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<\/p>\nFifteen years ago, Lief Larson and his wife signed the lease for Carson City\u2019s first CrossFit gym, a relatively new idea in the fitness landscape in 2011.<\/p>\n
Since that time, Carson City CrossFit has continued to expand while remaining true to what Larson said is the ethos of CrossFit: improving functional movement holistically, whether someone is an active-duty military member looking to bulk up, or a grandmother in her 70s who wants to remain independent for as long as possible.<\/p>\n
Last week, Larson and their crew celebrated the gym\u2019s 15th \u201cbirthday\u201d with a party that began by going through the very first workout the gym ever held back in April of 2011. Then, they did a \u201cbeer mile\u201d race in the alley in which participants had to drink a beer (or for many, a sparkling water) every 400 meters until they reached the end of their mile sprint. Then the crew turned to a brisket barbecue and a cornhole tournament while talking about how the gym has changed over the years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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For Larson, the milestone was a moment to reflect on how far the gym has come since its early days as a passion project.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would say this started as a hobby,\u201d Larson recalled. \u201cWe had a passion for CrossFit and wanted to help people.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2011, Larson and his wife, both working full-time jobs and living in South Lake Tahoe, rented an empty warehouse space in Carson City to introduce the area to a relatively new fitness methodology.<\/p>\n
At the time, the local fitness landscape was heavily dominated by big box gyms packed with cardio machines and isolated weightlifting equipment. Early CrossFit had a \u201cgarage, kind of grungy, hardcore\u201d reputation that intimidated some people, Larson said, but it took off quickly across all demographics. At their gym, they have current clientele ranging from Larson\u2019s three-year-old grandson, to a 73-year-old grandfather wanting to stay fit.<\/p>\n
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Larson (left) with stepson and general manager Jake, and his grandson \u2014 the gym\u2019s youngest member at just three years old.<\/p>\n
Today, the gym has slowly taken over neighboring suites in its building, transforming from a crammed sliver of a warehouse into a sprawling community hub.<\/p>\n
While CrossFit is often associated with elite athletes or bulky weightlifters, Larson emphasizes that his gym\u2019s core mission is everyday functionality. The programming is intentionally designed around natural, compound movements rather than the isolated muscle exercises common in traditional bodybuilding.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt makes no sense for elderly people to do bicep curls,\u201d Larson said. \u201cBut it does make a lot of sense for them to do a deadlift off the ground.\u201d He explained that the ability to squat properly translates directly to getting out of a chair or using the toilet independently as we age, and a deadlift is simply the safe, natural way to pick a dropped object off the floor.<\/p>\n
In a single group class, a law enforcement officer might be working out alongside a great-grandmother. While the intensity and weight vary \u2014 scaling from heavy barbells to PVC pipes or simple bodyweight exercises \u2014 the foundational movements remain the same for everyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal isn\u2019t to get everybody to [the fittest athlete\u2019s] level,\u201d Larson said. \u201cIt\u2019s a goal to get everybody to improve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond the barbell, Larson advocates for straightforward nutritional habits, frequently reminding his members that \u201cyou cannot out-train a bad diet.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Larson said their ethos is simple which makes it easy to adhere, unlike fad diets with significant restrictions. Their advice is to eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and no sugar. Larson advises clients to \u201cshop the perimeter\u201d of the grocery store, avoid chemical preservatives, and entirely cut out added sugars \u2014 as much as is feasible at least.\u00a0Any improvement is the goal, no matter how small.<\/p>\n
He said the shared commitment to challenging workouts and healthy living creates an environment that Larson said they embrace wholeheartedly, even if CrossFit itself sometimes carries a \u201ccult\u201d label. He said he\u2019s aware of the reputation CrossFit sometimes carries, but doesn\u2019t shy away from it; he prefers the term \u201cculture\u201d which he said simply means a group of like-minded individuals who train hard together.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis place looks a lot different than say Anytime Fitness,\u201d Larson said. \u201cNobody wears headphones in here \u2026 we cheer everybody on \u2019til the last person\u2019s finished. So, you feel a camaraderie.\u201d He said by stepping into the \u201cpain cave\u201d together, members forge a unique, family-like bond built on self-accountability and mutual support.<\/p>\n
As the business has matured, so have its operations. Over the years, Larson has navigated the difficult challenges of raising rates to survive inflation, standardizing coaching credentials, and adapting to modern social media marketing.<\/p>\n
Now 47, Larson is preparing for the gym\u2019s next chapter by slowly handing over the reins to his stepson, Jake, who currently serves as the general manager.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Over the next few years, Larson plans to equip Jake with all the necessary tools to succeed, ensuring the gym\u2019s core methodology and focus on personal relationships remain intact.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Despite the rise of competing high-intensity fitness franchises, Larson is committed to staying true to the original CrossFit methodology that has proven successful for his members.<\/p>\n
Even after a decade and a half in business, Larson said he refuses to become complacent. Whether it\u2019s replacing worn-out equipment, starting new programming to reach new demographics, investing in professional development for his coaching team, or simply striving for a cleaner facility, he said they are constantly looking for ways to push the gym forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like we\u2019re just getting started, to be honest,\u201d Larson said.<\/p>\n
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