Community Corner

World-Class CrossFit Athlete Opens Gym in Medfield

Reebok CrossFit of Medfield's owner was voted 13th "Fittest Man on Earth" in 2012.

 

In 2012, Spencer C. Hendel was voted 13th "Fittest Man on Earth" during the Reebok CrossFit Games.

Today, Hendel, 24, is head coach and part owner (along with Medfield's Mike Kratochwill) of the new Reebok CrossFit of Medfield which opened its doors at 106 Adams Street in January. 

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Hendel started his career with Reebok in 2011 as a trainer at the Reebok headquarters in Canton. There, he met Kratochwill and a partnership was formed. 

CrossFit is "a strength and conditioning program that started with military officers, police officers and firefighters where true fitness was essential for survival...The undeniable results achieved via CrossFit have created widespread growth beyond this population to the 'average' consumer," according to the gym's website

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Hendel said a CrossFit workout focuses on mechanics, consistency and intensity; and what makes CrossFit different from other workouts is a sense of community.

There's something about you, me and somebody else all being in the same class. We might not be doing the same sets or same exercises, each workout is scaled to every individual, but the fact that we're all working out together in that same class kind of builds and brings people together...and the results are great!

Member Kevin Ryder enjoys that sense of community.

One of the things that has really drawn me to the CrossFit box is the community. The members are all awesome and supportive through every workout. If people are looking for a fun and challenging workout, this is the place for them. The other key to the experience are the two coaches, Spencer and Luis Alvarez. They help make the experience as enjoyable as it is. They know when to push you, when to challenge you, when to support you. They always go the extra mile without a second thought. For me personally, I have found challenging workouts that have tested me in ways I never knew possible. I often leave there sore, sweating and tired, but can't wait until the following day when I get to do it all over again.

Member Jon Merz agreed, calling the coaches "phenomenal."

"What I like about CrossFit is the incredible effectiveness of the workouts themselves...I joined in January and the results I've seen in myself and my friends who also train there are truly amazing," said Merz who, along with his wife, trains five days a week. "Even our kids love the workouts." 

CrossFit empowers you to do things you may not have thought possible; it gives you the tools to take a can-do attitude out of the gym and apply it elsewhere in your life...You come in here and push yourself with other great people, you sweat together and cheer each other on, and you see some deep friendships forming. RCF Medfield is the only place in the area I'd consider training at, my experience has been that good.

CrossFit Games

But the big buzz around the facility this week is the fact that Hendel is again participating in the Reebok CrossFit Games where he placed 13th "Fittest Man on Earth" in 2012; 9th in 2011; 17th in 2010; and 12th in 2009. He first started at age 19 as a senior in high school in Rochester, NY.

"I'm the 13th fittest man in the world, hopefully this year we'll make it back there and see if I can't improve," Hendel said. 

And he's almost there.

At the end of this weekend's intense three-day competition, "The top three athletes go to the CrossFit Games in [Los Angeles] and the top 50 athletes in the world will meet at the CrossFit Games where they'll compete for the title of 'Fittest Man on Earth' or 'Fittest Woman on Earth.

To follow Hendel's progress through the CF Games, visit the gym's Facebook page.

Gym Membership 

To date, the Medfield location has between 70 and 80 members ranging in age from about 17 to 60 years old, said Hendel who invites people to take advantage of a free trial to see if CrossFit is right for them.

"They can see how they like the facility, the facility, the routines; and after a week, they can choose to sign up for trial membership," he said. 

A trial membership is $75 for a month, and full membership is $200 each month, $190 for each of six months, or $180 for each of 12 months. 

Members have access to the gym and a variety of classes seven days a week. 

The gym also offers CrossFit Kids (ages 5 to 12), led by Luis Alvarez, to "help them develop a lifelong love of fitness" in a group setting. 

Said Hendel, "Here, you're going to get the best coaching that you're going to get in the area."

About Hendel

According to the company site, Hendel's certifications and qualifications include:

  • B.S. in Architectural Design and Technology
  • CrossFit Level 1
  • Coach’s Prep
  • Gymnastics
  • Powerlifting
  • Kettlebell
  • Olympic Lifting
  • CrossFit HQ Level One Seminar Staff member
  • CrossFit Games Competitor 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
  • Again Faster Sponsored Athlete
  • Reebok Sponsored Athlete


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