Over the past year, you have probably heard a thing or two about CrossFit, a strength and conditioning program based on constantly varied, high intensity, functional movements. From professional athletes to fitness enthusiasts looking for a new challenge, CrossFit is gaining popularity worldwide.
In late 2011, CrossFit Jai, a new Denver CrossFit gym, opened in the Highlands neighborhood of Northwest Denver. Commonly referred to as a “box” by the CrossFit community because of its shape, CrossFit Jai is located just East of Zuni on 29th St (2250 West 29th Ave). ‘Jai,’ a Sanskrit word pronounced ‘Jay," means victory – exactly what members can expect when they commit to a workout at the LoHi gym.
"CrossFit is full of small and large victories,” said T.J. Binkley, owner of CrossFit Jai. “Every day that we hit a workout, there are victories occurring all over the place. Some big, some small, but all equally important. Fitness is a journey that takes a lifetime, we never really ‘arrive’ as there is always work to be done, victories to be had."
CrossFit has picked up an immense amount of steam and is now an international phenomenon. There are “boxes” all over the world and events such as the CrossFit games televised nationally. Although it’s definitely considered a professional sport, according to Binkley, CrossFit is really for everyone. Based on its universal scalability, the program can be a good fit for a former athlete looking to get back to the shape of their former years, a mom looking to find her pre-pregnancy weight, or just an average person looking to just have solid general physical health.
Training is completed in small group sessions led by a CrossFit-certified trainer. Since the groups are small, athletes benefit from personal attention and instruction from the trainer. Athletes complete a workout of the day, or “WOD,” which includes a guided warm-up, workout, and cool-down. CrossFit WODs encompass constantly varied, high intensity, functional movements such as squats, presses, dead lifts, body weight gymnastic movements, running and rowing. The WODs are generally quick, sometimes finishing in as little as 5 minutes, other times approaching 40 minutes to an hour.
The goal of CrossFit is to not specialize in any one movement or routine, thus preparing participants for a variety of athletic activities ranging from sporting events, races like the Tough Mudder, or simply functioning in daily life. Regardless of fitness level, athletes can expect to see something different every day at CrossFit Jai, expect to confront their weaknesses, and commit to improving upon them.
“It is a refreshing alternative to the anonymous environment of larger gyms and can absolutely assist you in achieving the results you’ve been looking for,” said Binkley. “The workouts are hard and thus, effective,”
CrossFit Jai is a new gym in the area, but Binkley says it’s growing rapidly, much like the community around the gym.
"The Highlands is an area of Denver that really cares about and seeks a high quality experience from any business entity; whether it be a restaurant, spa, gym, or school. This community demands excellence and they should; as a consumer I share these same values and seek to do business with these same values in mind," said Binkley.
CrossFit Jai currently offers training Monday through Friday at various times, and a “Free Friend WOD” on Saturdays at 9am. For more information on CrossFit Jai, please visit http://www.crossfitjai.com.