★ 5

CFD is the best gym that I ever belong to. The workouts are challenging but doable. The coaches are by far the best in the world. They teach not dictate. And they care about your goals and progress. And the community is just amazing there.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been a member for over a year. The trainers are professional, knowledgeable, and real. I personally have noticed positive changes in my physique. The trainers take the to time to learn the best movements for each client and they learn each clients goals personally and adapt the workouts individually. I have had multiple injuries (not from working out) and my trainer was able to adapt all my movements to not exasperate my injuries.

Source: Google

★ 1

Contacted them a couple of months ago for pricing info, turned out to be outside of my budget, I thanked them for their time. Since then I’ve been contacted a dozen or so times by email and multiple different phone numbers. No matter what I do, they continue to contact me and respond by being rude when asked to stop.

Source: Google

★ 5

I really enjoy being a member of courage fitness. All of the coaches are fantastic, and each bring their own flavor and personality to the work out. I like that I can join fixed classes, but the gym is open otherwise. It's a great environment and atmosphere, and the staff and members are super welcoming to anyone.

Source: Google

★ 5

I couldn’t ask for a better experience at Courage Fitness. The atmosphere makes you actually want to show up to work out. Dave C. is an exceptional trainer who Is very knowledgeable and genuinely cares about maintaining enhancing your physical fitness.
Everyone at the gym has a great energy.

Source: Google

★ 5

I genuinely look forward to going to classes at courage due to the fun, engaging workouts, lovely comraderie and knowledgeable, engaging coaches. It’s quite a special space that supports inclusivity and involvement with our Durham community.

Source: Google

★ 5

Courage fitness has a wonderful family atmosphere with amazing coaches, fantastic accountability, and no cookie-cutter training. Their focus is truly on providing the best plans, goals, and encouragement for each individual member. Your needs will not be overlooked at courage fitness.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love CFD. I’ve worked out there for over 13 years and this is a gym that’s grown with me and my life. I have the support and flexibility to lift on my own, and in different phases of my life I’ve taken different classes, coached, etc. At this point CFD is just a facet of my life as I pursue aging with muscle. The community is friendly and supportive of all people!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best quality fitness programming I’ve ever experienced. Physical Freedom is the goal, because it enables the kind of life I want to live. The culture is fun, healthy, respectful, and encouraging. The coaching is excellent. I’ve been training here for over ten years.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great location, trainers, and equipment.

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★ 5

Great coaches, personalized instruction. Highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 3

This review is a tough one to write because I’ve been a loyal member of Courage Gym for 1.5 years and truly loved working with the personal training staff — especially Nick and Amer. Both are phenomenal coaches. Nick, you are truly amazing at what you do. I was able to drop 45 pounds and gain a ton of muscle, and I couldn’t have done it without your guidance and expertise. You have a rare talent, and I hope you never stop doing what you do best.

Now, while my experience with the trainers was exceptional, this review is directed toward the management and ownership of Courage Gym.

When I first looked into the gym, I used the chatbot on the website. It actually impressed me at first — the responses were professional and informative. But after that, it took weeks to get a class or consultation scheduled. That delay nearly pushed me away, and in the end, I just walked in out of frustration. To the owners: this is a major red flag. You’re potentially losing serious clients due to this breakdown in communication.

Once I finally got in, things went smoother. Erica helped pair me with a trainer who specialized in bodybuilding, and that kicked off what would be a very productive 1.5 years.

That said, there were some ongoing facility issues. The cable machine was broken for five months, which is way too long for a key piece of equipment to be out of commission. Additionally, there were multiple times when all the prime workout areas were filled with PT sessions, forcing us to train in awkward, cramped spots. Not a dealbreaker — but definitely not ideal.

My biggest issue, and ultimately the reason I left, was that despite paying $900/month for personal training, I was not given full, independent access to the gym outside of training sessions to practice between sessions. After 1.5 years of loyalty, that restriction felt unreasonable. I would have happily stayed longer if that small request had been granted.

In conclusion:
The personal training staff deserves 5 stars — they are the glue holding this place together.
The gym as a whole gets 3 stars — due to management issues, broken equipment, and poor communication.

If those issues get addressed, this gym has the potential to be truly great. Until then, the amazing trainers are the best part of Courage Gym — and Nick, I’ll always be grateful for your support and expertise.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great vibe. Well structured class and stimulus. Coaching was on point! Will return next time I am in town.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been going to CFD for ~6 years now and have loved it! The coaches are friendly, attentive, and effective in their methods, and for me the workout program works to help keep me in shape. I’d definitely recommend this gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

While I love a good multifunctional open space to workout in, what I value most about Courage Fitness in Durham, NC is the energy of the people who show up everyday to run it, facilitate empowering workouts, and express genuine kindness beyond cultural barriers. It’s why I keep coming back…✨😘

Source: Google

★ 5

I signed up for a personal training package with Amer because I wanted to start integrating more strength training into my exercise routine but didn't know where to start. Amer was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly - I loved that he explained the why behind the exercises we did, rather than just the what. At the end of our sessions, I left feeling so much less intimidated by strength training, more confident in my ability to build upper body strength, and ready to continue work on my own! Highly recommend working with Amer - and all of the staff at Courage was really helpful and welcoming, too.

Source: Google

★ 5

Stunning gardens with ample variety of plants. Koi pond is especially enjoyable.

Source: Google

★ 5

My husband and I were in town for a wedding and came a few days early to explore Durham. While I went to college here the city has changed so much! We dropped in for the Pride workout at Courage and the community was on full display. Everyone was more than friendly and accommodating and the workout was killer! But in the best way possible. Coaches were very instructional and made it easy for those that needed to scale. We will be back on our next visit!

Source: Google

★ 5

My husband Howard is having a fantastic experience working with Nik on improving muscle strength, balance, and mobility which have been compromised over time due to neuropathy and spinal fusions. Nik listens, adjusts as needed, and challenges in careful measure. We see the same commitment to individualized coaching in the entire staff and are impressed.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Wonderful staff, dynamic classes, great community! I love this gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

Bigger picture: Courage Fitness is a community gym. You see business owners and teachers and parents from school here. You see people of all ages, ability, gender. The gym and coaches have an overwhelming attitude of WELCOME.

Personal picture: Coach Nic Ilijic changed my life. Before coming to Courage Fitness, I had hip and back pain every morning and after even gentle exercise, and just HURT. I was so discouraged, especially after a running injury earlier this year. Coach Nic and I met for a Discovery Call appointment and mobility evaluation. My spouse had worked with Nic previously, and that helped me with this initial appointment, which really did require some trust. As a primary caretaker and someone with CPTSD, it means a LOT to receive care and attention—especially physical training— that doesn’t raise fear or anxiety.

Coach Nic and I established goals at the beginning of our session, and I am still laughing about him reading back to me that my primary goal was “…not to feel effing old in the morning.” I also can’t even say how amazing it felt to have Coach Nic look me in the eyes and say: “We are going to fix your hips!” This felt life changing in a way doctor appointments and PT have not for me, which have tended to target a specific problem without considering my whole body and mobility.

Coach Nic is patient, kind, responsive, attentive, and upbeat. He noticed how I was holding my hips at one point, and showed me a stretch specifically for that tension. He has a great sense of humor. I felt comfortable telling him when my knee hurt during an exercise, and he adjusted cushions when I worried about backward lunges and my knee placement, etc. He was gentle when I was afraid of lowering my body during movements—for an anxious person, this is everything! After 11/12 sessions completed with Coach Nic, I am physically moving through my life with greater ease and strength. I’ve noticed my anxiety has decreased, and I feel—oh wow, proud of myself?! Again: that’s a big deal for someone with my history!

Early in our sessions, I learned I was quad dominant when walking and running, and really couldn’t squat well anymore. Ten years of working out at home and on my own had really led to some poor form and weaknesses. I felt such a huge boost of confidence and optimism when Coach Nic and I started working together, and that feeling has just continued to grow as the weeks have progressed. I feel energized and really better than I have in years after working with Coach Nic. I can’t recommend him and Courage Fitness team highly enough. Thank you, Nic and Courage Fitness.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent personal training and energizing group classes. The coaches go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals. Highly recommended!

Source: Google

★ 5

Courage is one of the most inclusive, friendly, and attentive gyms I’ve ever been to. Coaches pay attention to form and correct you during workouts; you’re never encouraged to work until you puke. I was about to move, and they worked with me to find a plan that would work for my short time horizon. The other gym-goers are friendly and fun to talk to as well. I’ve loved Courage and am sad to leave!

Source: Google

★ 1

Scheduled a consult, received multiple confirmation texts and emails, and was texted ten minutes before my appointment to assure me that we’d be speaking soon.
My appointment time came and went. No calls, no texts, no answers.

Source: Google

★ 5

Absolutely content with their program, and their attentive agents.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 3

After a couple years as a member, I was largely disappointed with what the gym offered. They cancelled the power lifting program that was coached, and lost that space in the covid shuffle. I don't know at the time of this review if they restarted it, but I moved and have been pretty happy with a different location.

They have billed me incorrectly four times throughout covid and after. I supported the gym even though most of the equipment was not available because of the pandemic. Throughout this they have consistently over-charged, double billed, or otherwise incorrectly charged me. This amounts to almost $1,000 in cancelled and refunded charges. They were always apologetic and quickly refunded the charges, but still. Folks paying $1600-1800 a year for access to a gym, getting billed the monthly charge on top of that is problematic.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

I like everything about CFD , specially the environment, very knowledgeable and professional coaches, the installation, the availability and all the features such as application to keep track of workouts and the scheduling flexibility is awesome!

CFD has change the way I feel about workouts and workingout overall!
I love it. ❤

Source: Google

★ 5

All are welcome at CFD. Everyone supports each other in their fitness journey. The coaches really take the time to make sure you are doing things correctly.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Love CrossFit Durham! The coaches are so helpful and welcoming. The gym is spacious, has plenty of equipment, and even has an outdoor area for safe socially distanced workouts. During the pandemic their community has been flexible in offering daily programming online, personalized with a coach. I can’t say enough great things about this gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been to a few gyms in the area looking for a home gym. Well I landed in CFD and I have been there ever since. The coaches are positive and they give you great feedback and guidance. If your looking to learn and grow and get in shape this is the place to be. The community is also great different types of people getting along just fine enjoying getting some fitness!

Source: Google

★ 5

Absolutely the best CF gym, the coaches and staff are professional and committed to help you reach your goals and the community creates a welcoming, enthusiastic environment that motivates you every day.

Keep up the great work!

Source: Google

★ 5

Found a supportive and positive community of folks, and learned to love working out -- for the mental and physical benefits.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started at Crossfit Durham last year and I can't say enough good things about them. They do a fantastic job of starting you off with learning proper weightlifting form and make sure throughout your training everyone is exercising efficiently and safely. The coaches are as entertaining as they are knowledgeable. It's a great community; if you're tired of other classes where everyone just works out and then goes home, this is the place for you.

Source: Google

★ 5

Crossfit Durham is the place the go if you serious about getting results. The place is clean and the staff is knowledgeable. They took the time to show me proper form which is something I was lacking. I lost 17 lbs in 6 weeks and I am still going. 5 stars!

Source: Google

★ 3

No worm up before workouts is a bummer

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great facility. Great comprehensive equipment selection. Very accommodating to their members and guests. Hope to visit again.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent service

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★ 5

Serious work done here with a great and engaging group of people.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing coaches & an incredible program! So thankful I found this place!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing coaches and atmosphere!

Source: Google

★ 5

For my needs the rating is 5 stars. I travel for work and look for "drop in" crossfit boxes to work out in. This is a classic crossfit box with everything you need to get a great workout. As expected, the workout was posted on the whiteboard and the warmup + instruction were consistent. During the workout small observations and instructions were common which I appreciated. Parking in front is limited so go to the back if you cannot find a space.

Source: Google

★ 5

I LOVE CrossFit Durham! I joined about two months ago as part of the 42 day challenge - I am a petite, fairly active 29 year old woman who has been regularly working out 2-3 days a week for the last three years. However, despite going to plenty of great spin & circuit classes regularly, rock climbing at the gym on the weekend, and running - I felt like I hit a plateau both in strength and overall fitness & weight.
I'm so glad I joined CrossFit Durham for the 42 day challenge! Not only did I learn a lot about how to reach my weight and nutritional goals (and see noticeable, positive changes in just 6 weeks), but I also met a welcoming community of fitness enthusiasts. During my first BootCamp and, later, my first CrossFit classes, both the coaches and other students jumped in to help me with my form, pair up with me during partner workouts, and create a supportive workout environment. I was even offered a one-on-one meeting to discuss my goals and outline strategies to achieve them. This gym truly offers everything!
While I love all the other gyms I've worked out at in the Durham area and elsewhere (and believe me - I've tried them all) - I really wish I had found CrossFit Durham sooner! They are an amazing group of coaches and an excellent gym for anyone at any level in their fitness journey.

Source: Google

★ 5

Crossfit Durham has changed my life! I joined in June 2018, and my only regret is that I didn't do so sooner. I have not only reached all of the goals that I initially set out to achieve, but surpassed them in ways I never thought possible.

At first I just wanted to lose 20 pounds. I accomplished this in the first 6 weeks! I joined the 42 day body transformation challenge (which, by the way- in reference to the previous review, is worth WAY more than 80 bucks per month- not real clear on that reviewer's pricing guidelines, but I'd love to see her gym business plan and pricing strategy.) Their price is not only fair, but personally I'd stick with them if they charged more. I've made friends, gotten in the best shape of my life at nearly 40, lost over 10% body fat, and learned how to manage my diet. I am stronger, more confident, and happier than I've ever been. I look forward to exercising for the first time in my life, and now I truly cannot imagine my life without it!

The owner and coaches are incredible. They know how to motivate and encourage you, yet they also can modify any exercise to suit your fitness level or accommodate for limitations due to injury or any other issue. I've tried other places, but I'll always stick with Crossfit Durham. Check this place out- if you are looking for a place to start, or if you have been into crossfit for years, CFD if absolutley the place to go!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is an amazing place. I love the workouts and the staff.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this place! Felt great after working out. Great trainers/coaches and fellow members. #crossfitfamily #challengeyourself #dontbescared :-)

Source: Google

★ 5

Great community of which to be a part! Great coaches who know when to challenge you or just meet you where you are. They provide excellent instruction for improving fitness and being safe.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you’re considering trying out Crossfit and seeing what it’s all about, this is the one box to go to. The staff is incredible! The community is so welcoming, it can be intimidating to get started, I know but you won’t find better people. Yes the workouts will be challenging but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Source: Google

★ 2

Not what i expected

Source: Google

★ 5

Hello my name is Paul and I would like to say what going to CrossFit Durham and taking the 42 day challenge has done for me. I have been a weight lifter my entire life. I was on Facebook On day and I saw the video for the Challenge from CFD. I decide I would like to give it a shot to change up my workout routine. I met with my coach Tori and and got my meal plan. The first workout was hard because I was not used to that type of intensive exercise. I was able to work with all of the coaches to help strengthen the muscles around old injuries and that helped me to really excel. After my 42 days I lost 15 pounds and on top of that I had gained muscle mass in lacking areas while also going down 2 pants sizes. The coaches at CFD are very accessible and always willing to work with you in any way to help you. Tori, Nik, Wes Stephen, and Ayumi are all great and they will make sure you reach your goals. I have given up my membership at my other gym and I am now full time at CrossFit Durham!

Source: Google

★ 1

Grossly overpriced and truly a hole in the wall. I was coaxed into this "gym" by a deceptive facebook ad offering a free 42day challenge. People it's not free it's a bait and switch. They ask you to put down $700 that will only be refunded if you meet all the obstacles I mean requirements of their ridiculous challenge. Or you can join for $170 a month. Under no circumstances is what I saw in there worth more than $80. And the trainer that your led to believe you are meeting with is no trainer at all it's just some random whose struggling with her weight just like everyone else. Now they will argue my post(CrossFit Durham) and say oh the challenge isn't a sham bait and switch but the consumer will appreciate me sharing this truth. Don't waste your time signing up for their 42day challenge it's a joke. And don't bother even going there. It's a over priced dusty sweat box scamming to make money. There are so many other CrossFit options that have the type of facility/trainers that merit higher prices and this place ain't it.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great place for CrossFit. Also Olympic and powerlifting. Classes fill up, so sign up early. Drop ins too.

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★ 5

Very nice people. I was a little intimidated at first because it was the first time I had ever been in a Gym but the people there were very inviting and nice. Would recomend.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Great place to workout!! If you're like me and need group motivation then this is your place! Whether you are just starting your fitness journey or need to up the ante. CFD is the place to be!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Another really good box. I dropped in for a Saturday wod and was expecting a partner WOD. I was not disappointed - they had a really well-programmed WOD.

The coaches were good and the movements made sense, whe being challenging across multiple modalities.

Definitely would recommend dropping in here when in Durham.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Started here a few months ago. Very nice and welcoming place. I’ve been out of shape for quite a while and they have been generous on helping me get going and figure out how to make it work for my life.

I have been only doing their boot camp program but I’m very happy with it and am very satisfied.

Source: Google

★ 1

This was pretty disappointing. I dropped in to look for a gym to attend once a month when I'm in Durham and was looking for a similar community feel to my home box. Beautiful gym, but no community feeling of intentional community, not welcoming. No one greeted me when I walked in, I had to go up to the instructor and ask if she worked there, and then I asked her name. We did a warm up, a couple of strength exercises and then the wod with the instructor occasionally offering guidance. I was surprised that she barely modeled or explained any of the movements, seemed like she was just trying to get through the class so she could get to her next thing. No mobility or recommendations for mobility afterwards, everyone just scattered. Wasn't worth $25.

Source: Google

★ 5

Not just crossfit. Definitely checkout the free class on saturday

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★ 5

Great for Drop In whilst visiting Durham. These guys have one of the best Crossfit Box websites I have ever used for "Drop In". Clear instructions, WOD is available online. Booking and payment was easy. When I got to the Box everyone was really friendly and the coach was excellent. Oh and cool T-Shirts too!

Source: Google

★ 4

Huge box, great coaches. I really enjoyed the coaching, programming, and facility during my drop-in visits from out of town. But I was disappointed that they don't use Wodify.

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★ 5

I'm in love with this place and the community. Good workout and good people. You really can't beat it.

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★ 5

I like going here, great coaches and it is a non judgmental environment.

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★ 5

This place totally changed my life. The coaching, the community, the programming... it's all amazing! So happy to have CFD in my life!

Source: Google

★ 5

I love the community built at CFD. Aside from getting fitter, faster, stronger, very every time I come to CFD, I feel much less stressed when I leave. I'm a 13 year old, so I'm too old for the kids class. I do regular CrossFit and boot camp WODs, and I find they are doable and the adults are very inclusive. I would recommend CFD to anyone looking to become fitter in a supportive and inclusive community.

Source: Google

★ 5

Welcoming community, great location, and everything that one would need in a Crossfit gym. Crossfit Durham is my favorite community gym.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great coaches, great community, best workouts of my life.

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★ 1

Source: Google