CrossFit Craze Hits Marion

Just in time for those with New Year’s resolutions, CrossFit has hit Marion. The local affiliate of the nationally trending workout regimen opened on January 7, near the intersection of Highway 30 and Highway 151.

CrossFit 151 co-owners Zak Koch and Korey Stillman chose to locate in Marion for several reasons. Stillman, 34, is from Marion, and said the community-focused nature of CrossFit is a good match for his hometown. He sees the area as close-knit.

Marion needed its own CrossFit-style workout facility, Stillman said. He knew of many people who drove to Cedar Rapids to fill their fitness needs. Stillman, who said he’s certified by the National Academy of Sports and Medicine, has lived in Marion since 2002.

Koch, 29, from Cedar Rapids, added he sees the location near both major highways as a convenient fit for commuters.

For those unfamiliar with the trend, CrossFit is a fitness regimen that emphasizes varied exercise routines, intense workouts, and community. Recently, Huffington Post reported celebrities ranging from Miss America to Brad Pitt do CrossFit, a workout reported to be effective but possibly prone to encouraging “over-exercising.”

CrossFit members often work out together in open classes. Koch said some describe CrossFit as a club, an assessment he thinks is accurate. After giving it a try, he said he got hooked. 

“It is addictive,” Koch said.

He added CrossFit focuses on types of exercise that help people with practical tasks, such as lifts that mimic lifting items to put on a shelf.

“It’s functional. You’re going to use it in your life,” he said.

On Wednesday night, trainers Karlie Drexler and Koch worked with three of the fitness center’s members on basics. So far, roughly 40 members have signed up. Stillman estimates 85 percent of this membership is from Marion.

Right now, CrossFit 151 offers three classes: a beginners class called Elements, a women’s class, and open class. Members can attend the open classes at any time of day.

Drexler, 32, from Cedar Rapids, is also preparing to teach a fourth offering: CrossFit Kids, for children aged roughly 6 to 13. She said this class will likely be available in late spring. Drexler hopes to incorporate report card checks into the class, as well as games to help young people focus on working out.

Jordan Schulte, 22, a student studying pre-physical therapy at Coe College, was among attendees at Wednesday’s workout. He said he’s doing an internship with CrossFit 151 to help meet his graduation requirements.

Schulte said he chose the Marion affiliate over locations in Cedar Rapids because the facility matched his vision of CrossFit more closely, with a nicer and more spacious set-up. 

More about this business:

CrossFit 151

999 44th Street
Marion, Iowa 52302
email: crossfit151@gmail.com
Phone: 319-775-0451

CrossFit 151 on Facebook