Sweating it out in the southwest? Drop in for a class at Camelback CrossFit — a box headquartered in Scottsdale with dedicated coaches, challenging workouts and a competitive yet friendly atmosphere.

Athletes across Arizona can’t stop raving about it, so Wodify caught up with Owner and Head Coach Matt Rhodes about why he got started with CrossFit and how he uses our gym management software. Get the full exclusive in August’s Box of the Month!

[This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.]

W: When did you get into CrossFit and why?

CC: I first got into CrossFit in 2010 when my friend took me to try a WOD. After doing the baseline workout, I was hooked.

W: How many coaches do you have?

CC: We currently have four coaches.

W: Why did you open Camelback CrossFit?

CC: I love the community aspect CrossFit promotes, which builds accountability and provides support for reaching goals that were thought to be impossible.

W: What do you enjoy about being an owner and a coach?

CC: Being an owner constantly challenges your ability to lead your coaches and community. The challenge is ever-changing, but it’s always a fun experience. Coaching allows me to build relationships with members and help them succeed inside and outside the gym.

W: Can you share a success story about one of your athletes?

CC: One of the proudest moments I’ve experienced as a coach is watching my 53-year-old mother do a full 15-foot rope climb!

W: What makes Camelback CrossFit different that other boxes?

CC: I think one of the biggest things setting us apart is our ability to create an environment that’s structured but also fun. If members feel too regimented, it leaves little room for them to build a relationship with you past burpees, thrusters and pull-ups.

W: Why did you implement Wodify Core?

CC: We originally implemented Wodify Core because it allows our community to track their results and it creates competition within the gym.

W: Were you using gym management software or pen and paper before using Wodify? 

CC: Microsoft Excel —  yikes!

W: How did athletes and coaches in your box receive Wodify Core?

CC: It is very well received — especially the constant addition of features and user-friendliness.

W: How did you drive adoption and encourage users to log their results? 

CC: Once a year, we host an internal gym competition. Results must be logged in Wodify Core that day to count scores toward the competition. We also only update our PR whiteboards through the results logged into the reports.

W:  Did you notice changes in how your athletes performed after seeing their results in Wodify Core?

CC: I would say there has been more of a push to PR because they can look up their previous numbers.

W: How has Wodify Core helped your personal day-to-day?

CC: The point of sale system allows us to carry and track multiple products. It also allow members to purchase items with ease.

W: How has Wodify Core changed your box?

CC: The reports are a huge help for tracking a multitude of things — from attendance to all financial reports.

W: What would you say to people who think technology does not belong in a box?

CC: I think there's a happy medium there. I don’t think boxes should be strictly technology based, but I do think it provides an important level of organization and information that would be a lot tougher to organize on pen and paper.

W: Do you have a favorite feature? If so what?

CC: My favorite feature right now is the PR reports. It is cool to be able to post the week’s PRs and showcase people’s accomplishments.

W: Anything new and exciting going on at Camelback CrossFit you want to share?

CC: We are starting to plan our annual competition that we intend to use Wodify Arena to manage the competition with! We are excited to try it out!

W: Anything else you’d like to add? 

CC: If you aren’t using Wodify Core for your affiliate, I highly recommend you start!

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