With CrossFit, you'll never get 'bored'--Getty Images
With CrossFit, you'll never get 'bored'--Getty Images
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Exercising will make you feel better, provided you don't overdo it when getting started. Really! First, consult your Doctor-especially if you haven't done it for a long time.  But from there, consider CrossFit instead of the gym.

As a gym 'rat' since middle school, one thing I have learned is that traditional gyms often leave many people bored. Yes, especially the more you get in shape, the more challenges and variety you need to increase fitness.  And, depending upon your physical makeup, often CrossFit can get you in shape faster than a regular gym.

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That's why I often go over to Kamiakin HS nearby and flip their big 'yute' tires up and down the football field behind the school. CrossFit is, in a nutshell, a program where seemingly endless varieties of exercises are teamed together or created to build a circuit that works you, unlike traditional exercise machines.

There are numerous Crossfit gyms in the Mid-Columbia.  Over the years, I've dabbled in doing my own stuff within the confines of a 'regular' gym, but some folks look at you funny and other gyms discourage those who are capable of lifting rather large amounts of weight.   In no particular order, here's a list of the gyms in our area. Click on the highlighted gym names to see their websites and information.

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 Crossfit 12 Stones  

The term 'stone' is old English for a measure of weight anywhere from 4 to 32 pounds, which is where they go their name. This gym is located on South Union in Kennewick, in the complex across from HAPO. Their goal is to help people accomplish their dreams, from the 10-year-old trying out for their football team to the 80-year-old who wants to be able to lift and carry their own groceries.

Die Empty Crossfit

Their goal is "leave nothing, die empty," meaning go all out in life every day. This gym features a wide variety of exercises for moms, kids, competitive athletes, and more. They're located on Clearwater, 3180 Suite R in Kennewick.

NSX Crossfit

(natural selection CrossFit)  They feature a series of workouts that are tailored by weight and resistance, they've tailored them from people who are recovering from heart issues; to cage fighters who are a month out from the competition. They're located at 309 North Belfair Court off Deschutes, it's directly south of the Tri-Cities Cancer Center.

Fall Out CrossFit 

"We are not a typical gym...we don't watch TV while we workout" is one of their mission statements. One of the older Crossfit gyms, they too have a variety of programs designed to accomplish the goals YOU want. Their new facility is located at 139 Reata Road in Kennewick.

Orange Theory Fitness 

They are the only 'national' chain on this list, Orange Theory is based out of Florida, and has a location in Kennewick at 4101 West 27th Place, Suite B 110-120. You may have seen their sign as you head down 27th towards Walmart on the west side of Highway 395. Their gym kind of mixes the traditional gym concept with CrossFit and personal coaching.  A wide variety of workouts and membership options are available.

 CF or CrossFit Unrestrained 

This gym is located in Pasco, and much like other CrossFit gyms, they don't feature tons of treadmills, stationary bikes, and no mirrors on the walls. Like other CrossFits, they utilize a wide variety of creative exercises to push you beyond what you thought you were capable of.  They're located at 5804 Road 90, Suite F in Pasco.

 

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I encourage you to take some time and check each of these out. Visit and talk with them, and find one that you feel 'at home' at. Trust me, in the long run, you will wonder why you ever went to a 'regular' gym at all.  Stay hungry my friends!

 

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