CrossFit Decimus

I signed up for the On-​Ramp class at Crossfit Decimus with high hopes of experiencing the kind of Crossfit coaching and supportive environment my friends raved about in their own boxes. My first interaction with Nic was one of a «like it or leave it» mentality. He proudly touted that he’s an «asshole» and that if people didn’t like it, there were other gyms they could go to. The On-​Ramp classes really mostly consisted of Nic swearing, demeaning, and insulting those that were there to learn and become healthy. He said to the class «I’m surprised that any of you chose Crossfit as a workout, given the shape some of you are in.» He seemed to primarily enjoy hearing himself talk, though he is a horrible communicator. When the WODs posted were not clear, instead of explaining to me how they are to be done, or actually coaching me, he simply asked «So…what? You’re just going to do your own fucking thing?» To my knowledge, not ONE person in my On-​Ramp class renewed their membership after the first month. This gym is cliquey, unwelcoming, and intimidating to those simply trying to better themselves. Unless you’re hot, ripped, or in the «in» crowd, forget feeling welcome. It’s evident that Nic clearly has a serious inferiority complex that is most likely fed by his failing business. Don’t step foot in this place.

Absolutely a horrible experience. I came to Decimus upon a recommendation of a former crossfit coach from the area I moved from. What a mistake!
I called first to get info on their class times and was told via text by the owner, after I left a message «to text my questions» as he couldn’t talk on the phone. So I spent the next 15 mins trying to get my questions answered via text only to be told to come in as it was easier to explain in person! Really you can’t tell me your WOD times over text? He seemed more concerned about my experience with crossfit then actually answering basic questions about his box.
Came in two days later where the owner Nic, in an abrupt manner, tried to tell me a little about his gym. Said I needed to complete an «initiation WOD «before joining. Is this high school? Showed up Sunday morning at 8 reluctantly, according to the posted hours and the times they told me they were open, to complete the initiation WOD and no one was there. Waited till after 9 and no one ever showed to open the place.
Came in the following evening ready to do my «initiation WOD» only to have Nic in my face explaining his gyms policy of giving a «100%» or the other members wouldn’t respect me blah blah and that the initiation WOD was really to see my work ethic. In fact at one point he told me «not only are you interviewing us but we’re interviewing you!»
I’m not new to crossfit. I’ve competed before and not afraid to work hard but this place seemed more about gaining approval of the gym then promoting health, fitness, individual goals and the great things crossfit has to offer. I left in tears from this gym!
I feel sorry for any new people who try this gym they probably will never start crossfit after having to deal with the owner. The brow beating, demeaning words and negativity spewed from the owner is enough to turn someone off from fitness for good.
Do yourself a favor and try one of the other many crossfit gyms in Tacoma. Crossfit should be fun, positive, rewarding and reaching YOUR OWN GOALS not trying to prove yourself to some crossfit gym or used as an anger management punching bag for someone who clearly has issues. Complete waste of time and energy here!

I’ve been to a few different CF gyms in Tacoma and I’m sorry to say I left a good spot for the allure of the low cost here (and Decimus’ former location was close to my house). Don’t be fooled!
Nick is a terrible coach with an obnoxious personality. The first month there was fine, he greets everyone walking in or leaving and he gave some coaching during WODs. But after a while it seems like if you’re not in his core of people he likes, you’re person non grata.
Unless you’re an attractive female! They always get his phony guidance and most likely unwanted attention. No fault of their own.
Nick undercuts all the gyms in town and then loses members just to offer another groupon to get new money. If it weren’t for the large gym equipment and good personality of a couple other coaches there, who he berates behind their backs, this place would be a prison.
Do yourself a favor: spend a couple extra bucks elsewhere and get the coaching you’re paying for.

I informed Decimus I was canceling my membership. He asked why and I responded below.
Nic,
I was excited to find a local cross fit with good rates and a positive recommendation. I expected to be encouraged and pushed hard. I’m not afraid of either. But the few interactions my cousin and I have had there have been less then positive. I feel as if you are put out by my presence. Not a welcoming feeling. I don’t expect to be coddled but being informed of rules in a respectful manner would be acceptable.
And then this was his response to me …
You’re a corrections officer, right?
Learn fucking quick or die, right?
I’m the warden!

I was excited to try this gym but never got to. After I didn’t receive a response to the contact form on their website, I found a cell phone number to contact about. I got instructions by text message for signing up for the beginner on-​ramp class (in person). I successfully registered and paid for the month of July, which was required.
July’s on-​ramp class was on Sunday, July 5^th. A holiday weekend wasn’t ideal, but with only one beginner class per month, I decided to end my out-​of-​town vacation a day early so I could make the class. Two hours before it was scheduled to start, I received a text message telling me the class was cancelled and I’d be contacted later that week with alternative dates. No apologies, no explanation. In the meantime my money would be refunded. I have never heard back. I decided to go to their facebook page after the cancellation and found out they knew for nearly a week that they would be closed that day. Too bad I found out after driving across the state.
The only positive things that came out of this were a speedy refund and not wasting time to find out this isn’t the gym for me.