Bearwalden CrossFit^® Gym, Fitness & Personal Training

Fantastic experience: Joining Bearwalden has been a great experience and I can’t recommend it highly enough if you’re looking for a place to get fit, have fun and be a part of a genuine community. The community is top notch - everyone is welcoming and happy to see you succeed. There’s a brilliant atmosphere of friendly competition that pushes you to be your best, and is always backed up by incredible support. Whether you’re first or last in a workout, you’ll have a crowd of people cheering you on. The coaches are fantastic. They are all incredibly knowledgeable and well-rounded, which means you develop in all aspects of your fitness no matter who is leading the class, and they all provide feedback in every session. They take time to correct your form and make suggestions when they know you can do more. Their guidance has been helpful in improving my overall performance and mental well-being. I initially joined because I wanted to push myself in other aspects and test my performance, and the results have been amazing. I’m stronger and learning new skills. But most of all, I’m just surrounded by great people all working hard towards our goals together. If you’re looking for a place that can get you the results you want, whilst building connections, this is the place - you won’t regret it!

Fantastic experience: I really enjoy my sessions at Bearwalden. The coaches are very knowledgeable and supportive of our class of older punters trying to keep on top of the ageing process!! Will Sykes

Fantastic experience: After initial enquires Sam was great with communication and offering a free taster session to see if it was for me and then I opted for 1 on 1 sessions with Ed to learn the movements and techniques which really helped and benefitted me in the classes. All of the people are so friendly and it's a very close knit community and would recommend for anyone looking to get into it. The classes are great and really push you to go past your own expectations. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to get into crossfit or general fitness.

Fantastic experience: I joined bearwalden a year and a half ago, I wanted a new challenge that would help me get stronger and I wanted to learn new skills. As a woman of 50 with a legacy running injury and degenerative osteoarthritis, I fully trust the advice and rehab guidance I have been given at Bearwalden to get me back moving safely. The members community at bearwalden are a diverse international bunch, some are elite athletes in CrossFit or other sports discipline’s, most are everyday men and women of all ages abilities and backgrounds Workouts are mostly solo, which helps build personal endurance and strength, but you never feel alone, always a lovely welcoming atmosphere and fun pairs and team sessions are still a small part of the programme if you enjoy those During my time at the gym I have progressed and exceeded many of my personal goals. The coaching is world class, quality technique and safety is at heart of everything. In addition to the programmed classes which are published to members, so members can choose sessions that support their goals or focus on specifics such as CrossFit Gymnastics, Endurance Conditioning, Hyrox, Bodybuilding, Olympic Weightlifting, if you want something more personal, and bespoke to you, the Coaches can work with you, within your schedule budget, to discuss 121 coaching, or a combination of gym sessions and 121 coaching, which is something I am currently benefitting from at the moment preparing for events planned this year. This can be done remotely or a combination of remote and in the gym sessions. This isn’t a cut & paste generic workout plan or MACROS plan that that can be lifted off the internet. It includes personal nutrition and rehabilitation support to manage injuries. If someone asked me what keeps me at Bearwalden, I would say: The schedule and sports science based programming gets results that you will see and feel. Mental and physical health of its members is a priority for the coaches. The coaching is delivered by a team of experts who all have proven experience and are highly respected as experts in their field. They will help to break everything down and teach you how to move properly, keeping it simple, and making it fun The community is friendly welcoming and supportive, the members will inspire you and support you, Membership is competitively priced for periodised CrossFit programming that follows a cycle, hitting all the main disciplines, factoring the importance of balancing intensity and recovery. I’m training less but have gained more. Bearwalden has continued to invest in equipment and refurbishment, to improve the space and environment for members and to be able to continue to deliver the best fitness and strength solutions, the coaches take time to get to know and understand how members are doing, and seeks feedback regularly from its members who feel valued. The last gym you will ever join

Fantastic experience: If you're looking for a community that truly supports your fitness journey, look no further than Bearwalden. I've been training here since it opened in 2016, and I've witnessed firsthand how both the gym and the trainers have evolved into a genuinely exceptional service. I was part of the mad early morning Crossfitters for the first few years, which was always a tight, friendly group who were all new to wall balls and barbells. Don't be intimidated by the Crossfit videos on Youtube...that would be like never going swimming again because you've watched Michael Phelps win a medal! Bearwalden members are diverse folk of all ages, who are just up for developing and pushing themselves. In 2020 I tried 1:1 coaching with Sam to address a knee injury. It took time but thanks to his careful and expert guidance, I’ve gone from not being able to bend my knee to now regularly running 10Ks. As a man in his 50s, with a young family, stressful desk job, and an irregular travel schedule, I've found Sam to be indispensable in keeping me as fit, strong, and flexible as I can be, without rendering me useless for the rest of my commitments. Sam is a master of his profession and is consistently investing in developing his knowledge of physiology, psychology, and nutrition. He has a seemingly infinite arsenal of tools to tackle specific issues, while keeping within his holistic (sleep, stress, recovery, nutrition) approach to health and wellbeing that works over the long term. For those who see their fitness and health as an essential part of their lives, you couldn't make a better investment.

Fantastic experience: I have joined Bearwalden Crossfit over a year ago and I have to say I am quite addicted to the classes now. I have been curious about crossfit ever since I have watched Physical 100- a Korean competition show on Netflix, where various disciplines athletes from variation of experience competed, and in both seasons the winner was a crossfit athlete. I thought, there must be something special about this discipline, and a year later of joining in- I can see so much improvement with my body, stamina, athleticism, strength, discipline and mental health. Nevertheless, we have amazing coaches, and you can also book 1:1 sessions to help you with whatever goal you have in mind. Coach Sam is very experienced, he supported me with my knee rehabilitation after my injury, he initiates various programmes, games and events throughout the year- we have just finished clean and lean challenge with nutrition and physical performance support, i have regained control over my body and life, and lost over 11lbs in just two weeks. We are a community gym, you make friends, people support each other not only with fitness, but with anything- like celebrating your birthday, or asking for a favour. I may not always reside in Saffron Walden, but I would dearly miss my Bearwalden Community when I finally move out. I would recommend anyone to join, there is a workout and a starting point and adjustment for anyone in here.

Fantastic experience: As a former professional rugby player, I’ve dealt with more than my share of injuries over the years. More recently, I’ve been managing chronic back pain and knee pain and gluteal tendinopathy. Coming back from these issues has felt like a mountain to climb at times, but working with Sam has made that process far easier. The online coaching plan he put together, along with regular check-ins, helped shape progressive training plans that were grounded in what I could realistically manage. It wasn’t just a rehab plan or a generic programme, it was designed to rebuild strength, confidence, and capacity without flaring up old issues. Every session had a clear purpose. Movements that used to cause problems were either adapted or replaced, but I still felt like I was training with intent. The structure helped me stay consistent and each phase built logically on the last. The biggest shift was being able to get back into CrossFit classes and day to day tasks without setbacks or pain. That’s not something I expected to happen so smoothly after years of managing pain and limitations. If you’re coming from a high-level sport background or dealing with any kind of injury, Sam understands how to build you back up in a way that’s both smart and practical. I’d recommend his coaching without hesitation.

Fantastic experience: Joining Bearwalden has been one of the best decisions I’ve made this year. I signed up in January, and not only have I gotten fitter and stronger, but I’ve also found an incredibly supportive and motivating community. Every session teaches me something new - whether it’s about form, mindset or pushing through limits. The coaches are fantastic - always encouraging and genuinely invested in your progress, and ready with tools and guidance you need to reach your goals. What sets Bearwalden apart is the atmosphere: it’s positive, uplifting and filled with people who want to see each other succeed. If you’re looking for a gym that offers more than just a workout - one that builds confidence, community, and results - I can’t recommend Bearwalden highly enough!

Fantastic experience: Very friendly and welcoming Individual goal supported and achieved

Fantastic experience: This place has changed me and given me the motivation I needed. Its run by some fantastic people all so friendly

Fantastic experience: Sam and his team of coaches are first class. After just a few weeks I feel much stronger and more flexible. The legends class is for the 55’s and above. We work at strength, balance and flexibility. Everything we need to lead full and healthy lives. We are a friendly group and have fun doing the exercises to fantastic music to which we have all made contributions to the playlist. The exercises are well planned and suitably challenging so as to see results with consistency.

Fantastic experience: Great atmosphere, lovely people & great training. Well worth the effort!

Fantastic experience: Great trainers, great gym with an encouraging and supportive atmosphere. Everyone has made me feel very welcome and spurred me on. I’m really enjoying my training again.

Fantastic experience: I am so pleased I found Bearwalden. I looked at 3 gyms before signing up, but felt so confident in my choice. The atmosphere is very friendly and NOT intimidating to a first time gym goer. They are lovely and they know their stuff. Gill Cambridge

Fantastic experience: Lovely and friendly people and the coaches are helpful. Thank you everyone

Fantastic experience: I’d lost my way in a local generic gym and when my brother suggested BearWalden I was nervous as I’d never done crossfit before. BearWalden have been so supportive and welcomed me with open arms, I can’t thank them enough for giving me back the passion for fitness I’d lost

Fantastic experience: I love attending my PT sessions at Bearwalden & the classes. Coach Sam & Coach Ed are absolutely fantastic & both have helped me so much & have talked me through each stage & have shown me how to lift weights ️ & do the moves in a safe way. My coach Ed has been helping me with my work out & has been building me up each week & his so patient & this has helped me build my confidence & making me feel stronger & better in myself to attend the classes with coach Cian & coach Claire who are both absolutely amazing & have helped me in the CrossFit workouts in the class sessions. Everyone in the classes are also amazing & welcoming. Bearwalden is truly the best GYM I’ve attended & I love attending my work out sessions there. In 6 weeks I’ve seen great results, I feel stronger, have lost body fat, gained muscle mass, improved on my body shape & generally feeling a lot more energised. Sam, Ed & the rest of the coaches make you feel so welcome. If you’re looking to join a Great GYM & SEE RESULTS & ENJOY YOUR WORK OUT SESSIONS… Don’t delay & I would highly recommend you to join the best gym Bearwalden ️️‍♂️️

Fantastic experience: My boyfriend and I did a drop in session at Bearwalden and we were greeted by the friendliest team and sweetest members! They were so flexible with us doing our own programming in their open gym and were really helpful to us while we were there as well. The box is really well equipped as well as being clean and tidy. Highly recommend and I’d definitely be a member if I lived in the area!

Fantastic experience: Great CrossFit gym! They have welcoming members and coaching staff. Good vibes for sure. The classes are ran smoothly and they are very organized. Programming is fun, challenging and well thought out. Wonderful place all around. Stoked to be part of this community!

Fantastic experience: A great place for new people to get fit or for experienced fitness fanatic.

Fantastic experience: Lovely gym, great coaches, programming and people.

Fantastic experience: Inspirational place, Inspirational coaches, Inspirational people around you. At 58 yrs old, the above just keeps me going .

Fantastic experience: Joined 1 year ago from another CrossFit box and have not looked back! Absolutely fantastic gym with extremely knowledgable and supportive coaches to guide you through your journey! The team fully support your CrossFit workouts and are able to adapt the exercises based on experience or if working through an injury. Could not recommend Bearwalden enough!

Fantastic experience: I joined in July 2022 and have thoroughly enjoyed every class since. The coaches are fantastic, the other members are great and I feel stronger, faster and healthier all thanks to Bearwalden.

Fantastic experience: I’ve just joined and have been made to feel so welcome. The classes are friendly & challenging, with coaches always there for tips and tricks to get an exercise right, adjust for injuries or offer the encouragement to get the set done.

Fantastic experience: Great CrossFit gym that is really friendly and welcoming to new members. The coaches are all really helpful and knowledgeable.

Fantastic experience: It took me quite a while to pluck up the courage to visit Bearwalden but from my first time there I was made to feel so welcome and completely at ease. Every coach introduced themselves to me and remembered my name from that moment. The coaches are absolutely top class and there’s isn’t anything they don’t know about fitness. The classes are suitable for everyone from absolute novice to competing athletes so don’t think, like lots of people do, “I can’t do that, I’m not fit enough” everyone is a beginner at one point so just be brave and join, you won’t regret it! My fitness, strength, health and self esteem have skyrocketed since joining. So, contact Coach Sam, join and see how far you can go on your fitness journey.

Fantastic experience: I absolutely love this place! I’ve been with Bearwalden now for over 2 years. They have knowledgeable and experienced coaches, offer PT sessions and hybrid programming which I’ve been doing for a year. They tailor the programming around your needs and what you are looking to achieve. I’ve seen big improvements in both strength, endurance and better mental health. Everyone is friendly and make you feel part of the family.

Fantastic experience: So glad we joined this gym; first me and then my husband and quickly becoming our whole family once teens xfit and gymnastics kick off for our son. Changed our lives for the better. Would never look back. Transformed fitness for life! The most skilled and friendly coaches who are the top of their game and truly care. A supportive and driven community. Feel very lucky to be a member and making great progress.

Fantastic experience: Bearwalden is such a positive and welcoming space to train. The programming is effective and can be adapted to suit you and your fitness goals. The fantastic coaching team have a wealth of expertise & will support you throughout. Turn up, you will acheive amazing things!!

Fantastic experience: I've been a member of this community of Cross fitters for over 6 years, and still finding the daily work outs fun and varied. The coaches know their stuff and the programmes cycle through to hit all aspects of fitness. A truly supportive and friendly culture. It's a really inclusive group, all levels of fitness, everything is scaleable..and i guarantee after a month or so of joining people notice the benefits. Plus it's not all about fitness, the emphasis is also on a good life balance, mind, body, nutrition, sleep, rest.

Fantastic experience: Bearwalden is easily the best! Knowledgeable, experienced and friendly coaches, great programming across crossfit / gymnastics / olympic lifting / hyrox training, and the community is incredible. It can be daunting going somewhere new or learning new skills/disciplines, but BW is the perfect environment for it - any ability is welcome and will be accommodated for, and you'll continously learn and improve.

Fantastic experience: I joined Bearwalden a few months after I completed the cancer treatments, I wanted to gain back the strengths that I los, but what I got was much more…going there has become part of both my physical and psychological healing process. I really cannot recommend Bearwalden enough, extremely qualified and smiley coaches that keeps you motivated!

Fantastic experience: Wow, a superb gym and a great super-friendly community too. Nearby parking, and a wide variety of fitness kit to try! I’ve been to three Sunday morning sessions with my sister and her kids. Supportive and kind experienced staff, excellent facilities and I feel great even after just three sessions… highly recommended! ‍♂️

Fantastic experience: Best gym in the area or even the while country. Great trainers! Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: An excellent gym with lots of super friendly and professional coaches! J

Fantastic experience: Best gym in town and one of the best boxes around. Great team.

Fantastic experience: Excellent tailor made fitness training and mentoring for my 17 year old son. I highly recommend for any young aspiring sports people.

Fantastic experience: Simply put the best gym in the area! Everyone is so friendly and welcoming! Sam and team have extensive knowledge in all aspects of Olympic lifting and gymnastics. If you’re looking to learn some new skills, improve on your existing technique or just have some fun. This is the place to go!

Fantastic experience: This is a great place to train, always a friendly and welcoming environment. the facilities are fantastic and it’s always kept amazingly clean. The coaches offer so much experience and encouragement with brilliant programming. If you’re thinking about joining a CrossFit gym I would definitely recommend Bear Walden every time.

Fantastic experience: First time at bearwalden. My loyalties lie with 10 rounds as a boxing gym, but I tried bearwalden bootcamp and it was a lot of fun. Great community feel, very welcoming, and good coaching. I'll probably pop in from time to time on a pay as you go basis.

Fantastic experience: Amazing crossfit gym offering the highest level of coaching from very experienced staff. Modern equipment, motivational staff, great classes and a good all round fun place to be.

Fantastic experience: I was visiting family for a week, so Bear Walden was my traveling home gym for the week. I was impressed with their facility, and the knowledge and friendliness of their coaches and community. Will definitely be back on my next visit.

Fantastic experience: I cant recommend Sam and Mark highly enough - professional, enthusiastic, friendly, community spirited guys, with expert coaching and superb equipment. 5 stars.

Fantastic experience: Without doubt the best place to go for fitness in the area. Coach Sam along with Mark, Claire, Chris and Jess are knowledgeable and so supportive. The result is one of the most motivating and friendly communities you could ever wish for.

Fantastic experience: Over the years I’ve been a member of quite a few different ‘gyms’ in various places. BW is not just a gym. The coaches are highly knowledgeable and care about you as individuals. You are not just a face who they pay lip service to when you are there. They are there to share their knowledge help you achieve your goals. The sessions are varied and as challenging as you want them to be. This is a community where you come to workout, motivate and support one another. If you want to workout somewhere that cares about you, motivates and challenges you this is the place.

Fantastic experience: Great training facility, with very knowledgeable coaches. During the lockdown they have have been extremely proactive in providing online training sessions through zoom as well as 1-2-1 coaching clinics. A great place to train for the whole family (kids and teen classes available) in a safe and very well equipped environment!

Fantastic experience: Sam is my coach . He’s programmed for me since I was 10 . His programme also allowed me to follow a structure through lockdown and the bear community has made it possible for me to develop . Bearwalden has meant that I have gone on to be selected for British weightlifting talent squad and had huge opportunities. It is a brilliant place with world class coaching . Connor kemp aged 15 British Weightlifter

Fantastic experience: I initially went to Sam to begin my foundation course, however due to a knee injury that I had sustained the week before our session took a slightly different path. This particular knee injury had left me unable to bend or straighten my leg without being in a world of pain and CrossFit classes were out of the question. I had visited a physiotherapist who massaged the area and encouraged me to rest but I was desperate to get back in the box, so I contacted Sam. Sam took me through a variety of exercises to encourage my muscles to work together. It was evident throughout the session that Sam was incredibly knowledgeable about this type of training and conditioning and I felt at ease throughout. I woke up the next day with no pain in my knee and 3 weeks later I am back in the box squatting, jumping and doing all activities with no pain! I am still completely amazed by what Sam has achieved in one session and I would highly recommended him to anyone suffering with an injury.

Fantastic experience: Bearwalden is a very friendly gym with excellent coaches who really know what they are talking about. Newcomers are made to feel welcome by members and it's great that all abilities workout alongside each other with lots of encouragement to reach your individual goals, whatever they are. During lockdown the coaches have made huge efforts to keep us all going with zoom workouts 3x a day, 1-to-1 zoom sessions, loan of kit, accountability sheets, advice about other aspects of lifestyle such as nutrition, hydration and sleep. If somebody hasn't engaged for a while, the coaches will make contact to see how you are - they genuinely care for their members.

Fantastic experience: This place has changed my life! I have never been into the gym... but this is unlike any other I have ever experienced. I picked up a long term injury from running and was really missing the buzz that it gave me. A few friends had joined Bearwalden so I thought I’d give it a go. I haven’t looked back! The coaches are welcoming, knowledgeable and have our best interests at heart. The workouts are hugely varied and I have even picked up new skills like jumping up onto a box and rope climbing. It gives me the adrenaline boost I need from a workout and my body is stronger than it has ever been. I cannot recommend it highly enough!!

Fantastic experience: These guys have genuinely changed my life. They’ve helped me become a much fitter and better athlete, shown me a career path I want to go down and have shown me what I want to do with my life. From day 1 they have been helpful, welcoming, friendly, intelligent and some of the best people I have ever met. Coach Sam is now my remote coach, he sends me my programming every week and it is some of the best in the business. It is extremely smart, uses science and reasoning behind everything. It’s not one of those programs that just throws random stuff together to make you sweaty. It’s smart and there’s reason behind everything he programs. If anyone ever thinks of coming do. You won’t regret it.

Fantastic experience: Amazing Crossfit gym! Friendly and approachable trainers, who are very knowledgeable. A fantastic community - go and give it a go!

Fantastic experience: Used the in-house physio this morning after my doctors surgery refused to see patients due to COVID-19. So glad I went. Luke is amazing, really knows his stuff and is professionally studying further techniques. A very well spent 30 minutes. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Now that I have been going to the gym for several weeks, I can see that the staff are all aiming to get the best results out of every individual. Routines are tailored to suit you. You are frequently advised to only work to your own personal level, but also try a little bit more each week. Helpful, friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: 100%the best gym I have even been to! I have always been an anxious person when it's come to the gym. I have always told myself "I'm not good enough at it to go". Even moving to an area where I dont know anyone didnt help me! Over the past few years my health both mental and physical have suffer from this attitude. So I just buried my head in the sand. After a long process of medical diagnosis and surgery I broke down. I was lucky to have an amazingly supportive and patient friend by my side. she knew how to help and encourage me. So she helped me through the bearwalden door. This helping hand changed my life! The family of BearWalden welcomed me in, the coaches and members helped to extinguished all my anxieties and continuously support me every step of my journey. After only 4 months I am alreay in a great place. My health and strength is improving day by day and it's all down to this fantastic community. "Surround yourself with people who are going to Motivate and Inspire you". This is exactly what I have done with Bearwalden and I will never look back.

Fantastic experience: This place is not just about fitness and strength but also about resilience and positive attitude to hard graft. Thanks coaches x

Fantastic experience: Outstanding gym! Exceptional personal service taylored to your specific needs and abilities! Fun, friendly and full of energy. Sam and his team will look after you!

Fantastic experience: 'Fortune favours the brave' The hardest part about doing Crossfit is going for the first time, regardless of age, gender, training goals or fitness level, everyone feels apprehensive about doing something new BUT you will be OK and more than that, you will love it. Crossfit isn't about lifting the heaviest weight or being the fittest, thinest, fastest person in the box, its about doing YOUR best and reaching your own potential. The coaches at Bearwalden will all support, encourage and inspire you to reach any goal you choose to set and then help you smash it. If you want to lose weight, join a gym. If you want to become the fittest and healthiest you can be then come here. Now go and be brave :)

Fantastic experience: Bearwalden crossfit is an amazing community of people where there is something for everyone and every ability, no matter where your journey is or where your goals are. The coaches are very professional, knowledgeable, ambitious and technically supportive of everyone’s safe movement, programming and progression. Classes range from Metcon, Crossfit to Endurance; they are all hardwork but spurred on by a welcoming and encouraging community like no other! Over the last year I have loved improving my physical well being and cardiovascular fitness in such a challenging but encouraging environment and making it part of a lifestyle!

Fantastic experience: Great gym! The best are the coaches and the people around which are always very friendly and helpful. The coaches are really professional and they will do whatever it takes to help you achieve your goals Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: A brilliant club. A mudt join if you are looking to get fit

Fantastic experience: Great family community

Fantastic experience: As a result of my job, I've been to a large number of different countries around Europe, and have engaged quite heavily in 'Crossfit Tourism.' However every time I am on leave, I come back to Bear Walden Crossfit, because it's simply one of the friendliest, best equipped and cleanest gyms I've trained at. It is staffed by seriously competent coaches who genuinely know what they are talking about and I've honestly crossed more things off my 'need-to-learn' checklist in this Box than any other. Bar muscle-ups? Tick. Headstand pushups? Tick. Pistol squats? Tick. Double unders? Tick. The quality of the workout you'll get here is second to none and you always leave Bear Walden heathier and happier than when you when in. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Great place to work out and always welcoming..

Fantastic experience: Great and friendly for adults and kids as well

Fantastic experience: Incredibly welcoming feel even for the most out of shape folk. Real results. Astounding coaches.

Fantastic experience: Great cross fit community if you visit it will change your life!

Fantastic experience: Great gym, amazing coach, least intimidating place I've been to. Results driven & an unrivalled level of support from Sam & your fellow members. It really is a one-of-a-kind place.

Fantastic experience: Great training, great crew, great fun. Have been made to feel one of the gang from day one and am always encouraged to achieve and improve my own personal best with the correct technique.

Fantastic experience: If you are looking for motivation, this is the place to go! Two months ago I was looking for something different to the norm of going to the gym and pressing the auto pilot button and going through the motions of 4 sets of 10, split muscle groups, 5x5 etc etc. I just didn't have the motivation to go through that again like I did in my 20s, I wanted something challenging, something to bring the competitive edge out of me again and I've found it at BearWalden Crossfit. I know it's been only two months, but I've seen changes in my alround fitness, strength, flexibility and body shape. I still feel very new to it, especially the Olympic lifts but Sam and the coaches are great and are guiding me to improve my technique every session. One warning: it's very addictive!!