CrossFit Eagle Rock builds local fitness community

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Author: Riley Kimball (Senior Writer)

At around 7 a.m. on most weekdays, Katy Dhanens (senior) wakes up to the sound of thudding techno and enthusiastic shouting. But her new neighbors are not overzealous ravers. Behind her house on Eagle Rock Blvd., the new CrossFit facility has exploded into the Eagle Rock community.

Every day, the fitness facility is packed with passionate exercise enthusiasts hustling through a variety of workouts. Since opening in August of last year, CrossFit Eagle Rock (CFER) has grown rapidly by about 10 members a month, a substantial amount considering the age of the facility and the sport itself. Though their numbers now stand at around 75, expansion has accelerated with more and more members convincing friends to try out the fitness phenomenon. CrossFit Eagle Rock relies on this type of advertisement rather than more conventional forms.

CrossFit has been labeled a cult by some for the zealous community it has created. The culture is written on the walls of the CrossFit Eagle Rock facility: “This is not a gym. This is a community.” Don’t know a fellow CrossFitter’s name? That’s 30 burpees. Failing to support a teammate? Another 30. Members write their goals on the wall. In this way, CrossFit Eagle Rock offers a bit more personality than other CrossFit facilities. Other locations provide a workout of the day (WOD) and expect members to warm up and cool down on their own. CrossFit Eagle Rock, however, includes a warm-up, a set for building and refining skills and a WOD during each hour-long session. After finishing the WOD, members can help themselves to a free beer in the lobby.

The presence of coaches who are specifically CrossFit trained is something that sets this style of working out apart from others. “It’s great for people who want that support and want someone pushing you throughout your workout,” coach Paul Austad said.

Rounding out this competitive culture are the CrossFit Games. Teams of three men and three women, usually members of the same locations, complete workouts together in a race against other teams. These workouts entail everything from rope climbing to burpees to pull-ups to rough water swims. The performances of teams and individuals are measured against other competitors around the country and the world, culminating in the Reebok-sponsored competition to find “The Fittest on Earth.” Austad’s sister, fellow coach Annie Austad, is ranked 85 in the world and will be competing soon in the regional CrossFit Games in Pomona.

These competitions have reached the global stage due to CrossFit’s incredible success and popularity. Though founder Greg Glassman created the first CrossFit just 12 years ago in Santa Cruz, today there are thousands of locations around the world, including seven among Eagle Rock, Glendale and Pasadena alone.

For newcomers, the Eagle Rock location offers a $150 buildup series of six sessions spread over two weeks. These classes offer more personal attention and technique work to adequately prepare people to become new members of the community. Occidental students and faculty are charged only $75 for this series and $125 for a month’s membership at CrossFit Eagle Rock. For those committed to attending regular sessions, these rates are generally much less expensive than individualized personal training at a gym. For example, class prices at 24 Hour Fitness start at $40 per month with an $85 sign up fee. 

Interested parties should visit CrossFit Eagle Rock for more information.

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