The Rural Intelligence region offers a plethora of fitness and healing modalities, but it can be hard to know which is the one that fits your needs, your body type and your schedule. Enter Paula Boyajian, a yoga instructor certified in Interdisciplinary Yoga and Yoga for the Special Child, who has taken on the role of RI’s fitness contributor to sleuth out the details of the many health and wellness options in our area.

Continuing with my "Best Exercise Trends of 2014 That You Should Keep in 2015" list, I looked into CrossFit which boasts over 10,000 affiliates worldwide that often post a workout of the day (WOD). The camaraderie that this develops is what makes CrossFit – and in particular CrossFit Pittsfield (CFP) - stand apart from other gyms.  Because the training is intense, it creates a bond between members. Or, as developer Greg Glassman states, “At CrossFit there are no egos, no room for bad attitudes.  We are competitive, we are humble…we are CrossFit." What Is It? CrossFit  is a trademarked name for which a gym owner pays. But after that, the type of classes offered is up to them, so check before you go. At CFP they stick to the WOD from CrossFit New England as well as Glassman’s philosophy, which is made obvious with a sign instructing you to leave you ego behind as you enter. CFP’s one-hour class is a mix of aerobic exercise, body weight training and weight lifting, all done in a group setting with a teacher near by for assistance. Members are encouraged to post or announce the completion of each exercise to build healthy competition and track individual progress. Activity Level This is a toughie. Yes, the classes are advanced, but the intention is to improve your fitness level by taking you out of your comfort zone. The hardest part may just be getting there, and that’s why starting with the required “Foundations" class is ideal. The class, where everyone is new to CrossFit, teaches you CF’s vernacular, fundamental moves and proper form. I took the class with an enthusiastic 15-year-old Mason Benoit who recalled that at his very first Foundations class there was someone “about 70" who “did really well."  Mason also said that “even if there are things you can’t do, they’ll show you something else — there’s always a way around it."

ContentBy definition, CrossFit’s goal is to “improve cardiovascular endurance, stamina, strength, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy." Despite this tall order, after my class and witnessing the WOD, I see how this goal can be met. But what I also saw was how CFP’s intense workout can build solidarity. As you take a beating and see others do the same, you learn not to  take it personally and you come back stronger. To quote Mason again, “You can’t just stay on a treadmill for an hour here.  I love that it’s so intense and I know I can improve." Instructor InformationErica Law is the most enthusiastic and down-to-earth teacher I’ve worked with.  She pushes you, but in a big sister kind of way.  Perhaps because she knows what it’s like to start the long journey to fitness. She confessed that at her first class she couldn’t do one sit-up.  She and her husband/co-owner, Jamie (that's him in the photo above), discovered CrossFit while doing laundry. She remembers, “I saw a group of older woman exercising outside and thought they were crazy.’" But then she noticed the nearby CF studio and she and Jamie gave it a try. “After our first time, we never stopped." She now holds a host of CrossFit Certifications from  Level 1 to Coaches Prep Course and Nutritional Certification. Facility/AmbienceWith one foot barely in CFP, I immediately thought of movie “Brazil" because of its industrial look. As with most places, surroundings match attitude and CFP’s is hard core with no distractions. House music pumps so you couldn’t stop if you wanted to. The WOD is posted, along with CFP’S fundamental moves and philosophy. But don’t let this practical look lead you to think there’s no soul at CFP. In fact, family is at its heart. Along with husband-and-wife team Erica and Jamie, CFP is also owned by Erica’s mom Susan Rathburn.  Your welcoming committee includes their big, loveable dog, Bruno, who sits quietly behind the front desk greeting you with warm, brown eyes. Cost Monthly memberships for unlimited classes and gym access  are $170; drop-in classes are $20.  Fulltime high-school students; military, police officers and firefighters receive discounts. CrossFit Pittsfield505 East Street, Pittsfield (413) 626-6325

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