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Pair turn love of CrossFit into new business
Matt Makowski practices pushups on devices called paralettes. Co-owner Makowski is working to get his business Crossfit Burr Ridge up and running. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media
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NAME: CrossFit Burr Ridge
SPECIALTY: CrossFit training for all fitness levels
LOCATION: 7928 S. Madison, Burr Ridge
HOURS: 5-8 p.m. weekdays, 9:30-11 a.m. Saturdays
CONTACT: (630) 286-9171, cfbr.com
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Updated: July 30, 2012 1:43AM
Several years ago, Matt Makowski shared his love of CrossFit with his friend, Tim Carmingnani. Now, the two have teamed up to share the fitness training method with as many people as they can.
With all of their permits and approvals in place, Makowski and Carmingnani plan to open Burr Ridge Fitness in early June, transforming a 2,700-square-foot industrial space into a place where people can transform their bodies and their lives.
The facility will become CrossFit Burr Ridge as soon as its affiliation with the company is approved, which Makowski said should happen before the first class starts on June 4.
Carmingnani, a lifelong resident of Hinsdale, was battling his weight and trying to quit smoking when Makowski, of Willowbrook, turned him on to CrossFit. Now, he looks and feels better.
Carmingnani said he’s living proof that CrossFit works.
“I remember trying to get in shape by just jogging,” said Carmingnani. But he would tire after just half a mile. Now, a 5K is no problem, thanks to CrossFit.
“I’m stronger than I was. I’m more fit,” he said.
CrossFit focuses on functional movements, performed with added weight, to achieve fitness goals. Makowski said the fitness method can be used by beginners looking to get into shape as well as athletes who want to push their limits.
“It’s for grandmothers to Olympic athletes,” he said. “It’s not what you’re doing, it’s the degree you do it at.”
Glassman described the workouts as being typically short, 20 minutes or less, with intense, demanding, all-out physical exertion. They combine movements such as sprinting, rowing, jumping rope, climbing rope and weight lifting. These, as well as additional elements, make up the workout of the day, which is posted on the CrossFit website and used at the different locations throughout the country as well as by people completing the program at home.
Variety is a key to CrossFit.
“Every day is different,” Makowski said, so people never get bored with the same old routine.
Three one-hour classes will be held each weeknight at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. One 90-minute class will be offered on Saturday mornings. Makowski said he hopes to add a children’s class soon.
“Anybody can walk in the door and start CrossFit right away,” Makowski said.
Cost is $175 per month for unlimited classes, with a $25 discount for those who sign up for auto pay. Those new to CrossFit can try a class for a $20 drop-in fee.
Other nearby CrossFit locations include Darien, Lisle and Glen Ellyn. Each gym has a different set of owners.
Arcadia Kust contributed to this report.
