The CrossFit affiliation is many things, but ultimately, it began in 2002 with a belief in extreme fitness. This belief, started by Greg Glassman in California, has became a powerhouse in the fitness industry with multiple affiliated groups in its realm.

CrossFit is defined as “that which optimizes fitness (constantly varied functional movements performed at relatively high intensity)” by crossfit.com.

According to the magazine “The Box,” those who CrossFit should train to enhance the 10 key physical qualities: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy.

There are many reasons why CrossFitters have to get their “fix” once they’re hooked. But, one of the main reasons why people keep coming back for more is because of the community aspect and the accountability of the workout family that CrossFit builds.

 “In my short four months doing CrossFit, I feel like I am a part of a family, a family that helps one another out no matter what level of fitness you are at,” said Paige Wardell, junior in kinesiology and health who’s been doing CrossFit since last October. “I’ve made some great friends and I know I couldn’t get those types of relationships elsewhere.”

Be that as it may, CrossFit can also be used as a form of conditioning to supplement one’s normal workout routines.

“[I do CrossFit] maybe two or three times a week [for conditioning],” said Alex Stenbo, sophomore in mechanical engineering. “I got into weight lifting first … and I feel like I’m more built for weight lifting than I am for CrossFit.”

Morgan Forbes, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and co-owner of CrossFit West Ames, encourages those interested in pursuing CrossFit to do their research before committing to a program.

“Look into the gym that [you’re] going to join,” Forbes said. “They each have different levels of experience when it comes to coaching … do your research.”

There are three different “boxes,” or CrossFit gyms, in Ames that offer a unique style for fellow CrossFitters. 

Max Oxygen Crossfit, the youngest of the three boxes, has been open since Sept. 20, 2014. Offering its members personalized attention from its 10 Level 1 trained coaches and the famous family atmosphere that CrossFit is known for.

Max Oxygen Crossfit also offers many other amenities, including CrossFit football/ CrossFit field sport seminars, Paleo cooking classes, a CrossFit competitors’ course and more.  

“At Max Oxygen Crossfit, our goal is simple,” said Kyle Van Winkle, CrossFit Level 1 trainer. “Create better athletes by making them faster and react quicker.”

Next, there’s The Factory, which has been open since Feb. 10, 2014 and is owned by veterans Aaron McNew, CrossFit Level 2 trainer, and J Winkowski, Crossfit Level 1 trainer.

Unlike other boxes, The Factory takes a different approach when forming its workouts by basing them off of heavier lifting versus classic CrossFit, which McNew described as more of a bodyweight style CrossFit.

The Factory’s mission statement, “Making stronger, healthier, happier Americans enjoy life, become educated about fitness and helping each other along the way,” guides McNew’s beliefs on why members should be educated about their fitness choices and given personalized attention.

“[For example], you go to a globo gym, it’s a lot of ping for a little return,” McNew said. “Not everyone knows what they’re doing. [At The Factory], we educate those people about fitness. Not just ‘here’s a bar. Lift.’ This is why it’s going to help your body. This is why it’s going to help you later down the road.”

Lastly, CrossFit West Ames was the first box to open Nov. 1, 2010. With over 25 years of shared CrossFit experience among the nine coaches, CrossFit West Ames offers a unique atmosphere of its own with its tailored programming.

“Our mission [statement] is to provide fun, effective training, [along with] lifestyle changes to create a … group of individuals striving to reach and exceed their health and fitness goals,” said Morgan Forbes, CrossFit Level 1 trainer and co-owner of CrossFit West Ames. “Essentially, we want to be a leader in inspiring healthy change in the community.”