CrossFit is currently taking over the fitness world. The intense workout style is currently the fastest growing business in the industry. Since 2006, the CrossFit craze has grown from one tiny gym in California to the CrossFit empire that it is today with over 15,000 gyms worldwide.

When most people think of CrossFit, they are instantly intimidated. Any sport including a barbell seems to many like a foreign activity. It is often perceived that Crossfit is only for strong and young individuals who dedicate their lives to protein supplements, working out constantly, and their bodies overall.

Just one visit to CrossFit Coney Island will change your entire perspective of this competitive and fun sport. When you walk through their large warehouse-like doors and watch any given class, you might be surprised to see people in their fifty’s, teens, and even pregnant women participating from time to time. At CrossFit, it’s not about the strength you have, it’s about your will to learn and grow in fitness. Everyone participates in the WOD, or Workout Of the Day, at their own scaled pace.

Elie Zeitlin and Joe Vaknen, co-owners of Crossfit Coney Island.

Elie Zeitlin and his partner Joe Vaknen opened CrossFit Coney Island in October 2014. They are truly a dynamic duo.

“As in most success stories, mine begins with a lot of people telling me I’m crazy. Joe backed me up,” explained Elie of his successful partnership, “Joe and I make a great team because we come from two very different backgrounds. He has business background and I have a passion for this sport but no business knowledge at all. In the areas I struggle, Joe flourishes.”

Joe also shares a passion for CrossFit. Along with Elie, he is one of the head coaches at the gym, always there to give wise advice on how to perfect your form, whatever the movement may be.

Elie’s love for the sport began at his first CrossFit competition. He was new to the sport and not very good but happened to be in a lane next to an elite athlete. Once that athlete finished, he turned to Elie and started cheering him on. Elie played many sports growing up, including football, swimming, wrestling, baseball, softball, and gymnastics. And just then it occurred to him that he’s never had a competitor cheer him on before. That’s when he realized that CrossFit was special.

CrossFit is a fitness program specifically designed to improve fitness and health. Their goal is to improve your work capacity over broad time and modal domains. To accomplish this they constantly vary movements to insure their athletes are well rounded.

To date, CrossFit Coney Island has one hundred and thirty active members. The professional and friendly coaches and the overall positive vibe of the gym keeps most members coming back daily.

“We have all types of athletes here,” said Elie, “From really competitive athletes looking to become nationally ranked, to grandparents trying to keep up with their grandkids, and everyone in between.”

During the school year Crossfit Coney Island offers a children’s class as well. This is one of Elie’s favorite classes to teach. The main goal of this junior class is to introduce fitness and exercise in a fun and safe way so the next generation can grow to love fitness, as well as live long and healthy happy lives. This one of a kind kids fitness class features a lot of running and jumping as well as games that teach the kids different fitness movements.

Crossfit Coney Island also offers a women's only class. This class is taught by female coaches and offers women in the community a great workout in a group of like-minded individuals. Whichever class you choose to join at Crossfit coney Island and whatever your skill level, you can be sure you’ll be welcomed into this burgeoning and encouraging CrossFit community with open arms.

For more information on CrossFit Coney Island, look them up on Facebook and Instagram. You can also call them at 347-276-0515  and stop by for a free class to try it out! They are located at 2034 Mcdonald ave Brooklyn ny, 11223.

Frieda Schweky

Frieda@sephardic.org

Frieda Schweky is Sephardic.Org's official community events reporter. For inquiries and to get involved with our site, please contact Frieda via email.