As the owner and head coach of NEPA CrossFit, Brennan Morton understands the difficulty of starting a new business. However, after a year of successful operations in Wilkes-Barre, Brennan feels that his decision was a worthwhile one.
    “The reception has been awesome,” he said. “It has been growing because we are a different kind of gym. With most other places, the basic setup is get them in the door, get their money, and never see them again. We are the exact opposite. If I don’t see clients, I will call them. We are not about numbers. I don’t want so many people on my plate that I can’t have a personal relationship with everybody.”
    Brennan’s approach to fitness is unique. CrossFit focuses on functional training, which combines strength training with a cardiovascular workout. While most people think of fitness as a way to just get buff, he sees it differently.
    “I hope to give people a better definition of fitness than what they already have,” he explained. “In this area, people tend to think you are either a body builder or a runner. We want to change that. It’s not about big and bulky. It’s more about being cut and lean. The nice thing about this is that you get all of your cardio, too. So it is like taking all of your cardio and strength training and jamming it all into one tight workout.”
    Patrons of NEPA CrossFit agree. Chris Huntzinger, a devoted athlete and martial arts instructor, says that the functional training he receives at CrossFit is exactly what he has been looking for.
    “I like it a lot,” Chris said, while in the middle of completing a workout. “There is no question of whether or not you’ve got a good workout. I’ve seen a big difference in my energy level throughout the day.”
    Along with Chris, Allie Buczynski, a college student, makes a routine visit to the gym, always expecting to get a quality workout from the trained coaches. As a woman, she has had no problem fitting in.
    “When I first came in I was a little intimidated, but once I got to know everyone, they are so nice,” she said. “I quit field hockey and started coming here. I got more in shape from coming here than probably the entire summer playing hockey. I feel comfortable being a woman. I have fun, get results, and compete with the guys. I look forward to coming out every day.”
    CrossFit is premised on the idea that a workout can incorporate multiple approaches to fitness, while obtaining a well-rounded result. While bodybuilders and runners seem to limit themselves within the narrow scope of their chosen pursuit, the functional training one receives at NEPA CrossFit tends to blend them both.
    “Sometimes people correlate strength with being bulky and that just isn’t the case,” explained Kyle Monaghan, a trainer and longtime client of NEPA CrossFit. It is about being fit across a large, broad spectrum. We want to be fit across the board. We can make you stronger, leaner and faster. But if you are looking for bulk, then I can give you the names of other gyms.”
    In addition to Kyle’s multifaceted approach to fitness, his focus is also on the clients.
    “If you go to any other gym around here and ask them to name all of their clients, they would be pretty hard pressed,” he says. “Brennan and I know our clients’ individual strengths and weaknesses. It is more like getting personal training without the cost.”
    NEPA CrossFit operates six days a week and holds classes every hour on the hour. It also offers a one-week free trial, giving prospective clients an opportunity to test out the gym before making any commitments. With their unique approach to fitness and client-focused attitude, Brennan and Kyle hope that once you sign up, you will be there to stay.
    “We are not trying to be good at one specialized thing, but good at all things,” Brennan said, while reflecting upon his hopes for the future. “With us you can do better workouts and function better as a human being. You can teach your body the movements you are going to use out in the real world.”
    For more information about this unique approach to fitness, visit www.nepacrossfit.com or call (570) 579-3544.