Located in Lewis Center, Ohio (just north of Columbus), CrossFit 1803 is a small, family-friendly CrossFit gym that feels like a second home!
Hi Friends!
So, as I’ve mentioned a few times, the last few months have been a little crazy.
Hubby and I, along with our business partner & friend Pat, opened our very own Crossfit gym!
The whole process has been quite a whirlwind. Within just a couple months, it went from a pipe dream to reality. We formed an LLC, became an official CrossFit affiliate (we chose CrossFit 1803 because 1803 is the year Ohio became a state), found a location, negotiated a lease, wrote an operating agreement, bought equipment, etc.
Then, once we got the keys, Hubby, Pat & I (along with Jackie- my BFF & Pat’s girlfriend) totally overhauled the space, including cleaning, painting everything but the bathrooms, laying rubber flooring, installing a rig, mounting our computer system and tvs, assembling shelving, setting up equipment (and more!) in just 12 days.
The gym went from this:
to this:
Each day I put together a little video of what we accomplished to post on our Instagram page (follow us!). Now that we’re all done, I put all those videos together into one so you can see the transformation!
Pretty crazy, right?!
It was a lot of long days (and nights) at the gym and then even later nights coming home to work on all my other work…but it was totally worth it to see it up and running now!
We had an opening workout and kickoff on August 2nd and were fully up and running on August 5th. The rest of the photos in this post were taken by our amazing photographer friend Jessica (ignore the fact that some of them look blurry bc I had to compress them for the blog!)
Gym:
Lobby:
So we’ve been at it about 2 weeks now and it’s been amazing.
Squish has pretty much been living at the gym and he’s been such a trooper. It was challenging during the buildout as he was very mommy-attached and we were there for really long days…plus tools laying around, it was hot, etc…but we got through it. Now he comes with us every day for workouts and he’s getting more and more used to the place. He has his own office for naps and his own bucket of gym toys.
We’re really focusing on building a community, not just a gym.
From our website:
This is a passion project. We are turning our vision into a reality- “Home”. We’ll measure success not by how many pounds were lifted or lost, but by the amount of ENCOURAGEMENT, determination, and effort given, and how many people improved from the day before. As unlikely as it may sound, we KNOW that a workout can be the best hour of your day. This will be as much as a home to those who workout here as the place they lay their head at night. It will be an inviting atmosphere, with your typical barbells, kettlebells, and rubber flooring, but we want to hang your family picture out in the lobby because this is OUR Home. You can’t wait to get here and attack a workout with your usual crew, celebrating their efforts as well as your own. You’ll end up hanging around afterwards for a morning cup of coffee, in your usual mug, because you genuinely want to learn more about these people. After all, they discovered right alongside you that they are capable of so much more than they ever thought.
We’ve already got some amazing members and our little community is growing every day! I couldn’t be prouder of how everything turned out. Check out our website and if you’re ever in Columbus, be sure to drop by for a visit!
Cheers to dreams coming true, hard work paying off and all the new adventures yet to come!
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–
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Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
Congratulations! That is going to be so fun to have your own Crossfit studio. And I bet you will create a wonderful space for other mothers in the area to workout, especially because Squish is there!
Lindsay says
that’s the goal!
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says
Congratulations Lindsay! I wish you and your box all the success!
If I was in your part of the world I would definitely be checking 1803 out! My husband and I have recently moved from scotland to Australia and are on the hunt for a new box… Leaving our old box in Scotland (our 2nd home) was so hard! But I’m excited about meeting some new friends here in Oz!
Lindsay says
ooh i hope you find a good one!!
Madeline @ FoodFitandFam says
I am SO SO SO happy and proud of you friend! I wish I could join your box 🙂
Lindsay says
come visit with the girls. we’re very kid friendly 🙂
Katie @ Mom to Mom Nutrition says
So awesome Lindsay!! It’s amazing what you all did in just 12 days. AND with a baby nonetheless!
Lindsay says
thanks friend!
Dietitian Jess says
Congrats! The box and the website look great- good luck with growing! I’ll be in Columbus in October so I just might have to check it out
Lindsay says
yes! would love that!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
CONGRATS, girl!! If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that the COMMUNITY is what makes the box and helps that box grow and flourish! I can’t wait to see what you guys do and hope to come in for a visit someday! 🙂
Lindsay says
good to hear!! come visit soon!
lindsay Cotter says
i’m ready to move! can i come workout? I’ll make healthy bites for post workout snackage!
Lindsay says
deal!
Morganne @ Nut Butter Runner says
Congratulations! What an exciting adventure for you both! I will definitely be swinging by whenever I get to Ohio 🙂
Lindsay says
yay! can’t wait!
Rebecca says
Congrats! Your space looks awesome!
Lindsay says
thanks Rebecca!
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
Congratulations, Lindsay!! This is awesome news!
Lindsay says
Thanks so much Sara!
Cat @ Reader/Eater says
YAYAYAYAAYAYAYAYAAAAAAYYYY. I love this like whoa. also? the new header. it’s tops.
bad pun.
Lindsay says
uhhhh great pun 🙂
Nicole @ Pumps & Iron says
Congrats!! How exciting! 🙂
Lindsay says
thanks Nicole!
She Rocks Fitness says
Way to dream BIG and go for it! It looks awesome and so happy for you guys!
Lindsay says
thanks K!
Liz says
So exciting!! Congrats! 🙂
Lindsay says
thank you!
Nathan Sado says
Wow the place looks like it is coming along nice. Well done!
Jolene says
HUGE congrats!!!! Such a feat and accomplishment!
Lindsay says
thanks jo!
Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food says
I think it’s so awesome that you opened your own Crossfit place! I know you love the workouts and I’m sure it’s so exciting to have your own little space! I swear my husband and I will have to drive out one day!
Lindsay says
yes! that would be so amazing. we can wod and eat a late dinner 🙂
Anne @fANNEtasticfood says
This is amazing – I can’t believe you did all this given how much else you had going on with work and the new little one! Props to you guys for having a dream and going for it. Proud of you! Wish you were here so I could go to your gym – sounds and looks amazing! 🙂
Lindsay says
thanks friend! if you’re ever nearby with all your travels we’ll wod together!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Cannot wait to check it out and….babysit Squish.
Chris says
OMG Lindsay that’s so awesome! Next time I’m up in Columbus I’m totally coming to YOUR (!!!) box! =)
Lindsay says
i would love that!
Amber says
Very belated, but many congrats! I’m not a cross-fitter, but have been following your blog for quite a while and it’s clear how passionate about it & dedicated to it you are! Wishing you & the other co-owners many happy days ahead 🙂