Top CrossFit Gyms In Connecticut

The Daily Meal Staff|Sept. 19, 2014 7:00 am EST

Since it first hit the gym scene 14 years ago, CrossFit training has brought new variety and new concepts to physical conditioning. CrossFit is to traditional workout regimens what the buffet or salad bar is to the dining world. Instead of focusing on one type of workout, CrossFit coaches have their charges run, row, lift weights, jump rope and do core conditioning and other exercises in a constantly changing and very intense program. At every visit, the Workout of the Day (or WOD) is different. CrossFit is hard work, but it is never boring, never static and is proven to work for all types of athletes – and anyone serious about getting into top shape. Here are just five of the top gyms in Connecticut for those looking to get seriously involved in CrossFit training.

CrossFit Relentless
635 New Park Ave.
West Hartford, CT 06110
(860) 430-1088
www.CrossFitrelentless.com

At CrossFit Relentless, novices start out slow, as the staff makes them familiar with the long list of exercise programs they will be doing over the course of their training. This "scaling" concept ensures that each person is pushed and challenged – but with their individual goals and abilities kept in mind by the staff. Every day is different, and the level of intensity builds as the member works through the ever-changing regimen. One day that could be simple squats or deadlifts; another day could be spent jumping rope, running, rowing or "doing crazy things with tires" as one coach says half-jokingly. There are six or seven one-hour session times available daily to choose from, and the staff at CrossFit Relentless will help members identify and reach their goals, whether it be to just lose some weight and become healthier, or reach a more athletic level of accomplishment. West Hartford is only one of the five locations in the growing CrossFit Relentless family in Connecticut. Its sister locations are in Durham, South Windsor, Higganum and Glastonbury.

Shoreline CrossFit
45 N.E. Industrial Drive
Branford, CT 06405
(203) 488-0202
www.shorelineCrossFit.com

For the last five years, Shoreline CrossFit has brought this new and unique kind of training to the people and communities along the Connecticut shore. There are no treadmills or weight-lifting machines at its Branford facility, but there is no shortage of programs to become involved in. Shoreline CrossFit works with all ages and needs, offering CrossFit training programs for kids and teens as well as adults at the introductory, maintenance and the more advanced levels it calls "endurance" and "masters." Shoreline also offers yoga classes and sessions with personal trainers who can design the WOD (Workout of the Day) regimen that fits the members' needs.

North Haven CrossFit
70 Old Broadway St.
North Haven, CT 06473
(203) 239-0268
www.northhavenCrossFit.com

"We are all athletes" proclaims North Haven CrossFit, "those who train here are determined, dedicated and constantly setting and achieving new goals." Unlike traditional gyms or exercise clubs, "there is no fancy equipment or machinery" at North Haven's studio. This is no cozy little social club, but is instead a place for "hard work" and "sweat," and where teams often compete against each other and push each other. Personal one-on-one training, corporate wellness and kids programs are also available at North Haven CrossFit.

MidCoast CrossFit
39 Ragged Rock Road
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
(860) 853-8028
www.midcoastCrossFit.com

At MidCoast CrossFit, "egos are left at the door," for here "humble is strong," or so the coaches preach. The environment here is intentionally "judgment free" and the goal here is not just to progress as an individual, but also to make friends and become a member of a "family." MidCoast helps build a support network among its members, and as such is very community and group oriented. The governing philosophy here is that every day is a "life-changing experience," and one that will not just improve the members' physical appearance and health to become fit, but also will reach deep inside, "getting you to your goals and beyond what you ever believed you could physically achieve."

Guilford CrossFit
387 Soundview Road
Guilford, CT 06437
(203) 530-1725
www.guilfordcf.com

One of the newest CrossFit gyms in the state, WhipIt CrossFit (also known now as Guilford CrossFit) opened its doors in 2012. It has eight trainers and coaches and offers small group sessions. It also offers special programs for high school athletes who want to get in shape and perform better in their chosen sport. The owner, Clint Zeiderberg, says he strives to make everyone who joins feel like they are a member of "a fraternity" (and not in the silly movie way but in the true, original sense of the word where people work together and support each other in reaching individual and common fitness goals). Two-week starter sessions cost $150, after which dues are $100 a month. His wife, Erin, also coaches. She jokes that she got involved with CrossFit not just because of her husband's passion for the program, but also so "I can eat cake."

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