Our Community
Our community is what really sets us apart!
“I have met some of my best friends at the gym and it really feels like family to me when I go in there.”
“I love the people I work out with in class. I’ve gotten to know them personally, as well as their significant others and their kids and pets. We’ve even gone out socially, and I love being able to geek out on Crossfit with them.”
“The friends/community aspect is probably the main reason why I won’t be giving up my membership anytime soon.”
In the News
Voted Colorado Daily’s 2019 “Best CrossFit in Boulder” & “Best Place to Workout”
CrossFit enthusiasts are a dedicated bunch, but they can tell almost immediately if a facility understands their needs, or is just catering to grunty meatheads. That’s what has helped make CrossFit Sanitas a double-category winner, providing the kind of supportive and encouraging atmosphere that serves both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts. Claire Mulholland, the facility’s member services coordinator and a five-year devotee of the exercise and training regimen, says CrossFit Sanitas very purposely tried to avoid the classic gym stereotypes.
“We work really hard to build a sense of community, as people come to find their tribe and build lifelong friends — and whether they identify with the vibe of the place,” she says. “We constantly have a discussion about creating a healthy lifestyle, and offer a variety of other services such as yoga and mobility classes, as our goal is overall fitness, not just burning calories.” To that end, CrossFit Sanitas provides access to physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and a cold plunge pool, plus broader health and lifestyle advice such as nutritional counseling. Mulholland says it’s the authentic atmosphere that has attracted so many devoted participants.
Voted Colorado Daily’s 2018 “Best CrossFit in Boulder” & “Best Place to Workout”
The crew at CrossFit Sanitas didn’t want to simply open another gym that mirrored the countless other facilities across the city, the state and the country. Instead of running a mirror image of countless other CrossFit facilities, this group wanted to create a community-centered gym that offered even the most die-hard CrossFit followers some options. In lieu of the standard “garage gym” model of most CrossFit locales, the owners of Sanitas aimed for a different kind of aesthetic.
“Gyms are intimidating places for many and CrossFit as a whole didn’t quite solve that on their own,” noted Sanitas CrossFit Manager Tom Baker. “So our mission was and continues to be to create a fun, bright place to work out for all levels while focusing on holistic health. From nutrition to self-care, we’re a one-stop shop!” At Sanitas, that includes brand new workout equipment, massage treatment rooms, fully equipped locker rooms, spa-quality showers and downtown Boulder’s only cold plunge pool. Along with a staff of expert trainers and access to nutritious food, drinks, and supplements, these resources help Sanitas offer a refreshingly different spin on the CrossFit model.
Voted Daily Camera’s 2017 “Best CrossFit in Boulder” & “Best Place to Workout”
Some people have a misconception that CrossFit is catered to already-fit body-builders and athletes. Manager Tom Baker says the team at CrossFit Sanitas works hard to make the gym accessible for everyone.
“We took a new approach to CrossFit when we started this gym,” he says.
“It allows pretty much anyone, no matter their level or abilities, to walk into this gym comfortably.” CrossFit Sanitas offers child care, kids classes and women-only classes to accommodate every kind of athlete. Every new member is provided with a free functional movement and injury prevention scan, a free personal training session and a thirty minute consultation. “There is some forethought in every class they take,” Baker says. “With this approach, athletes get a great opportunity to make some life-altering changes.”
Voted Colorado Daily’s 2017 “Best CrossFit in Boulder” & “Best Place to Workout”
Gather in for a huddle, Boulder. Not only are you a smart university town, you’re also fit. Brains and brawn. We’ll high-five to that. So we’ll take your word when it comes to the best CrossFit gym in town and the best place to workout. You’ve given the first-place trophy to CrossFit Sanitas. “The best compliment I receive on a regular basis is simply ‘thank you,'” says Tom Baker, manager of CrossFit Sanitas. “It’s a different kind of ‘thanks’ when it’s coming from someone covered in sweat, hands a bit shaky after pushing themselves through something that at one point in their lives, they never thought would be possible. It’s just on of the most sincerest ‘thank you’s’ I hear in my life.” The gym’s goal is to change people’s lives, Baker says. That doesn’t necessarily need to mean lifting the heaviest weight or running the fastest mile. It’s more about empowerment, and can come about when somebody reaches a goal as simple as being flexible enough to touch their toes or ski an entire day without stopping or keep up while playing with their kids.
A Few Extra Amenities by Box Pro Magazine
From yoga and mobility to gymnastics and endurance, Baker explained it’s helpful to have so many choices for people, especially if CrossFit intimidates them. It can also be beneficial for the staff to take ownership and learn programming. “Having all the programs, it gives the Coaches an opportunity to take ownership of a piece of the gym themselves, which I think just makes them a more ingrained part of the community and gives them a larger sense of purpose,” he said.
But the extra member amenities don’t stop at additional programs in the Box. Baker shared a few amenities they use to build community and increase the membership experience at CrossFit Sanitas…
10 Questions with CrossFit Sanitas in The CrossFit Journal
What has surprised you most about managing an affiliate?
Definitely the types of people you meet and more so the level of intimacy you build with so many people. I always knew that CrossFit was about community, but doing this for nearly five years now, I feel like I’ve gotten to know many of our athletes on a deeper level than many of my friends from outside the gym. You develop this connection with so many people that goes so far beyond the workouts. I can’t even count the number of incredibly valuable relationships that not only I’ve developed but that I’ve witnessed develop within these walls, including two members meeting, dating and getting engaged all at CrossFit Sanitas!
Top Revenue Streams from 5 Affiliates by Box Pro Magazine
We’re working toward incorporating our therapists into the initial process for new members far more. So ideally, every new person coming in understands these resources are available and very accessible. Professional signage — we use chalkboard art — and continual promotion on our blog and social media are also very important for the success of these programs going forward.
Most Notable Female CrossFit Owners by GSX CrossFit
The owner of CrossFit Sanitas, located in Boulder, Colorado, was determined to create a space where women would not only feel comfortable, they would feel welcomed. As a result, her 10,000 square feet gym is open and engaging for men and women of every age, shape and fitness level.
Roza realized that the intimidating reputation of CrossFit would keep people from coming to her gym, so she took away the potential excuses most people use to skip the gym. Nestled in one of the busiest retail centers in Boulder, CrossFit Sanitas is an example of how determination can help you stay physically fit and how women can turn their passion into profit
Voted Daily Camera’s 2016 “Best CrossFit in Boulder”
If you’re only nominally familiar with CrossFit, you may envision the typical CrossFit gym as a barren warehouse space, often little more than a location to break a serious sweat. CrossFit Sanitas aims to change that. Tom Baker, the gym manager for CrossFit Sanitas describes his gym as “a new spin on the CrossFit ideals.” The lighting is bright and welcoming. Childcare is available, as are physical therapy, massage and even acupuncture. And every class is conducted by coaches who assist participants by making on-the-spot modifications so that each workout is tailored to each client. Baker explained that CrossFit isn’t just for elite athletes. It can be adjusted for anyone, from the young and fit to the elderly. CrossFit Sanitas offers roughly 90 classes a week in a fun, social environment because, as Baker says, working out should be both effective and fun.
Voted Colorado Daily’s 2016 “Best CrossFit in Boulder”
Challenge what you ‘think’ you know about your workout with a visit to CrossFit Sanitas. You’ll get expert coaching at every level… Each day’s workout is a little different, so you don’t get in a rut. “CrossFit Sanitas also applies CrossFit methodologies to endurance training, which is very popular among Boulder’s runners and triathletes.” CrossFit Sanitas has something for the whole family, including teens programs designed for high school athletes. “Many kids who don’t have an official ‘sport’ have taken up CrossFit…”
15 Most Badass CrossFit Boxes in the U.S.
Boulder, and CrossFit Sanitas in particular, knows health is more than a tough workout. When you sign up for programming at their stunning and clean (major key) 10,000 sq. ft. box, you get the WOD and some expert-level coaches to lead the way. But after the WOD, that’s when the magic happens. Treat yo’ self to some in-house physical therapy, a massage, yoga, or an arctic dip into their cold plunge pool. And just when you think you’ve been pampered enough, they’ll even arrange a paleo meal for you across the street.
Voted 4th Best CrossFit in the U.S. by Shape.com
“When I told my friends that I had started CrossFit, I realized that CrossFit had a reputation that was intimidating,” says owner Melissa Roza. “I wanted a place where women and men of all ages, shapes, and experience levels would feel welcome.”
CrossFit Sanitas is located in 10,000 square feet of Boulder’s busiest retail center. There’s on-site childcare seven days a week, locker rooms with showers, and multiple specialty classes including Olympic lifting, teen, mobility, strength, and endurance. But what really makes this facility different is that it has a cold plunge pool and massage therapists on staff.
Voted 5th Best CrossFit in the U.S. by Self.com
Triathletes and marathoners train at altitude in beautiful Boulder, and many of them are drawn to this box’s holistic, fend-off-injury approach. Expect complementary offerings like acupuncture, physical therapy and massage.
CrossFit Sanitas Featured by New York Times
“My enthusiasm for CrossFit knows no bounds,” said Eric Roza, 45, Datalogix’s supremely fit and upbeat chief executive. In fact, his enthusiasm led him to open with his wife a 10,000-square-foot gym in downtown Boulder, Colo., called CrossFit Sanitas, where he generally works out at 5:30 a.m…
CrossFit Sanitas is Daily Camera’s Workout of the Week
CrossFit Sanitas uses words you never thought you’d hear from CrossFit: “pampering,” “luxury,” “on-site massage.” The 10,000-square-foot studio offers a front desk, indoor/outdoor lounge area, child care, sports massage, fully stocked men’s and women’s locker rooms and downtown Boulder’s first cold plunge pool.
The Rozas decided to create a different kind of CrossFit because they thought the traditional style was inaccessible and intimidating to some people.
CrossFit Sanitas is Remax of Boulder’s “Featured Friend”
Within minutes of my hour-long group session, I was able to relax into the very challenging – but manageable – workout. My charismatic instructor, Beau, was warm and welcoming. He was also relentless. He stayed super focused on form. It was like working one-on-one with a trainer, but in the midst of others who collectively brought an excellent vibe. The workout incorporated strength and aerobic aspects driven by my limits, which Beau was happy to push.
Additional posts from REMAX of Boulder’s Featured Friend coverage of CrossFit Sanitas
Beyond the WOD
Locavore Delivery sources high-quality, locally produced beef, pork, wild boar and fresh eggs for CrossFit Sanitas members, available for purchase as “Paleo Packs” right in the gym. Fresh-caught Alaskan salmon is also available. All are regularly featured at regular CrossFit Sanitas barbecues, a member favorite.
The Future of Fitness
The Boulder community is home to many serious student athletes in all kinds of sports and play. CrossFit offers those participants an opportunity to gain a competitive edge with classes that advance full-body strength, mobility, lateral stabilization muscles and explosive power.
New CrossFit Gym to Open in Boulder
“CrossFit Sanitas hopes to bring high-intensity exercise to the masses” — Daily Camera
