CrossFit opens in Matamata

An unconventional gym opened in Matamata on June 12.

‘‘It doesn’t have as much of the normal equipment that conventional gyms have, as it’s more on functional fitness and CrossFit,’’ the owner and operator Jodie Pryor said.

888 Functional Fitness, located on 11c Garland St, was designed for CrossFit, so there was more space for Workout of Day sessions.

CrossFit masters, who have had success at some CrossFit competitions, demonstrated some of the activities that happen at the gym during the opening.

The demo included completing as many sets of exercises within 15 minutes to an audience of around 100 people.

Weightlifters who compete in Strong Man com-

CrossFit is high intensity interval training.

petitions, where they lift increasing weights, also demonstrated their skills.

Pryor, who previously worked at Fitzone Matamata where she ran group classes including CrossFit ones, was introduced to CrossFit at her uncle’s gym in Hamilton about five years ago.

She enjoys the fact that the exercises can be adapted to people’s skill levels.

CrossFit is high intensity interval training. Originally a fitness company developed by Greg Glassman, it has now become more of a workout style than a brand.

It aims to increase cardiovascular endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination and agility.

It combines weight training, aerobics and gymnastics.