Archer CrossFit

If you have fitness goals and want to reach them safely with educated staff and a supportive team, this is the place to go. Coach John Spezzano is one of the most talented and well rounded martial artists this side of the Mississippi! With a background in martial arts, he knows how the body moves and what is needed to make you more explosive, recover from injury or just become more fit.
I went in there with severe shoulder problems. Chiropractors, PT and Dr’s could do nothing to really make the pain go away. I started on the Kettlebell program and could barely lift a 10kg above my head on my right hand, while my left was comfortable with a 12kg. Slowly but surely my right shoulder caught up to my left and I can easily lift 24kg over my head.
RESULTS! You will get PROPER instruction and attention when you come here. If you are doing something wrong, you will be corrected immediately.
So just go already!
One other thing to note is that there is no «bro» or «meathead» culture here. Also, there’s no whining either :)

I have been going to Archer for a couple of months now and I love it! Everyone there is very nice and professional. They made me feel at home right away. The work outs are tapered to your capability and still challenging enough to improve in a very short time. I recommend to take some tryout classes to start.

Let me preface my review by saying that I have been working out at local 24 hour fitness gyms for the past 6 years or so. With that said, it was beginning to get very difficult to muster enough motivation and dedication to keep pushing myself at the gym. I followed the same routines for years and I was simply working out to maintain my physique. Everything became repetitive and mundane, and I needed a change. That is when I Unilocaled Archer CrossFit and I am so glad I did!
From the first day I decided to try Archer CrossFit out, I was sold. From the great student to instructor ratios to the emphasis on working out with proper form (and helping to reverse years of working out incorrectly), every session felt like a personal training session. I loved the attention and feedback I received from the coaches (John, Bella, Max) and I felt amazing after each and every workout.
Also, another plus is that the students at the gym are amazing, too! They were always so supportive and encouraging, and it enabled me to push myself to the limit everyday.
This gym was a great experience and if it was not for my job relocation, I would still be here working out and getting in the best shape of my life. Goodbye Archer CrossFit, you were amazing!

This place is great! I got in great shape through the Crossfit classes and also doing kettle bells. The whole crew is super helpful and knows everything about fitness. They’re also really great about motivating people who need it.

I’ve always had a pretty average body and didn’t think I would be capable of having a transformation worthy of talking about, but the workouts and support offered at Archer Crossfit have resulted in some serious gains. First off, the trainers understand that individuals come in at different levels of fitness, and I was given the space to go slow until I could keep up (and yes, you eventually will be able to keep up with the intense workouts!). They are also very willing to listen to specific needs you may have and offer tips for how to alter your lifestyle outside of the gym to make gains even faster. I have also really benefitted from the nutritional education that the staff provides. All around, I feel so inspired by the trainers and my fellow cross fitters and highly recommend this gym!

For the longest time I was, what I thought it would mean to be, a martial arts purist. I had only gone through a short stage of weight lifting during my time in between academies, but as with most attempts a building a comprehensive program for myself, it was too difficult to do so with the plethora of information out there.
Whether you are looking to do Crossfit, traditional power lifting, or Russian Kettlebells, this is the place to be. Hands down. There are enough classes to get your work in early in the morning to the end of your day at night. I have been training at this academy for nearly 3 years now. Before I started adding in strength training, my left side was visibly smaller then my right, due the the nature of the beast (being a bartender as well as right side biased for over 30 years). The kettlebells did wonders to balance me out, and my overall injuries have dropped to almost nil. It also helped out my martial arts immensely as it expanded on power by way of the hips, which are key in pretty much any martial art you come across. You learn how to work smart AND hard. John is great at touching base with you if you miss out so you stay motivated. The class structure is consistent and the programs he has you cycle through are more then effective. John and his competent staff of coaches will push you without breaking you. Otherwise you can’t do it anymore and what good would that be?!
Typically in a class you will do a warm-​up, technical review and/​or intro, and then the WOD (work of the day). No matter your current injury, John is a master at making sure you don’t exacerbate the problem, and can actually help you reverse it! Scar tissues, bunk ankles/​knees, asthma, whatever! I’m not saying he will cure you, but you WILL get stronger without a choice as long as you stick with it. We have some amazing ladies in there around the same age as my mother that always show up, and never quit. There are no excuses to not help yourself become a better version of you! Everybody finds their niche. The taller guys have more leverage, but the body weight is much harder for them. The smaller guys can crush body weight work, but can’t lift as much or row/​bike as hard. There’s a lot of variables, and it’s a great journey to see where you fall in and what your bag is.
No matter which path you choose, you will find the staff very accommodating, and you will see gains quickly as long as you stay consistent. I constantly feel as if I’m growing in both practical strength and balance. My wife doesn’t complain about the results either ;)

i’m not new to weight lifting but it was my first time working out with kettle bells and was surprised what a good work out it was. i don’t think i went over 30 lbs and have to admit i was a bit sore the next day (or two). i was even more impressed with the expertise of the instructor as well as the individual attention. John was very attentive to my individual needs regarding my injury rehab as well as the fact that i was noob. he pushed me for sure but was cautious and made sure i didn’t hurt myself. John’s instructions go beyond increasing strength and fitness; he stresses methods to prevent and rehab injuries, which is one of the reasons i sought him out in the first place. highly recommended for athletes (or those aspiring to be) of all levels.

I was out of shape, and looking for direction and motivation. Then my friend brought me to Archer CrossFit. John, owner and instructor, immediately made me feel welcome and part of the family. If you start off out of shape like I did, John and his team of instructors will help you master form and technique, and push yourself, while tailoring things to your level of strength and fitness– so that you won’t get injured or feel left in the dust. Class sizes are nice and small, so each person receives individual coaching. There is also an atmosphere of fun, mutual encouragement and respect.

The very best! Impeccable and meticulous instruction creates an extremely safe and positive training experience. Can’t say enough great things about Archer CrossFit! Love training here and won’t train anywhere else!

Two reviews; one short and one long.
— Short Review —
Form and technique are emphasized over reps. Low student to instructor ratio. The instructors know what they’re doing. Good price. Trial session is good too. Feels personalized after John Spezzano and coaches Max and Bella spend a few sessions with you. They work with your limitations (regardless of how extreme) and help to maximize your capabilities. You’ll see results. Just sign up already.
— Long Review —
I’m really not a fitness person. I’ve always been physically capable, I’ve always been able to eat as I like and sleep as little as I need to. I’m also pretty weak and have never lifted anything other than a box to put in my closet. But I don’t want to take these things for granted, and I wanted to explore physical intelligence as well (there’s such a thing).
I would’ve never guessed that I’d try CrossFit, let alone sign up for it. If you research CrossFit (henceforth abbreviated CF), you’ll find videos and testimonials of people injuring themselves, using improper form to get reps, and gyms/​academies where dangerous things are allowed (like lifting with a baby strapped on; look it up).
Not with John Spezzano and his coaches, Max and Bella. I was skeptical but I saw form being constantly corrected. Class size is limited so that supervision can be easily and readily maintained. There’s no real «pressure» to do anything that you can’t actually do, and I was shocked to see the range of physical capabilities being handled at once. You’ll be in a class with someone who can barely do a burpee and also with a person who can knock out fifteen pullups, and everyone gets the attention and experience they need. All of the students follow John and his coaches’ attitude: respect for yourself and others, and a relatively lighthearted atmosphere. It doesn’t feel like a CF class. After a few sessions, it feels like a personal trainer with a club-​like atmosphere of camaraderie. No meatheads here, but there are some really humble, physically capable students who are patient with those of us less physically capable.
One thing that blew my mind is John’s personal viewpoint on the exercises. He doesn’t want any student to completely concern themselves with their times or reps; he emphasizes the health benefits of the movements that occur in the class. This is true health; not appearance. In fact John won’t really address concerns about building up aesthetic muscular areas of the body, but he’ll point out that these are compound movements which will build physique as a consequence of building physical health and capability.
As for the physical intelligence you gain, it’s phenomenal. The range of exercises ensure that there really is something for everyone. As I stated earlier, I’ve never lifted a bar in my life. I now know what a «bear complex» is, as well as the proper form of each of it’s component movements. I know how to properly swing a kettlebell (and further kettlebell exercises will be taught to me in due time). I found out that I have some advanced jump-​roping skills. All in all, there’s a part of my brain that’s activated now that hasn’t been all my life, and it’s happening in a fun, safe and reasonably challenging environment.
Truth be told, I didn’t do hard research into finding a CF gym in Los Angeles, as I’m sure there are many in the city. But John has 30 years of martial arts, traveling the world giving seminars, and spent a lot of time studying under Dan Inosanto (look up Bruce Lee and Mr. Inosanto’s name will always be present). He knows what these exercises are FOR, and how they affect your life, your health and your performance. This isn’t someone who just does CF. This is someone who lives a life where his CF training directly applies to the other activities of his life. Meet John once; it’ll be more clear than these words.
You’re not really a client here. Or just a student. There’s a genuine care that each student receives which is worth the price of admission alone. If you’ve been searching, stop. This is the place where you’ll be the most satisfied.

When I first arrived in Los Angeles I signed up for the typical personal trainer at a globo-​type gym. I eventually quit after becoming demoralized and bored with the cookie cutter routine those types of gyms offer you.
Archer CrossFit lead by John Spezzano is NOT that. From my first Kettlebell class to currently training in CrossFit, I have never been more excited to get my butt into the gym. John and his staff tailor the workouts to you and give you that extra push that you need to rise up to the next level. Working out at Archer CrossFit is a great experience to grow and learn about proper fitness techniques as well as a great environment to reach all of your personal fitness goals. I highly recommend training there!

A change in both geography and scheduling found me in the position of having to find another physical fitness trainer/​program. I was fortunate to find Archer Crossfit on Wilshire Blvd. Here was a program conveniently located with various training options and a staff of knowledgeable fitness experts. I have been training there with John Spezzano for over a year and have been gaining steadily in strength and fitness ever since. John has been a fitness professional and martial artist for over 30 years and it shows in both his physique and his professionalism. This is a trainer who has seen it all and is able to adapt any program to fit any individual limitation or requirement. This is not to discount the rigor of the program.
Oh no! It is challenging but never defeating. I think that is the marvelous thing about it — it is not about crushing the client into a sweaty mass on the mat, it is more about reaching new levels of fitness in a supportive, team like atmosphere. And that is the magic of the place. I have always been a loner and to be welcomed into this community of like-​minded individuals, at a variety of fitness levels, to be cheered on and encouraged by staff and client alike, is an experience one should not miss. This is the element that will keep the reluctant fitness client coming back in those times when it is so easy to quit. You will want to come back to be a part of the team again, to see your colleagues reaching their fitness goals and to continue reaching your own.
I recommend this gym without reservation. I believe they offer a free class so there is really no reason not to try it out. See for yourself if this is the place for you — it was for me.

We’ve been going now for a couple of months and couldn’t be happier. Hadn’t worked out regularly in a while, so the patience and care that Coach Max has shown in making sure we are being safe and doing things right is really appreciated. Just a really good group of people — both coaches and participants!

I have been working out at Archer Crossfit and its previous incarnations for just over five years. With a desk job and poor diet, I was considerably out of shape. This changed as I was coached by John Spezzano on proper form and saw constant, measurable results as long as I kept giving the effort.
You, too, will be pushed without being ‘thrown to the WOD’. Kru John and Coach Bella and Coach Max want the best for you, and work with you to get the best out of you.
I give a five-​star rating — because Unilocal does not allow six.

This is the place where I come in and do a workout that a moment before I was sure I could not do. That’s about every workout of the day (WOD) I’ve done here. Without the expert guidance, years of training and experience, and down-​to-​earth atmosphere that the coaches bring, I wouldn’t have been motivated to keep coming. Each workout has been the win that keeps me coming back for more.
In the world of crossfit, I’m a beginner. Archer makes crossfit training simple, extremely challenging, and fun. The clientele that work out at this gym come in all levels, shapes, sizes, ages, and the classes are co-​ed. Everyone is focused on: beating one’s best; proper technique; finishing strong; and supporting others who are doing their WOD. I would never have accomplished the level of fitness I’m at now after about six months of training. And being over 50, feeling strong feels really good!

I have had the privilege of training here for the past 2 years. My over all health mentally and physically has transformed in to a greater human being overall. I have been going through a recovery period for the last couple of years and Archer has been a significant part of my recovery! Mind, body and spirit. the workouts are challenging but that’s how I like it! I am stronger, I have trimmed down in weight, the workouts are NEVER boring and there is so much knowledge coming from our ‘state of the art” instructors! Great and professional attitudes are so refreshing! I recommend this training center to anyone who wants to get in excellent shape!

Awesome training here. I love this place. .i always get mad missing few sessions. But is okkk I won’t this time. .this is place to be… im coming and I will not missed cross fit. .no one stopping me. I already miss this session

It’s been an amazing experience training at Archer. I first joined their crossfit program to add to my thai boxing and jiu jitsu training (5 Star Martial Arts). It was a whole new level of fitness. Not only did I see measurable results in cardio and strength, but also in my attitude towards the world around me and myself. The coaches push you beyond (with your safety 100% in mind) what you ever thought was possible, and the team spirit of those around pushing and encouraging each other really made the biggest difference in progress. In the short time I’ve trained here (about 6 months), I have seen better and faster results than when I used to lift weights at a 24HR. I’ve done martial arts and «regular» gym weight training, but Archer really narrows in on what your goals are and gets you to meet those milestones faster and safer.
The program starts you out at low weights to get an understanding of your mobility and strength. The coaches never give you more weight than you can handle, but they make sure you are challenging yourself with every rep. More often than not, workouts will consist of mostly body weight movements. don’t be fooled. Those are just as hard, if not harder, than weight movements. The class is usually separated into 3 sections. Warm up, technique of the day, and workout of the day. This system really helped me maintain steady active levels throughout the session, while allowing me enough energy to take in the details of every technique and finally for the big push and haul of the WOD.
All in all, if you’re looking to get results in a safe, friendly, supportive environment that’s VERY measurable, look no further. Kru John has decades of experience in body work (multiple martial arts, kettlebells, crossfit, gym jones, and MORE) and his coaches are all very active in the health/​fitness and/​or martial arts communities. Couldn’t be happier putting in my reps with my Archer family.

I have been training at Archer for over 6 months and only have good things to say. The staff is extremely knowledgable in weight training, kettle bells, crossfit, yoga, and many other areas. The facilities are kept clean and organized. The other gym members are all friendly and inviting, this is not a «muscle head» type of gym, the instructors will work with you and push you no matter what level you are at. The location is convenient and parking always available. The head instructor John S. is a walking encyclopedia of all things exercise and diet related. I highly recommend this place.

They deserve 5 stars! Amazing gym, awesome trainers who know what they’re doing! Tried my first free class and had to sign up right away. What I really liked about the training is that anybody can do it. And you’re constantly being pushed and motivated to do your best. They even keep your personal time so the next class you take, you can challenge yourself to do better. The facility is great, lots of equipment and weights. Hands down — the best. I can’t wait to get ripped up!