What is Happening Down on Central Street?

I have heard it all…

“What are you preparing for, doomsday?”

“What the heck are you guys doing?”

“Why are all these people running in and out of the building in a seemingly orderly fashion?”

Have you guessed what I am referring to yet?

In fall of last year, Bill Malcomb and Beau Claiborne stumbled upon 50 Central Street in Norwood by of all things, “dumb luck.” It was their intention to find a warehouse type building with direct access to the major highways in the area and quick routes to Norwood, Westwood and Canton. Their real estate agent kept pointing them to this property on Central Street in Norwood but at first they would not bite. Finally, after exhausting various options, they decided to visit the Central Street option. In their words: “We caved, visited downtown Norwood and fell in love with the property's potential.” The rest is history: Bill and Beau opened Crossfit Florian.

What is CrossFit you ask? Borrowed from the Crossfit Florian website:

“CrossFit is a strength and conditioning system built on constantly varied, if not seemingly randomized, functional movements executed at high intensity. It combines weightlifting, gymnastics, sprinting, rowing, kettlebell training, plyometrics, powerlifting, and medicine ball training. Our objective is to become proficient in all ten physical skills: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, coordination, power, agility, balance, accuracy, and speed.

The WOD (workout of the day) is always different and can be modified to meet the needs of any athlete, regardless of age, ability, and fitness level.” (For more FAQs: http://www.crossfitflorian.com/faq/.)

Bill and Beau love Norwood thus far! They love the people, the town pride, the community support and the willingness to accept two outsiders (A.K.A. non-townies).

“The folks at the town hall, Norwood Police Department, the Old Colonial Café, Lewis’, Ariana’s and the Cedar Market have been very supportive,” says Beau. “We opened CrossFit Florian because it would have been selfish not to. CrossFit has dramatically changed both Bill's and my lives and we take great joy helping people better themselves.”  

Firefighters for the City of Boston by day, Bill and Beau have been CrossFitting for a number of years. On their off days, they spent numerous hours working out in what they refer to as the “Dungeon” and realized they wanted to share CrossFit with the greater population. Beau says, “We are obligated to share CrossFit. It wouldn't be right if we keep it for ourselves.”

So CrossFit Florian is not your typical gym and, in fact, it is not a gym… you refer to a CrossFit location as a “Box.” Anyone can join CrossFit Florian (they even have a kids program launching next week).  

“CrossFit will make you stronger, faster, more agile and you will look better naked,” says Beau. “But what makes CrossFit Florian different is that we consider our members extended family. Our connection doesn't end at the end of a 60 minute class. A new member at CFF instantly inherits 175-plus new friends with like goals and interest. We battle, fail and conquer together.”

I am a member and personally love doing CrossFit. I started about six months ago, have lost almost 45 pounds; I am fit and doing something I never thought I would do again… run! I run a mile, two miles and 5K races and I have not run since high school! I am stronger, faster, more agile and I will leave the last portion of Beau’s statement to myself. Physically, I am in the shape and my weight is the same as when I was entering college. I usually don’t stick with the gym routine more than three months. I am hitting six months and do not plan on quitting anytime soon! CrossFit Florian is more than just going to the gym and we are a family. If you want results, I highly recommend you consider the introductory class and I bet you will get hooked and try CrossFit.

So I asked Beau for any advice for newcomers. He says, “The hardest part is driving to CrossFit Florian. Once you're inside, you're going to feel pretty silly. The environment is ridiculously supportive and the workouts are designed to allow a "newbie" to progress slowly without feeling self-conscious.”

“CrossFit has made me physically and mentally stronger than I have ever been,” Beau said. I personally will agree with that! CrossFit will push and drive you to places you did not think your body could handle. In the end, you will feel good and love the way you look and feel.

So, the next time you are driving by 50 Central Street and see a bunch of folks running in and out of the building, now you will know why! The challenge is, will you stop and come in? I promise you won’t regret it!

For more information on CrossFit Florian: http://www.crossfitflorian.com/