Southport Magazine

John Surigao of CrossFit Safe Haven assists a student. Photo by Kris Beasley

CrossFit has arrived in Southport! Started in 2000 by founder Greg Glassman, the fitness exercise program has been adding affiliated gyms across the USA for over a decade—finally reaching our immediate area as of this month. Based on strength training and conditioning, the goal of this program is to build muscle strength, increase heart and lung endurance, and improve flexibility in a group exercise environment. There are currently two CrossFit-affiliated gyms in our nook of Brunswick County.

In South Harbor off Long Beach Road, John Surigao has started CrossFit Safe Haven, a stand-alone CrossFit facility. A former UNC football player and West Brunswick High School football coach, Surigao has participated in the CrossFit program for more than four years and has been a certified CrossFit coach for over one year.

The Staff of CrossFit Safe Haven include certified male and female coaches. Basing his work outs on “functional movements performed every day in an energetic and communal” environment, Surigao is committed to CrossFit’s individualized and personalized training with every exercise session.

Currently, the program is in the “On Ramp” phase where participants are taught the basic movements and exercises under the guidance of the coaches. Participant Nirali Patel shared her enthusiasm for the program. “It is a lot different than just going to the gym,” she describes. “I love the team workout and coaching.”

In fact, during the brief time I observed the participants in action, the coach provided encouragement as well as constructive feedback to allow each participant to get maximum benefit from their movements.

Surigao has a goal to support youth athletics in Brunswick County with profits of this gym. He verbalized there are “no contracts and no egos,” emphasizing his goal to provide an exercise program that people want to attend. He believes strongly in the need to practice preventative health measures and will be incorporating a CrossFit Kids program as well. In addition, he has plans to bring Custom Fit Meals (prepared meals specializing in CrossFit’s dietary suggestions) and a nutritionist on board to assist participants in meeting their goals for a healthy lifestyle. Information on CrossFit Safe Haven can be obtained through www.crossfitsafehaven.com and CrossFit Safe Haven on Facebook.

Samantha Stephens leads a CrossFit class at her gym, Cape Fear Fitness. Photo by Kris Beasley

In addition, Cape Fear Fitness is implementing a CrossFit program as a part of their services. Located at 5130 Southport-Supply Road, Cape Fear Fitness gym has been an established business since 2008 but added CrossFit in February as a new program available to their members. For an additional charge, members can join the CrossFit program while still accessing the weight and cardio equipment as well as the variety of classes offered at the gym, such as TRX, yoga and spinning. Program leader Samantha Stephens brings energy and personal experience to this program, which is also staffed with male and female CrossFit-certified instructors.

As the trend has swept the USA, Stephens developed a love for CrossFit because of the motivation it provides. Not only did the program supply Stephens with immediate results, she experienced  a “shift in [work out] focus to become better at something” while progressing in the program which led her to pursue certification. She encourages participants to take part in a work out environment where “friends make it fun, and great relationships are formed.”

Classes began February 24th, 2014, but Stephens notes participants can start at any time. She invites anyone who is interested to call and speak with her or stop by the gym, as she is there almost every day. Also a mother, Stephens adds that childcare is provided at Cape Fear Fitness as well as a Fit Kids afterschool exercise program. Please contact Cape Fear Fitness at (910) 457-0085 or www.capefearfitness.net.