Carozza Fitness

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit Programming

Our program is designed for scalability and applies equally well to all individuals regardless of age or fitness level. By varying the load and intensity, we start you at a level appropriate to your fitness and experience. With commitment and hard work you will achieve greater general fitness and a high degree of athleticism. We take an old-school approach emphasizing fundamental, functional movements with proper technique. You will learn and get fit with ever-changing workouts that combine bodyweight exercises, weightlifting, and a huge variety of high-intensity drills that combine cardio and strength challenges at the appropriate level for each person. The stimulus provided is always varied and the results are dramatic. The atmosphere is one of support and camaraderie to anyone willing to put in the work.

CrossFit Training Explained

Our idea on training is typically against the norm, which makes our workouts fun and different. Workouts are most often completed within group classes, which we try to cap at a maximum of 20 athletes with an average class size of 10. This provides you with the attention from the trainer that is necessary for your safety and success. You will be challenged both mentally and physically in your workouts but will find a great sense of camaraderie with those you are working with.

We believe in training for life and not one specific thing. Training for life means that we have to be prepared for the unknown and even unknowable. Our workouts involve exercises that mimic everyday movements so that you can become stronger and more efficient in day to day activities.

We want to provide you with reaching your potential, which is typically far more than you ever thought you could achieve. Providing you with an encouraging and friendly environment will help to build the CrossFit community in Westport and enable more people to reach their goals whatever they may be.

Content Courtesy of CrossFit, Inc.

1) How did you hear about the gym originally?  

I had been working out on my own(mostly cardio) and was looking for different results.  Mike's sister-in-law Kiki and I used to work together and she recommended Mike as a trainer.  

2) Were you most interested in Private Training, "Just Results" classes or the Operation Muffin Top Bootcamp?  

When I first started training with Mike he only offered personal training.  However, when he moved into a larger gym space both the classes and OMT appealed to me.  The classes at CF provide both variety and healthy competition-which motivates me.  OMT is also a great way to kick it up a notch at the gym as well as focus on "cleaner" eating.  In my first OMT I also worked with Suzanne on the nutritional aspects that I struggled with.  At 42 and after two kids I just wasn't feeling or looking as good as I wanted to.  Suzanne and I worked on balancing my diet throughout the day...(yes I needed to eat more then I thought) to ensure that I was getting what I needed to maintain/recover from all the hard work that I was putting in at the gym.  

3) What were your initial reasons for joining and have those reasons changed? 

After having two kids and working full time I found that I was fatigued, stressed and just didn't feel very good about myself.  I wanted to lose weight and just get into better shape.  At the same time I started training with Mike my youngest daughter was also diagnosed with a very serious illness.  My time at the gym took on new meaning and the energy it gave me helped me to deal with the stress and pain of supporting a sick child.  Over 2 years later and I'm happy to say a healthy child  I look to maintain my weight and continue to increase my strength and stamina. 

4) How long have you been a member at Carozza Fitness?

2 1/2 years

5) What is your favorite exercise? Why?

I have two-Burpees and Pullups.  I like burpees-I know kind of crazy-but I do. They work your entire body, keep your heart rate elevated, increase flexibility, and can be done anywhere without any equipment.  Pull ups have become a favorite because I can now do them with out the support of resistance bands.  

6) What is your least favorite exercise and why? 

Overhead squats-nothing about the movement feels natural to me.  But thanks to Mike and Phil I am working on perfecting my form by remembering the various cues within the movement.  

7) What has been your biggest accomplishment  since starting at Carozza Fitness?  

It would have to be crossing the finish line at the Tough Mudder.  This is a day I will never forget-the crazy bus rides, pushing myself mentally and physically and strengthening friendship bonds with some amazing men and women.  It was truly a life lesson that with goals and proper planning anything is possible.  I'm so excited to participate again this year!

8) How many days per week do you workout at Carozza Fitness? 

I usually train private/semi private 2-3 times a week and then I take 2-3 classes.

9) What movement are you still struggling with and what are you doing to fix it?

I continue to work on all types of squats.  Having been a distance runner prior to coming to Carozza Fitness I tend to have very tight hamstrings and hip flexors.  Learning the proper way to rack the weight at the top of the movement, push my butt back and keeping my knees apart has allowed me to drop lower into the squat.  Spending time practicing what it should feel like with an empty bar and a medicine ball has also helped a lot.

10) What were your stats, physically, before coming to Carozza Fitness? Weight?  

I weighed 142 lbs and had great running endurance but lacked strength and muscle tone. 

11) How has your nutrition changed since joining CF?  

I never really struggled with my weight until I had kids and gained quite a bit of weight.  This was very difficult for me because I felt so far from what I knew myself to be.  I had taken much of that weight off before coming to CF but I was left with some eating habits that were not serving me well.  Working with the trainers has helped realize that when I fuel my body regularly with lean protein, vegetables and fruit that my performance and recovery time improve. I have also learned to more forgiving of myself.  All or nothing will never be something that works for me.    

12) What motivates you daily? 

I am motivated by how much better I feel when I am working out regularly.  I look forward to the challenging workouts and pushing myself to lift heavier and finish quicker.  I am competitive and love taking classes because it's exciting working out next to others that are also pushing themselves.  I love the e mails and messages that circulate between the trainers and members.  Knowing there will be friends there to inspire, encourage and push me makes getting up at 5 am a little easier.  

13) What advice would you give to someone who might be hesitant to join Carozza Fitness?  

Don't be-CF is like no other gym!  The trainers are motivating, knowledgeable and hard working.  They have created an environment that just keeps getting better.  You will make new friends even if your not looking for any.  If you are committed and want something different just be clear on your goals and use the trainers expertise to help you achieve them.  I am truly thankful for all that I have gained(and lost) while working out at CF.  Thank you love you guys!

 Carozza Fitness is proud to present its newest program, Just Results™ Mobility!  These sessions will focus on mobilization through the utilization of specialized tools and equipment.  The movement of clients is intended to improve through this subdivision of Just Results™ along with their body’s ability to recover from and prevent injuries.

Mobilization allows for improved range of motion—squat lower, jump higher, and improve your overall force production and efficiency.  Key concepts in mobilization include stretching for purpose and the mobilization of positions rather than specific muscles.  Additionally, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, a combination of passive stretching and isometric contractions, is used to optimize mobility. A variety of mobilization techniques are used in Just Results™ Mobility to help clients make gains as they work to achieve their ultimate health and fitness goals.