Gym Planned for Kirkwood Now Opening in Des Peres Instead

A new gym and CrossFit training facility initially planned for Kirkwood is instead opening down the road in Des Peres this weekend.

BARx CrossFit owner Ed Lampitt had received approval from the Kirkwood Planning and Zoning Commission to locate the high-intensity strength and conditioning program at 11216 Manchester Road.

But the owner of the Kirkwood building opted to sell the space to another prospect rather than lease it to him, he said.

So Lampitt withdrew his petition in late January and set out to find another location, settling a short distance away at 12072 Manchester Road, Des Peres. The change of plans didn’t form much of a setback, however, and BARx CrossFit is set to open March 2.

Lampitt, a senior vice president with Clayton commercial real estate firm Cassidy-Turley, was inspired to open a CrossFit facility because of his personal experience with the work-out regime. It focuses on combining a wide variety of exercises, such as weight-lifting or running, into a high-intensity workout that is timed or scored and varies constantly.

"It had such a great impact on my personal life, and we are trying to figure out any and every way to expand it," he said.

To that end, Lampitt will also introduce several philanthropy initiatives, including a wounded warrior program that will offer free classes for disable veterans. The goal, he said, is to bring the "CrossFit community into our local community."

BARx CrossFit is hosting a grand opening on Saturday with an open house from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit the website.