In Valley Village, strength isn’t just about muscles—it’s about mindset, movement, and community. That’s exactly why ACF CrossFit has become a hub for locals who want more than just a workout. At ACF, fitness is the starting line for transformation, and the results extend far beyond the gym walls.
A Community That Feels Like Family
Step into ACF CrossFit, and you’ll notice something right away—it’s not just a gym, it’s a gathering place. Coaches know your name, members cheer for each other’s last reps, and the energy feels contagious. Valley Village residents love that ACF is as much about connection as it is about conditioning.
Workouts for Everyone
ACF CrossFit has built its reputation on inclusivity. Whether you’re a first-timer nervous about your first squat or an experienced athlete chasing a new PR, the programming is scalable to your level. Every movement can be adjusted, making CrossFit at ACF truly accessible to anyone ready to start their journey.
Real Results, Real Life
The magic of ACF is how the training shows up outside the box. Members don’t just talk about stronger lifts—they talk about carrying kids without back pain, climbing stairs with ease, and having the stamina to take on busy Valley Village days. ACF delivers fitness that fits into everyday life.
Coaches Who Care
What sets ACF apart is its coaching team. Each class is guided by passionate coaches who prioritize form, safety, and steady progress. They meet members where they are, push when it’s needed, and celebrate every milestone—big or small.
The Spirit of Valley Village
ACF CrossFit has woven itself into the fabric of Valley Village life. Post-WOD meetups spill into nearby cafés, weekend events bring the community together, and the box’s positive energy ripples outward. It’s fitness with roots, grounded in the local spirit.
Strong Starts Here
For Valley Village, ACF CrossFit is more than a gym—it’s a movement. It’s where friendships are forged, goals are crushed, and confidence grows rep by rep. That’s why locals say with pride: Strong starts here, at ACF CrossFit.
The CrossFit Nutrition Philosophy
CrossFit’s general nutritional advice is often summarized as:
- “Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat.”
This advice promotes a whole-foods-based approach, emphasizing nutrient-dense foods while limiting processed foods, refined sugars, and grains. Two specific nutritional models are often associated with CrossFit:
- The Zone Diet: This is the most commonly recommended diet on the official CrossFit website. The Zone Diet focuses on balancing macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) at each meal in a 40:30:30 ratio. It simplifies nutrition by using “blocks” to measure food portions, making it easy to create balanced meals.
- The Paleo Diet: Many CrossFit athletes follow a Paleo diet, which emphasizes foods that would have been available to our Paleolithic ancestors. This includes lean meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, while excluding dairy, legumes, and grains. The Paleo approach aligns with the CrossFit principle of eating whole, unprocessed foods.
Key Nutritional Principles for “Fueling the WOD”
Regardless of the specific diet plan, the goal is to optimize performance and recovery. This involves:
- Protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth. Lean sources like chicken, fish, and eggs are prioritized.
- Carbohydrates: Provide the primary fuel for intense workouts. Athletes are encouraged to eat complex, low-glycemic index carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and non-starchy vegetables to provide a sustained energy source.
- Healthy Fats: Important for hormonal regulation and a concentrated energy source. Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are common choices.
- Hydration: Proper hydration is crucial for performance and recovery, especially given the high-intensity nature of CrossFit workouts which lead to significant sweat loss.
Pre- and Post-Workout Nutrition
Timing of meals is also considered a key factor:
- Pre-WOD: A balanced meal with carbohydrates and protein, eaten 2-3 hours before a workout, can provide a fuel reservoir. A smaller snack closer to the workout (e.g., a banana or Greek yogurt) can provide a quick energy boost.
- Post-WOD: Within 30-60 minutes after a workout, a meal or snack with a mix of carbohydrates and protein is recommended to kick-start muscle glycogen replenishment and repair. A protein shake is a convenient option for this purpose.
Supplements
While a whole-foods diet is the foundation, some athletes use supplements to complement their nutrition. Common supplements in the CrossFit community include:
- Protein Powder: A convenient way to meet daily protein needs and aid in post-workout recovery.
- Creatine: One of the most-researched and effective supplements for increasing strength, power, and muscle mass, which are all crucial for CrossFit.
- Fish Oil: Contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support joint health.
- Electrolytes: Help to replenish minerals lost through sweat, preventing cramping and aiding in hydration.
In essence, “Fuel the WOD” is a reminder that CrossFit is a holistic approach to fitness where exercise and nutrition are inseparable. By focusing on high-quality, whole foods and proper timing, athletes can optimize their bodies to perform at a high level and achieve their fitness goals.