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CrossFit Bridges Fitness to Lifestyle

Focus on Preparing, Supporting & Maintaining What You Have Going On

After spending time observing several classes at the new CrossFit Legitimus, I began to wonder about the definition of the word, ‘gym.’

Working from a repurposed space in the former Balmar Marine, CrossFit Legitimus is looking to redefine how elite athletes, recreational sports enthusiasts and the rest of us consider the role fitness, with a capital "F,” plays in our every day lives.

On the surface, the space definitely doesn’t say 'gym.’ It has a wide open, industrial feel, with large windows filtering in natural light. Then, there’s the floor. It’s not wood. It’s a huge mat, made of ¾ inch rubber, that not only cushions the occasional drop of a 20 lb weight, but also the muscles and ligaments of those sweating upon it.

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There is music playing, sometimes. And the majority of the space on the floor, is taken up by people; working out; being coached about their posture, movements and weight levels;  motivating each other; all at the same time.

When asked to define her vision for a gym, co-owner and coach Jen Conlin, began with an emphatic “I’ve always hated gyms!” OK.

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“I want people,” continued Conlin, “to apply and relate what they do in fitness training to what’s going on in their lives. Whether it’s an athlete wanting to improve their time on the marathon circuit; a pregnant woman working to ensure her body is ready for childbirth, as well as post-childbirth; or someone just wanting to look and feel great. That’s what this space is about.”

Conlin is a natural athlete with preferences to cycling, kayaking and hiking. Anything, apparently, but spending time in a gym.  While working as an EMT in the ER, Conlin saw the devastating affects that stokes, accidents and disease had on the body. She began to focus on getting in front of the problems she was seeing; to developing the strength, flexibility and balance to make the most of whatever life and genetics would bring. “I wanted to work on the preventative and proactive side of healthcare.” 

To that end, Conlin became a member of CrossFit in 2005. By 2007, she was a certified CrossFit coach working in Washington, D. C. Her members included people who worked at the Pentagon, military personnel, elite athletes, as well as the rank and file, i.e. everyone else. “We even had a member in his 70’s.”

Co-owner Mark Izzo defines CrossFit as, “functional fitness.” Izzo, an elite gymnast and Division I- NCAA spring board diver, spoke of the individualized training offered in this space. “There’s a different scale of intensity, depending on your goals and where you are physically. Izzo describes CrossFit as old school, basic fitness training. “We use medicine balls, jump ropes, weights, pull up bars, kettle bells and the member’s own body to make them faster, stronger and more flexible. By varying the basic, functional movements that the body uses nearly every day – throwing, flexing, squatting, bending, lifting, pushing and pressing – you get a shorter and more defined workout; one able to generate maximum fitness over a desired period of time.”

Co-owner and military veteran Brian Smith, points to the evolving definition of boot camp towards the CrossFit model. “Boot camp is designed to train for a specific period of time. CrossFit is for life. The Marines and Army are using CrossFit training because it’s more appropriate to the types of duties that today’s soldiers are required to perform; lifting large loads, over long distances, in an efficient manner. We use the same type of CrossFit workout, but modify the intensity to fit the personal goals of our members.”

So, what of CrossFit Legitimus in Canton?

The CrossFit experience in Canton comes down to three basic components: a Workout of the Day; instructor/coaches who tailor the Workout to each member’s goals and capacities; and an environment that fosters community.  

To that end, there is no posted schedule of classes. Exercises and equipment, designed to provide a full body workout, are posted on a white board, which changes daily. “You can actually end up doing 365 different workouts!” says Conlin. “However, you will probably start repeating some components of the workout in 90 days or so. It’s about that time when you’ll probably notice how much more weight you are lifting; how much faster you are moving; how your balance and agility have been improved. The changes will be observable and measurable.”

Part of the CrossFit model includes personal attention from the coach. “It’s my job,” says Conlin, “to know what our members are capable of and what level of intensity is appropriate for them, based upon their needs. We really get to know the person.”

While individualized coaching is part of what sets CrossFit apart, there is also a strong group dynamic that underlies the program. It’s part gentle competitiveness; part support group. “One of the reasons why CrossFit was settled near Collinsville,” says Izzo, “was the deep sense of community here. CrossFit wants to be part of that societal outlet; another way to connect with neighbors and friends.”

Arell Nankervis has been working out at CrossFit for seven months; having started as a member of the Watertown facility. While she had some doubts about her ability to meet the goals her coaches proposed, she now understands that the challenges they presented were put in place for her own benefit. “Now, when I go to CrossFit, I’m not going to the gym. I’m going to have fun!”

In the future, Conlin is looking to add yoga classes, CrossFit for kids and nutritional counseling, to round off the programming at the …….still haven’t found a better word to replace `gym.’

So, I asked Izzo for an alternate word to describe this space and programming. He, in turn, asked coach Conlin for her opinion. Conlin turned to the class behind her and posed the question: “If we’re not a gym, what do we call this space?” The response came back in an enthusiastic, endorphin-induced rush. “Home!” Okay, again.

“When you get here,” encouraged Izzo, “you’ll get it!”

Here’s the Deal

CrossFit Legitimus, 130 Dowd Ave, Canton; 860-255-8276: www.crossfitlegitimus.com.

Free class, for new/potential students, every Saturday at 9:00 a.m.

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