The CrossFit Mystique
There’s a reason why it must be called “CrossFit.” You’re going to get fit, and you won’t be bored—you’ll be zigzagging through all types of fitness regimens, trying something new, in essence a cross section of exercise, every day (or as often as you workout). In Scotts Valley lies one of these updated gym experiences called Santa Cruz North—a CrossFit center. Santa Cruz North co-owner John Larson explains that CrossFit is really a way of exercising that is for all people, all shapes and all sizes.
Sure, you might see some professional athletes while you’re working out, but you also might see a 60-year-old first-time female exerciser, or a 40-year-old overweight man—all part of this CrossFit family.
Seven people, including Larson, own the Scotts Valley affiliate of the national CrossFit program. There, these seven and some additional trainers, hold hourly classes every day where anyone who’s a member can attend. Think of it as bootcamp being switched up every day. You can, for instance, go in on a Monday any hour of the day and you’ll do a chosen daily workout, taught by one of the instructors. Then on Tuesday, the workout for the day will be something different. Thus, the boredom factor never gets revved up. The CrossFit plan is based on 30 percent gymnastics, 30 percent cardio and 30 percent Olympic lifting, Larson explains. Within your hour workout you’ll often do something along these lines: warm up, stretch, work out, do a quick burn, and stretch again. “Most people call it drinking the Kool-aid,” Larson says. “Once you’re in, you’re in.”
Vastly different than regular gyms where you’re on your own and sometimes you lack the motivation to accomplish your workout, attending a CrossFit class will leave you soaking in sweat, but with a thorough full-body workout, Larson explains.
While the monthly $150 price tag may sound steep, client Chris Miller says it’s well worth it. “It’s exactly what I was looking for,” Miller says. “I really wanted to take a drastic measure. It’s a lot easier to mentally commit to it than going to your garage (to work out), or going to a gym. Anybody can do this. I’ve seen people in my situation who are out of shape or more than a little overweight.”
Adds Larson, “It’s not rocket science. Nothing we do is new. People have been doing this for 100 years and we’ve put it in a package where people can get the most benefit out of it.”
For more information about CrossFit’s Santa Cruz North, visit crossfitnsc.com. For general CrossFit information, visit crossfit.com. For information about other local locations, visit crossfitsantacruzcentral.com and crossfitsantacruz.com. Santa Cruz North is at 300 Technology Circle, Scotts Valley, 438-4388.
