Flexible strength
Two new gyms provide novel approaches to fitness
Bigger, faster, stronger
Walking into the newest branch of CrossFit NSC in Scotts Valley, it’s evident that the owners are serious about fitness.
On the left is an area with mats dedicated to stretching and mixed martial arts conditioning.
To the right are stacks of dumbbells, cages, bars and weights for Olympic lifts like squats and cleans as well as pull-up bars of all heights.
Directly in front, there is an open space punctuated by a climbing rope attached to the ceiling some 25 feet above.
CrossFit is a program designed to increase the strength, stamina and conditioning of anyone who tries it. Trainers use whatever works from a variety of athletic disciplines to improve the overall fitness of the client.
For example, there are sets of rings hanging from the ceiling used for emulating gymnast’s exercises.
“It’s very random,” said Bills. “We incorporate many different aspects of fitness.”
Because not everyone is ready to be or wants to be an Olympic gymnast, the owners say the gym caters to all levels of participants.
“We’re teaching you how to use your body correctly,” said owner and trainer Brendan Gilliam.
Gilliam trains all levels, including a free course for beginners at 9 a.m. Saturday mornings. The beginning group focuses on doing exercises the right way by concentrating on specific body movements like doing pushups and pull-ups in the proper manner.
Once the group has mastered the correct form, the intensity picks up and trainees are encouraged to push themselves further.
CrossFit offers classes for all levels of participants seven days a week, and there is open gym time to come in and work out on your own.
The Scotts Valley gym is one of more than 300 affiliates nationwide.
The original CrossFit gym is in Santa Cruz, and the program has blossomed as people have warmed to finding workouts at the CrossFit Web site and communicating with others about their accomplishments and training strategies via CrossFit’s online forums.
Everyone, from the beginner to the most experienced CrossFit member, does similar workouts — just at different speeds and with different numbers of repetitions.
“We’re not your dreary gym kind of thing,” said Gilliam with a smile.
For information: 438-4388, www.crossfitnsc.com or stop by at 300 Technology Circle, Scotts Valley.