CrossFit Monroe raises more than $1K for flood-damaged gym

When southeast Louisiana's CrossFit Upshot was severely damaged in recent flooding, CrossFit gyms from all over the world stepped up to help. CrossFit Monroe was one of those gyms.

Recently purchased by co-owners Claire Winston and Amber Andresen, CrossFit Monroe offers health and wellness through high-intensity fitness in a community setting. The gym's recent effort to help CrossFit Upshot was spearheaded by members of CrossFit Kids Monroe, coached by Winston, who organized a row-a-thon to raise money. The event took place on Sept. 30, and raised more $1,000 that will go toward CrossFit Upshot's restoration work.

Winston said she couldn't have been more impressed by the efforts of the kids and the generosity of the community.

As new owners, Winston and Andresen are trying to spread the word about the benefits of CrossFit and would like to invite the community to give it a try. Their gym, referred to as a "boxGÇ¥ in CrossFit terms, is located in Monroe's industrial area. CrossFitters engage in functional-style workouts that combine gymnastics, running, rowing and Olympic-style weightlifting for a variety of routines that work the entire body.

Each day, the gym posts a different series of exercises, which is known as the Workout of the Day, or WOD. The box is staffed by a CrossFit trainer who is able to answer questions or help with form as members engage in the workout. Each workout has a feminine name, and CrossFit members affectionately refer them as "the girls,GÇ¥ Winston said.

For more information about CrossFit Monroe, visit crossfitmonroe.com.-á -á

-á -á