ins and it was really great! Thank you!

Cameron

★★★★★

This gym is outstanding! This is genuinely the best gym I have been a member of. The quality and community of staff and members here is out of this world. Everyone genuinely wants each other to succeed and improve.

Maria Eugenia Samy Pereira

★★★★★

Best gym in London. I have been a member of CrossFit 1864 for 4 years and I could not recommend it more. The coaches are amazing, very friendly people and great facilities. This place is for everyone.

Julia Potter

★★★★★

A brilliant CrossFit box — such a lovely bunch of people, super inclusive for all abilities and ages, and they take great care of their members.

Eleni Trik

★★★★★

CrossFit itself really helped me increase my strength, stamina and overall performance. What makes CrossFit 1864 stand out is the community, the lovely team, great vibes, and professional coaches.

Ana Costa

★★★★★

I made one of the best decisions of my life when I joined CrossFit 1864. I have made lovely friends and finally have a stimulus to exercise. I feel looked after. Great coaches. Amazing community.

Jaya TecKchandani

★★★★★

I was never a gym person. The coaches and experienced members of the 1864 family made us feel welcome from day one. They changed my perception. Highly recommended.

Paul Erler

★★★★★

I joined about 2 weeks ago and already feel like part of the family. The coaches are knowledgeable, motivational and helpful, and the other members are friendly and encouraging.

Alastair Boast

★★★★★

Coaches are fantastic and very welcoming to people of all skill levels. The workouts are varied and always challenging, but there are always scaled options. The community is extremely friendly.

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The honest truth

What Another Year Without a Plan Costs

If you have been thinking about this for a while, here is what waiting actually costs:

Another year of £40-60/month on a gym you use inconsistently.
Getting slightly weaker through your 30s and 40s — that is what happens without consistent strength training.
Missing the window when building this habit is easiest — right now, when you are thinking about it.

"I had tried three gyms before this. What was different here was that people actually noticed when I was not there. That sounds small, but it is not."

The intro chat is free, takes 15 minutes, and there is no obligation.

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What changes

What 3-6 Months Looks Like

Not a before-and-after photo. A before-and-after life.

At 3 months

The Foundation

Real technique on the lifts that matter — squat, deadlift, press.
Better sleep. More energy at work. You have stopped dreading the gym.
You know people's names. They know yours.

At 6 months

The Shift

Noticeably stronger — in the gym and in daily life.
Confidence that comes from keeping a commitment to yourself.
Consistency that used to feel impossible is now your default.

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The founder Kike, Founder and Head Coach at CrossFit 1864

Meet Kike

Founder & Head Coach · CrossFit 1864

Smaller classes. Better coaching. Training built for longevity. CrossFit 1864 is designed to help people get stronger and more confident without burning out chasing leaderboards.

Outside the gym I train jiujitsu — which shaped how I think about consistency and showing up even when you are not the best in the room. That is the culture I have tried to build here.

10 years coaching CrossFit L2 Jiujitsu East London

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Got questions?

Quick Answers

CrossFit 1864 in Poplar — 15 min walk from Canary Wharf, 5 min from Blackwall DLR. Classes capped at 10. Every new member starts with our Beginners Programme: 3 PT sessions, 6 group classes, goal-setting call. No experience needed.

Yes — when it is coached well. At CrossFit 1864 everything is scalable, technique comes before intensity, and the cap of 10 means your coach watches your movement every session.

No. We have members who started in their 50s and 60s. We run LIFE — a programme for 50+ built around the strength and mobility that makes everyday life easier.

Most people do not fail from lack of willpower — they fail from lack of structure and accountability. The coach knows your name, the community notices when you are gone, and the Beginners Programme builds the habit before throwing you in the deep end.

Still have questions? Let us talk. 15 minutes, no obligation.

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