Lenoir County's only CrossFit Gym under new, female ownership
A newly acquired CrossFit gym is ready to make waves in Lenoir County. As the only CrossFit establishment in the area, its owners are excited to introduce more locals to its functional fitness regime. CrossFit Kinston is located at 2212 W Vernon Avenue in Kinston.
"We recently took over on September 1, and we are the sole CrossFit gym in Lenoir County," said Donna Avery, one of the owners. "We are a female-owned gym.”
Jami Blizzard, who co-owns the gym with Avery, recounted the duo's nearly decade-long history as training partners. Their journey began with personal training, participating in Spartan races, and long-distance running.
"We discovered CrossFit in 2017," Blizzard said. "The original owner, who was in the nursing field, found it challenging to maintain the gym after the pandemic's outbreak in 2020. We then seized the opportunity to buy the gym."
Blizzard explained the transformative power of CrossFit drew them to it.
"You get somebody who has never been active, and within four months, they're executing pull-ups. Many are hesitant initially, but once they start, they're hooked."
Avery emphasized the "functional fitness" aspect of CrossFit. "It's all about making everyday activities easier. Whether it's squatting down to retrieve something or lifting items overhead, it's training for movements we naturally do daily. It's about ensuring that as we age, we don't become deconditioned."
As for the difference between a traditional gym and CrossFit, Blizzard believes the community is incomparable. "Once you've experienced a CrossFit gym, it's hard to go back. From cheering each other on to varied programmed workouts. It's a supportive and challenging environment. It's more than just a workout; it's a community."
The gym currently offers classes at 5:30 AM, 9:00 AM, noon, and 5:30 PM from Monday to Friday. They also have a community-wide class on Saturdays at 9:00 AM. Prices range from a 10-visit punch card for $75, three visits a week at $85 per month, to unlimited access for $105 monthly. New members must undergo a six-month period before gaining open gym access. Additionally, there are discounts available for first responders, teachers, military personnel, and law enforcement officers.
Addressing common misconceptions, both owners mentioned that flipping tires and using ropes, which are often associated with CrossFit in popular imagery, are not the mainstays of their training. "While such exercises can be part of the regimen, CrossFit is much more diverse," Avery explained.
The pair invites locals to try out a session and experience firsthand the transformative power of CrossFit.
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