Aevitas Fitness - CrossFit Round Lake - Gym — Local services in Town of Clifton Park

The Best Fitness Center Ever!

I waited 6 months to write this review to give myself a chance to adjust to CrossFit and also to give this particular box (CRL) a chance to prove themselves. After 6 months, my only regret has been not joining when they first opened their doors in 2015! I've lost over 25 lbs, gained some significant strength and also have way more endurance (not to mention the friendships I've formed with both the coaches and members since joining). Here is why I think they do such an amazingly fun yet professional job of running CrossFit gym:

TL;DR: Programming and Classes Offered - 10/10 Coaching - 10/10 Facilities/Schedule - 10/10 Members/Support - 10/10

Programming - CRL writes their own workout programs for CrossFit every week with smart scaling options for various levels of fitness. The designers of these programs study data, books, as well as trends to come up with an all-around fitness plan for the week. Not only this, but they also have quarterly and year-long cycles that they put us through to ensure that any skills or gains we make in certain fields don't get lost. They also offer unique classes for Spartan and Olympic Weightlifting, which are incredibly fun and specialized. I trust their programming absolutely, and for me that was the number 1 criteria.

Coaches - CRL has 4-5 Level 1 (and beyond) certified coaches for CrossFit and 2-3 "adjunct" coaches that assist during the summer. I've had the pleasure to take atleast 1 class with each of their coaches and they are all incredibly good at not just running the class, but also ensuring each member gets what they need out of the class. They all have different personalities (ofcourse) but they're always focused on form,which is very important to me.

Facilities, Time - Their facilities are clean, safe, and fit well within their class sizes. Besides very few instances of high attendance, items are never really in short supply, and the members are friendly enough that we can team up or share. There are several CrossFit classes offered both during the morning as well as the evenings, so people with different schedules can be accommodated. There is also a really nice running trail right along the box, making it easy to do running WODs comfortably, and there are specialized Spartan-specific training obstacles around the gym.

Members, Support - Lastly, CrossFit is all about a social community. Every class, members struggle through the same grueling workout together, and we cheer and push each other through. Since my first day, people have always offered me tips, help, guidance whenever I asked. I'm now glad that I am in a position where I can pass that forward a bit as well. I've come to consider these people I work out and struggle with as friends and not just...

Considering CrossFit, or already into CrossFit and moving into the Clifton Park area? I strongly recommend checking out Round Lake CrossFit without regard for, or worry about, your level of fitness. They have something amazing for everyone and no one person needs to worry about being held back by others, or about holding others back! Whatever fitness goals you may have, this is a place that can help you achieve them, and have fun doing it.

At 52 years of age, I exercise to fight the effects of aging so that I can continue to live life to its fullest. I’m doing things now that I would not have imagined being able to do in my younger years (e.g. kipping pull-ups in large volumes or hand-stand push-ups) I have been involved in CrossFit for just over 5 years and I plan to continue for as long as I am breathing. The thing I love most about it is the incredible effort and variety the coaches put into their daily programming. Members can literally go months without seeing the same routine, except for the benchmark workouts that appear more often so the members and instructors can measure the members’ fitness levels.

I began CrossFit when I was in Washington, DC in 2011-2013. Since 2013, I have been a member of Shoreline CrossFit in southern Connecticut. My parents and some of my siblings live in Halfmoon, NY (Mechanicville School District). For my annual Holiday visit, I decided this year to “Drop-In” at Round Lake CrossFit. I am so, so glad I did. The owners/coaches and the members too are so welcoming to new members as well as “Drop-Ins” like me.

The owners have an amazing passion for fitness and a huge desire to share their passion with others. Melissa Manzer, one of the owners/coaches, was a Division I athlete during her college years and combines her experiences as an elite athlete and her passion for fitness with tremendous coaching skills. With that type of environment, I am not surprised at the happiness of the members I met and the steady growth of the "Box"!

For those of you who are concerned about the misrepresentation of injuries from CrossFit, let me assure you that if you do as instructed by the certified instructors, your chances of injury will be lower than they would be playing any team sport. The movements are complicated but, when done properly under supervision, they build strength and conditioning with little risk of injury. For those who go off on their own and decide they already know what they’re doing, there is a higher risk of injury. That part is completely up to you.

Give it a try. What do you have to lose? If you don’t like it, then stop going and try...

I absolutely love CrossFit Round Lake.

In terms of the physical space, CRL is a fantastic facility with great equipment and plenty of room for activities, both indoors and out. There are tons of barbells (no pun intended) to throw around, multiple rigs to work off of, plenty of assault bikes and rowers to use, boxes to jump on, ropes to climb, sleds to drag, obstacle course walls to scale, sandbags to lug around, miles of trail to stretch your legs on, and just about every size tire known to man, just waiting to be flipped. And if you still haven't had enough, you can always grab a basketball and shoot a few hoops...

And while all this is awesome, anyone that has spent any time here can tell you that the real value goes far beyond the facility itself. The coaches are amazing. Sam, Melissa, and "Pick" are all extremely knowledgeable and personable. Each has a slightly different focus, which creates a well-rounded coaching experience. The programming is excellent, whether you are there for CrossFit, Olympic Weightlifting, Spartan Races or Skills classes. And all of the workouts are scalable, whether you've been working out for 5 days, 5 years, or 5 decades. The coaches excel at customizing the experience for each and every member. Looking to learn a particular skill? Melissa will walk you through it and continue to provide you with valuable feedback until you have developed that skill. Have a nagging injury that is preventing you from performing certain movements? “Pick” will offer up a number of safe alternatives. Training for a sport or an upcoming event? Sam will always find time to chat with you about the science behind the training, ensuring that you get the most out of the time you spend working out.

CRL is so much more than a gym... It’s a family. The community is welcoming, friendly, and unbelievably supportive, always ready to celebrate each other's successes. Even on rest days, I find myself looking for excuses to drop by, if even just to work on mobility or accessory movements. And I know that I’ll always be greeted by smiling faces, words of encouragement, and the feeling that I’m a part of something much bigger than me. At CRL, I’m reminded every day that we truly are...