Carpe Diem CrossFit: Building a Program, Fitness, and Community

Cynthia Bennett's inspiration for the newly established Carpe Diem CrossFit Facility came from her drive to be the best all around athlete she could be. Now, she wants to share that knowledge of fitness with whomever she can.

 Growing up, Bennett was always interested in sports and athletics, and she continued this passion in college, and has now turned it into a career.

"It's something that I'm passionate about and if I can help share some of that knowledge to others to help them achieve their goals that is an amazing feeling. I found CrossFit a few years ago and took my level 1 certification and the rest as they say 'is history,'" stated Founder of Carpe Diem CrossFit Facility, Cynthia Bennett.

CrossFit begins with a belief in fitness. The aim of CrossFit programs have been designed to create broad and inclusive fitness sessions that bring all different types of exercises together into one workout session. It hits all aspects of fitness.

"I've always had a goal to be a small business owner, it's really neat to have a vision and a dream and actually put those things into place," admitted Bennett.

Bennett not only has established her own business, but she is also going into her fourth year as Head Coach of the Women's Soccer Team at Plymouth State University.

"Everyday I ask those student athletes to stick their necks out and take risks. They can't be afraid of failure for every 'failure' is only a chance to succeed next time," said Bennett.

Bennett asks a lot out of her athletes, "I ask them to really be where they are and put their best effort forward- don't just go through the motions."

"It takes courage to make a change and seize the day... it takes courage to be better than you were the day before... it takes courage to leave everything that you have in a workout. It takes courage to try that one thing that you never thought that you could do," said Bennett.

CrossFit is a fitness program made up of functional movements performed at the utmost intensity in a variety of ways.

"It gets you prepared for what's in front of you no matter what that is," claimed Bennett.

 CrossFit incorporates gymnastics, weightlifting, running, jumping, throwing, and everything in-between to make you faster, better, and stronger.

"The idea of being fit is being proficient in all aspects of fitness not just cardio or strength... but cardio and strength, and flexibility and coordination and agility and the list goes on," said Bennett.

Everyday at the CrossFit facility, nicknamed, "The Box," there is a new workout of the day (WOD) written on the board for everyone to do/try. CrossFit is a workout that uses varied functional movements performed at relatively high intensity.

CrossFit consists of many things. Developed by Coach Greg Glassman over several decades, Glassman was the first person ever to define fitness in a meaningful, and measurable way. Greg Glassman, has proclaimed, "The magic is in the movements."

Every class you participate in small group sessions, which are roughly 50-60 minutes long. The workouts are intense, and are progressive, meaning they get harder each time so that strength is built upon. Facilitators make sure the workouts are all manageable, successful, and safe for everyone.

CrossFit isn't just a work out; it's a way of life. It builds a community of people that work hard alongside one another to accomplish their fitness goalstogether. The communal aspect of CrossFit is a key component of why it is so effective. 

"It is fun to go through your journey with other people that have your best interest and goals in mind and are trying to achieve similar goals," said Bennett.

Before deciding to open up the facility Bennett wanted to make sure that she got the name just right, she admitted, "I couldn't be any happier with it." Bennett wanted the name to convey her facility in the best way possible, and reflect what CrossFit is all about, as well as the community.

"Often times we wait. We wait that extra week to eat right... we tell ourselves that we will start working out on Monday but that Monday doesn't seem to come. Well, stop that get out and do today. When all your friends have gone to CrossFit for a year and they are telling you how much it has benefited them, how much better they are feeling, and the cool things that they are doing you're going to wish that you didn't wait. Take advantage of it now...Carpe Diem my friends," stated Bennett.  

Carpe Diem CrossFit Facility is offering a free first session to anyone that is interested in trying out a challenging workout that is beneficial in more ways than one, "First session is on us... come in and try us out," said Bennett.

For more information visit Carpe Diem's CrossFit website at: Carpediemcrossfit.com or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CarpeDiemCrossFit?ref=hl) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/CarpeCrossfitNH).

Carpe Diem CrossFit is located at 12 Yeaton Rd Suit C8, Plymouth, NH.