Previously named CrossFit Fort Scott, the local fitness gym celebrated remodeling, new management and a name change with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday morning as Smallville CrossFit.
Aaron and Lindsey Watts took over the gym at 13 S. National Avenue, in June after the previous owners moved out of town. Since that time, the couple has led sports and strength conditioning courses for children and high school and college through the summer, even while the gym went through a series of renovations to improve its services.
“It’s a dream come true for us,” Lindsey said, adding they appreciated the help of their family and friends who assisted them. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
The changes made to the gym improved not just the appearance of the gym, but also the equipment, such as by adding ropes, rings and additional ceiling- and wall-mounted rigs. There is also more space for larger classes.
Aaron, who grew up in Southeast Kansas, said he was always involved in sports and athletics as a student and later during his time in the military, which led to his involvement in CrossFit and eventually owning the Fort Scott gym.
Aaron added their inspiration for the new name of the gym came from the nickname of Clark Kent that he picked up while in the military.
City Manager Dave Martin, a member at the gym, encourages others to try out Smallville CrossFit or one of the other fitness centers in Fort Scott as they continue to partner with the county in the Healthy Bourbon County program. Martin added people should not be intimidated by the CrossFit program.
“They will make it fit what you can do,” Martin said, saying they will modify exercises for individual people and their abilities. “Come and give it a try and you might find something you like.”
The gym will host a Grand Reopening event Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing visitors to come for information on classes as well as to watch a variety of classes to see what they look like.
