GymHappy Review:
"Beginners Find Confidence Without Intimidation"
73 verified member reviews
Members consistently highlight the supportive and encouraging environment at Downeast CrossFit, making it a perfect fit for diverse fitness journeys.
AI summary based on recent reviews, updated weekly
Today was my first session at Downeast CrossFit and it was great! Joe took the time to clearly explain each movement and the purpose behind it, which helped me feel confident even as a beginner. What really stood out was how he helped me manage my little one during the workout - he was patient and attentive, making sure I could focus without stress. The atmosphere was welcoming and energized, and by the end, I felt accomplished and excited to come back. Wonderful first experience.
Casey makes 100 wall balls fun!
Joe is amazing! He made me feel confident, was very supportive and attentive!
Joe does a great job explaining the movement and making suggestions so I can improve. The goal is to get stronger without hurting myself!
Joe really encouraged me to do my best. Even though I only did half of the AMRAP my first class he was encouraging. He advice was to keep showing up and trying. Also very supportive in helping me with my technique, which he seem to understand was important to me. Also very welcoming, also.
Coach was awesome! Made me feel comfortable, and was trying to show me proper technique. Really loving the class!
Joe runs a great class at Downeast CrossFit that feels well-structured from start to finish. He is organized, with each part of the workout clearly planned so you know exactly what to expect and how to approach it. Joe’s competence really stands out - he moves around the room, watching closely and providing great cues that help improve technique and overall performance. For example, he will notice if your form starts to slip during a lift and calmly guide you to adjust your posture, or suggest slight changes in weight to keep the workout challenging but safe. His dedication is obvious in how he stays engaged with every single person, offering encouragement and personalized tips that push you just enough without overwhelming. Thank you for your dedication.
Missy is very attentive during class. Always watching our form and correcting it when needed. Our safety is also her priority. Her workout routines are fun, challenging and she is very good at adapting them to our individual needs.
What I enjoy about Joe is that he really makes sure you understand form, what parts to engage, and makes sure to push you to keep going!
Rachel is always super helpful and encouraging. She pushes me just the right amount that I need and she’s always cheerful and positive.
Workout was great! Thank you, Jessica. Appreciate the positive feedback encouragement. Happy new year.
Great experience today. After struggling with a frustrating result during the workout, the coach offered encouraging words that really helped me reset my mindset.
Missy always motivates as well as assists with our individual issues, every one is doing the workouts with motivation! I am pleased with my progress and my body over the past 3 years. Cross fit makes a difference with my RA stiffness and pain. I am always grateful I took this step when I was diagnosed!
Helped make corrections on a lift I’ve struggled with for awhile!
Casey demonstrated the work out for us, making sure we knew the movements. Boosted me up saying deadlift form was great, an encouraged me to put more weight on the bar. Cheering us all on in every step
Love the positivity and support.
Casey is a very helpful and knowledgeable coach. She does a great job keeping track of what each individual athlete’s current abilities are and works with them to make each workout as beneficial as possible.
Great attitude, she is all about correct form. Love the classes
Today felt good to push out of my comfort zone with the kip swing and hanging knee raises. I never would have done that with out you helping me and believing in me. Thank you so much. I officially felt like part of the family today.
Sara, is kind welcoming and sooo great at being a coach. From day one she has always made me feel like I belong.
I enjoyed you showing me what to do and recognizing when I needed to shift. I know it will get better! No squats tonight pretty please!🙏
Missy is always well prepared and attentive to all participants. She encourages each person to expand their weight amounts when appropriate and monitors all of us for proper techniques. She is a wonderful fitness instructor and a kind person.
Coach Casey is very attentive, helpful and the best cheerleader in the gym. She is conscientious about our past injuries and is great at giving movements we can scale.
Casey is top-notch , she goes above and beyond to make sure that my form stays good and make sure that I am doing things correctly, It’s amazing what this place can do for you! All you have to do is show up and put the effort in , all of the coaches are phenomenal. It is life-changing. , it’s not just about getting stronger physically, it is a mental game changer that is so positive It is a great community💯
Casey is an excellent coach! She always offers tips on doing the movements safely. Even when you think you understand a movement there’s new little nuggets of wisdom to take away. She is great at listening to the group and from the feedback today she adjusted things to make it easier to understand and execute the workout! I always look forward to her positive attitude. 😊
It was really helpful to do my snatch from a high hang. I’ve been stuck at 35 lbs because I just don’t feel quite sturdy going into the squat, but it felt a lot better to do 40lbs from the high hang
Missy is the best coach ever! Our limitations are never an issue. Her encouragement, kindness and sense of humor help get us (or at least me) through our workouts. She may not retire! 😊
Casey is always so helpful and friendly! Love this gym. Great community!
Casey is fantastic. She gives great explanations of how to do things, has wonderful ideas about how to adapt workouts for each person. She is encouraging and motivating!
You did great job! Easy going. I love new family here and PA. Plan to retire in few years then move here and join your gym! 😊
Missy always considers each individual's needs and limitations. Today's class was no exception. Since taking Downeast Crossfit classes, I am feeling stronger, and have less pain due to exercises and movements that don't make my issues worse. My range of motion has also improved.
The coach was attentive and upbeat throughout the entire session, constantly watching my form and encouraging me to push just a bit harder. Downeast CrossFit coaches and community provide both encouragement and results, which keeps me coming back.
Sara always offers clear and concise instructions on yhe workouts and is always very positive and encouraging.
For my absolute first CrossFit class, I was intimidated to say the least, but Jessica worked with me so I could feel capable of doing the workouts…despite my lack of knowledge. I had a wonderful experience because of her supportive coaching.
Casey is amazing! I was very nervous showing up and self conscious as I’m on the bigger side and not as active physically but she really helped me feel comfortable and encouraged me especially with the sit ups and she was kinda enough to have a chat with me after and let me know I did a good job and it’s going to get easier over time and everyone struggles with something and I will be coming on Saturday!
I’m sure the very first official workout can feel overwhelming, especially with all the new movements and pacing. Laurie did a great job with coaching by clearly explaining each exercise and demonstrating proper form, which helped me feel more confident. She noticed when I was struggling and offered modifications that allowed me to stay included and engaged throughout the entire class. That attention made it easier to focus on my own progress instead of feeling lost or behind. The supportive atmosphere Laurie fostered at Downeast CrossFit (formerly CrossFit Breakwater) turned what could have been an intimidating experience into something motivating and manageable.
Excellent coach with great energy, command of the environment, and a keen eye for improving techniques and movements.
Great session! Cardio and strength! Loved and hated it! Thanks!👍
She was great as usual. Gave individual attention to everyone in the group. She created a good balance of exercises that kept it interesting. She is a real asset to this program. I’m bringing a friend in a couple weeks and will make sure she comes when missy is there.
Casey did an amazing job working through the fundamentals of a split jerk.
Excellent! Can't get any better than Casey.
Amazing as always!
I am enjoying crossfits and love all the coaches!!
Casey did an excellent job! I am visiting while on vacation. She made me feel welcome and was very encouraging!
First day back (in over a year)and Coach Casey made me feel welcome and advised me on scaling options that best fit my abilities (right now!)
Missy was helpful, professional, and kind. She is always encouraging and adapts all workouts to my individual needs. Missy is an outstanding coach!
Jess is always very friendly and positive. She explains the workout clearly and goes over any questions that may be asked. During the workout she is very attentive and helpful. No matter where you are in your workout journey, Jess is always the first one to cheer you on.
Great! For the rundown she explains things clearly and is also aware of who is in the class and if more a thorough explanation is needed. I’ve always appreciated too during the warm up she goes around to each person and asks what their plan is while she already has a good idea of what each person is capable of. She also listens well to how you’re feeling that day. She is encouraging during the workouts and also a very personable person.
Today was great! Joe was very attentive, informative, and personable
Missy is a great coach! She offers modifications to make moves easier or more challenging, is encouraging, and pushes just enough to stretch my comfort zone.
Joe is a very knowledgeable Coach who is able to articulate proper technique. I also enjoy him pushing athletes during the workout beyond what they think they are capable of.
Cue to focus on continuing to breath- sounds simple, but was very helpful to get through the barbell movements, especially at the end of the WOD.
Having missed a couple of weeks, it was good to be back. Missy is always so welcoming & supportive & quick to notice when we need a little extra coaching. Always leave her class with a sense of accomplishment!
Joe was very helpful in giving tips on how to alleviate back pain and to have better form when deadlifting.
Great! I have elbow issues so I can do something besides deadlifts. I really love weight lifting. I did shoulder presses. I love that Missy let's us adjust activities based on physical limitations.
She is always amazing and so motivating. Best coach ever.
Downeast CrossFit (formerly CrossFit Breakwater) currently has 73 verified member reviews with an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. All reviews come from real members who have experienced the gym firsthand.
Yes! All reviews are from verified members of Downeast CrossFit (formerly CrossFit Breakwater). We collect authentic feedback directly from current and former members to help you make an informed decision about your fitness journey.
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Downeast CrossFit (formerly CrossFit Breakwater) is located in Ellsworth, Maine at 248 State St Ste 10, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA. Click the address above to get directions.