'Fitness Is the Goal': Resident Runs CrossFit Studio

Physical fitness has always been a passion for Southeast resident Gary Sorrentino, so when he found a program that "hooked him," he knew he had to share it with others.

That's exactly what Sorrentino's been doing for the last six months. In September he opened CrossFit OSA, a workout space located on Gleneida Avenue in Carmel.

A relatively new fitness program with a growing following, CrossFit relies on "constantly varied, functional movements performed at high intensity," Sorrentino explained. Weights are involved, but there are no machines. 

"CrossFit is for everyone," the 23-year-old said. "It can help an elite athlete get more fit and it could help grandma improve her quality of life. I have a 16-year-old kid who comes and I have a 60-year-old woman who comes, and they're both doing pretty amazing things."

The gym draws folks from parts of Connecticut, as well as all over Putnam. Because Sorrentino has strong ties to Southeast—before earning a bachelor's degree in business, he graduated from Brewster High School in 2007—many of his customers are locals. Residents Sue Greer, 60, and her son Michael Greer, 26, have been working out at CrossFit OSA since October.

Sue and Michael, who were inspired when a family member became a CrossFit trainer, exercise there three times a week. 

"It's just addictive," Michael said.

A morning dose of the program makes Sue feel "powerful" and "pumped" the whole day.

"It makes you feel like you can do anything," she said.

That's a feeling Sorrentino can relate to. Discovering CrossFit after trying the bulk up, slim down strategy; then power-lifting, he finally felt not just strong, but in shape. That's what he wants his clients to feel, too.

"I find my biggest success story is a woman who came in here, and she could barely get up and down without having to hold something—she couldn't just get on the ground, she had to very slowly get down," Sorrentino said. "And now she's jumping on boxes, she's doing barbells, she's lost some weight. Anyone can get anything out of it."

CrossFit OSA is located at 69 Gleneida Avenue, behind Doc's Nutrition Depot. Free trials are available. Check out the business—and the shout-outs to those who have recently met big goals—on Facebook here.