Many people have heard the word CrossFit but don’t quite know what it means. So I’ll start with the definition. CrossFit: constantly carried, high-intensity, functional movement.
Greg Glassman and Lauren Jenai founded CrossFit Inc. in 2000, with the original gym in Santa Cruz, California.
In 2010, Crystal Stott started doing CrossFit. There were only three people working out together. They called it ShopGym.
“I never imagined at the time that it would become what it has for us,” says Stott, “but I definitely knew it was something special and that I needed to share it with other people.”
Two years later, they moved to the current Niverville location, by the train tracks, and offered an intro class that June. Today, CrossFit Niverville (CN) has 7 coaches and around 75 members—90 if you include the kids program.
A big misconception is that you have to already be in great shape to get into CrossFit.
“Everyone can do CrossFit,” Stott says. “We have members in the broadest age ranges (3–70) and fitness levels. Every movement and workout can be scaled to your ability, and you will not hold people back or slow down the class. We all have to start off exactly like that: overweight and out of shape.”
So what sets CrossFit apart from just joining a regular gym?
Irene Carriere has been coming to CN for 3 years. “I had had a gym membership for quite some time and always struggled with what to do when I got there,” she says. “Doing CrossFit, you never have to worry about your own programming.”
Denise Poettker, a competitive ultimate frisbee player for 18 years, has been going to CrossFit for 2 years. “CN allows me to invest in myself by dealing with my daily stressors in a supportive environment. CN is more than just a gym, it’s a community.”
Bryan Gould competed in 4 CrossFit competitions this past year. What does he enjoy most? “It’s the people and the friendships that you build there,” Gould says. “I find it much more rewarding watching someone else achieve a personal record or a skill than anything I’ve ever done in the gym. The group dynamic also makes it easier to stay motivated and on track.”
CN also offers the Silvers Class for those aged 55+. “This past year at CN has made a huge difference in my physical and mental well-being,” says Debbie Fewster, who has attended the class for over a year. “I will never regret joining this group of dedicated coaches and encouraging patrons.”
“Everyone is accepted without judgment,” Stott finishes, “and the incredible thing is that we can have a room full of people with different beliefs, jobs, athletic (or non-athletic) backgrounds, and lifestyles, but when we gather around the whiteboard, we are all here for the same purpose, and that connects us. It’s really hard to find that nowadays.”
On top of CrossFit, Niverville’s location also offers a kids program, Muay Thai kickboxing, kettlebell, weightlifting, teen strength and conditioning, and Bootfit (a ladies-only class).
