More than a decade ago, Berks County resident Kevin Kodz happened to catch a game featuring a new type of workout called CrossFit on ESPN. An athlete for most of his life, Kodz was intrigued by what he saw, and decided to check out the “new CrossFit craze” at a local gym. This curiosity led him to Corps Fitness in Wyomissing, and a new passion was born.
Originally hailing from Philadelphia, Kodz eventually made a permanent move to Berks County after meeting his wife, Amanda, in 2000.
In 2016, Amanda decided to try CrossFit herself, and discovered that she loved it as well. “My wife ran out of excuses not to work out with me,” Kodz laughed. “We do it together [now]; we both go all the time.”
Kodz shared that he had a close working relationship with former Corps Fitness owner, Chris Kaag, and he became certified as a trainer to partner with Kaag.
This proposed partnership transformed into Kodz and several other colleagues purchasing Corps Fitness from Kaag in late 2020. The business was transformed into the new CrossFit Crossing, and the sale enabled Kaag to focus on his nonprofit, the IM ABLE Foundation.
CrossFit is a unique type of workout for many reasons, one of which is that it is trainer-led. “Unlike big box gyms, where the workouts are self-directed, we have programs,” said Kodz. “While workouts are varied, we have long-term plans on a 12-week cycle. We take the guesswork out for you–it’s completely about functional fitness, and [the workouts] are completely scalable.”
Kodz also shared that there are a multitude of different ways to work out at CrossFit Crossing 7 days a week. Clients can choose from large classes, open gym time, small group classes, and one-on-one personal training.
With just under 5000 square feet of space, completely mobile workout equipment, an outdoor courtyard, large doors that can be left open for fresh air to circulate, and proper sanitization techniques, CrossFit Crossing is also taking Covid safety protocols seriously.
Kodz cited CrossFit’s unique ability to focus on outdoor fitness as a prime example of workout safety during the pandemic.
Located in Building 17 at 1007 Hill Avenue in Wyomissing, CrossFit Crossing hosted their first class on January 2. While the space is currently still being remodeled, Kodz is looking forward to officially reintroducing the building to the community in March or April 2021.
