« Return to Article Listings

CrossFit Orillia is "Old School"

January 18, 2008

Gym embraces 'old school' philosophy; No elliptical machines at Orillia CrossFit

Posted By Matt Flemming

Posted 1 year ago

On first entering Orillia CrossFit on Progress Drive, it's immediately evident this is not a typical gym

It seems almost like walking into a 1950s gym class. There are no elliptical trainers, step machines or weight- lifting machines. Instead, the mostly empty room has medicine balls, kettle bells, gymnastics rings and a single rowing machine.

"It's very austere," said owner and trainer James Gordon. "We call it old school. They did it like that back then for a reason, before we got into all the fads where fitness has to be fashionable."

Gordon started Orillia CrossFit last fall in hopes of creating a completely different workout experience than at a regular gym.

"The expensive equipment, the acres of space and all the machines - we use none of it."

Gordon said most gyms tend to be about isolating muscle groups rather than achieving overall strength.

John Hicks, who Gordon called one of his best CrossFitters, started the workout to get in shape before re-entering the armed forces. He said CrossFit has been great for him in terms of personal fitness and strength.

CrossFit involves short sets of exercises like sit-ups, pushups, dips, squats and deadlifts in quick succession. Large rubber bands are used to lessen resistance for some exercises, and Gordon said he can tailor a workout for anyone's level of fitness.

"It's called functional fitness," said Gordon. "We work 10 (areas) of fitness: flexibility, cardio, strength, power, speed, agility, endurance, balance, timing and co-ordination."

For more information, visit www.crossfitorillia.ca