Is CrossFit Dead in Kitsap County?

Five years ago, you couldn’t swing a dead cat in this county without hitting a CrossFit gym or two.

Okay, perhaps that’s an exaggeration — but that saying is still one of my favorites to describe a situation where there’s a lot of something in a small area. You get the point.

At one point, there were 10 CrossFit affiliates between Port Orchard and Bainbridge Island. Currently, there are just three, and rumor has it that number is about to drop to two: CrossFit NXNW in Port Orchard and Kitsap CrossFit (KCF) in Poulsbo.

What Happened to All the CrossFit Gyms?

While several of the gyms that used to fly the CrossFit banner have since closed their doors, many are still standing — they’ve just rebranded. Some dropped the CrossFit name because they no longer felt the brand represented them. Others simply didn’t want to pay the affiliation fee.

The truth?
If you walk into many of those gyms today, you’ll still see CrossFit being performed in some form or fashion.

The workouts, the whiteboards, the EMOMs and AMRAPs — they’re all still there, just with new signage on the door.

So no, CrossFit is not dead in Kitsap County.
It’s just evolved.

“A rose by any other name still smells as sweet.”

Why Kitsap CrossFit Still Stands Strong

And while I may be a bit biased, the stalwart of the local CrossFit scene has always been Kitsap CrossFit. And it’s still going strong.

KCF has been around for 16 years, making it the longest-standing affiliate in the area. But it’s not just about longevity — it’s about quality. Kitsap CrossFit boasts one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the state, not just the county.

More than half of their coaches have 10+ years of CrossFit coaching under their belts. That level of experience is rare in the fitness world, let alone in one gym.

They offer:

A full class schedule (from early morning to evening)
Specialized programs for teens, kids, and “Legends” (their awesome take on senior fitness)
A 30-minute lunchtime class for those short on time but big on goals

What makes KCF special is the culture — a deep-rooted commitment to coaching, community, and consistency. And that's what makes a gym thrive long after the trend dies down.

So… Is CrossFit Dead in Kitsap County?

Nope.

Sure, the number of official affiliates has dwindled. But the methodology, community, and spirit of CrossFit are still very much alive — and thriving — especially at places like Kitsap CrossFit.

If you’re in or around Poulsbo and looking for a place to train, I can’t recommend them enough.

And If You’re Training Hard — But Hurting?

Training hard is only half the equation — staying healthy and resilient is the other.

Whether you’re dealing with a nagging shoulder, rehabbing a tweaky back, or just want to make sure your training doesn’t get derailed, that’s where I come in.

At Hollingsworth Performance, I help athletes bridge the gap between injury rehab and real-world performance. I’ve worked with CrossFit athletes, lifters, and endurance folks for over a decade — and I know how to keep you moving without making you stop training.

Located in Poulsbo — just down the road from Kitsap CrossFit.

Click here to learn more or book a session

Let’s keep you in the gym — not on the sidelines.