CrossFit moves to new Lake Wylie location

In its mission to keep people moving, CrossFit Lake Wylie has made a move of its own.

On July 13, CrossFit re-opened at Lake Wylie Plaza at 4094 Charlotte Highway, behind Fred’s.

“It’s more usable space,” said Nick Frega, coach and gym co-owner with Tom Justice. “It’s also closer to the bridge and easier to market to south Charlotte.”

Also because classes can be indoors or out, Frega said the new location is safer and offers a better view.

“There was a lot more thru traffic in the old space,” he said. “It’s safer to run back here. It’s also awesome to be able to run to the lake.”

Kim Hess of Lake Wylie, who has been a member since the opening, said after a workout Thursday she likes that the new space offers “more opportunity and space to do indoor and outdoor workouts.”

The new location includes improved equipment, new flooring with wooden platforms and an observation room where children can play. Licensed massage therapist Amanda Edwards continues to work from the gym.

“I love the space,” said Jeff Babb of Lake Wylie who’s been with the gym since it opened. “It’s better insulated so it doesn’t get as hot. I also like the look being more industrial.”

CrossFit Lake Wylie opened in January 2014 in the central, anchor space with 5,500 square feet at Shoppes at the Landing on Latitude Lane. CrossFit is an athletics and performance training program that operates in thousands of gyms worldwide. Frega says they’ll continue their focus on injury prevention and movement assessment in the about 2,500 square foot location.

“All the moves we do in here are designed to help your everyday life,” he said.

Frega said many of the 60 members pitched in July 11 to help the gym break down, move and set up in the new location.

“We didn’t even have to rent a truck,” he said. “To have support like that is awesome. “The people who came Saturday got a really good workout,” Frega said. “They got to use what they do in here.”

Frega said he’s talking with neighbor The Cheer Gem, which plans to open July 21 in the space formerly occupied by Cheer Tumbling Academy, to add more classes, offer open gym time in the afternoons and hold a grand re-opening party.

“This little pocket is turning into a health oasis,” he said referring to the gymnastic facility owned by Jessica and Tyler Jordan and nearby Sportscenter Athletic Club. He said CrossFit is different from Sportscenter, which offers basketball and racquetball courts, and classes such as Zumba.

“We offer a different style of training,” he said.

CrossFit offers a Workout of the Day performing functional movements at high intensity with weights and cardio to provide a full-body workout in less than an hour, according to crossfituprising.com/.

Member Jesse Freeman of Gastonia lauds Frega’s coaching skills.

“I’ve been to other gyms, but no one understands movement like Nick,” he said.

Frega said members are age 12 and older and from all walks of life, including plumbers, electricians, anesthesiologists.

“We can accommodate every person,” he said, “and even alleviate issues.”

Frega said gym member Janet Glass came in with hip pain. They worked on building up muscles around the hip, and “now she can run for miles.”

Glass, who has been a member for five months, said after Thursday morning’s workout she enjoys CrossFit’s style with something new to do every day under the direction of a coach.

“I just love the people and the program so I don’t care where it is,” she said.

Frega said many of his friends have been made at his gym, which holds monthly social events, usually at Sweetwater Sports Bar & Grill.

“It’s personable,” he said. “We try to make this environment as fun as we can. It’s all about camaraderie and community.”

Cameron McPherson, 13, of Lake Wylie, a member of CrossFit for two months said he feels more free to do different types of workouts in the new space.

“I’m looking forward to building more muscles and hope I can come for years to come,” he said after a workout Thursday.

This story was originally published July 16, 2015 at 4:19 PM with the headline "CrossFit moves to new Lake Wylie location."