First responders open CrossFit Torsion in Heath
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HEATH – When two first responders with a love for CrossFit met on a workout, it put big things into motion.
Sgt. Chad Hunt, with Heath police, and Brianne Hill, a firefighter/paramedic for Granville Township Fire Department, came to CrossFit through their own personal journeys.
Hunt had gotten bored with his traditional weight-lifting routine and needed something new to motivate him. For Hill, she came to CrossFit after some friends recommended it to her and fell in love with the adrenaline rush she got from finishing her workouts.
After the two met at Always Forward CrossFit, they decided to start training together. It wasn't long after that, that they shared their dreams of owning their own gym some day with each other.
The couple decided to go all in on their crazy dream and opened CrossFit Torsion, at 409 S. 22nd St., in Heath last May. Now as they come up on their first anniversary, that dream isn't looking crazy at all.
"We're busy for sure. We do our other jobs, and whenever we have free time, we're here," Hunt said. "I've lived in Heath pretty much since I was 9 years old, and this is the community we wanted to invest in. Newark and Granville had their own CrossFit gyms, and we thought we could give back to Heath with its own."
CrossFit is a total body workout, incorporating running, body weight exercises and gymnastics. At CrossFit Torsion, proper form is emphasized over how much weight someone can lift.
For many members, that means starting out slow to build a solid foundation, Hunt said, which can leave some people feeling underwhelmed at first. But he promises that, once the form is set, the intensity will build.
The owners also work with clients to help them with basic mobility and flexibility, helping them apply CrossFit principles to their daily activities. Hunt has heard some members tell him they no longer have knee pain or they can lift a box on their own after working out at CrossFit Torsion.
"We don't change people's lives, we help them change their own lives. I've seen people come in here and do a complete 180 on their health by working out and eating better. You actually see the improvements people are having," Hunt said.
But more than just their bodies change during their time at CrossFit Torsion, Hill said: Their whole mindset changes.
"I've seen people gain confidence in themselves, and it's a really big deal. It's the most inspiring thing for me," she said. "When we're out there as first responders, we're seeing people on their worst days. But in here, we're seeing people at their best days. We're seeing people believe in themselves."
Since opening the gym, the couple have received a lot of positive feedback from customers. Everyone at CrossFit Torsion has become part of a family. Hunt and Hill have developed relationships with everyone who walks through their doors, and many of the members have become close friends after working out together.
Seeing that kind of camaraderie in the gym is exactly what the owners want.
"I wish people would come in and experience it," Hill said. "Everybody's here for you and no one is judging anyone. The only thing people care about is if you show up."
Now that Hunt and Hill have their first year under their belt, they're excited to see what the future holds for CrossFit Torsion. The two are always trying to come up with new ideas to keep the routines fresh and customers satisfied.
At the end of the day, though, the couple are focused on one thing: getting people healthy.
"We want you come in and get better. Whether that's being able to lift more weight or being more confident, we want you to leave better than you came in," Hunt said. "Whatever your goal is, running around with your grandkids or lifting 400 pounds, we can help you get there."
emaddern@newarkadvocate.com
740-328-8513
Twitter: @emmaddern
Try CrossFit Torsion
Crossfit Torsion is at 409 S. 22nd St. in Heath. Classes are available Monday through Saturday, with an additional open gym on Saturday mornings. For more information or a full class schedule, call the gym at 740-973-9569 or visit www.crossfittorsion.com. Like the gym on Facebook for updates and follow them on Instagram at @crossfittorsion.