New Fitness Facility Coming to Kirkwood

A new gym could soon be coming to Kirkwood, filling a vacant space at 11216 Manchester Road. Ed Lampitt, a Kirkwood resident, has submitted an application for BARx Crossfit, a fitness facility that focuses on strengthening and conditioning.

Lempitt said crossfit is an innovative concept that focuses on high-intensity training, achieved through lifting, squatting, pressing and running, among other exercises.

“You do it as much and as fast as you can,” Lempitt told the planning and zoning commission at their Jan. 2 meeting.

Lempitt said his goal was to have small classes of up to 10 members at the time. He said the gym would most likely open early in the morning, from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and also have classes in the evening, with classes typically lasting approximately one hour.

BARx will offer classes for the general public and for the youth. In addition, Lempitt said, the gym will offer free classes for veterans who have been disabled since 9/11.

“We are really passionate about our veterans program,” Lempitt said.

Lempitt said he first fell in love with the program while taking classes at CrossFit Kirkwood.

“It has had an extremely positive impact in my life,” Lempitt said. “We hope to help others live healthier, happier lives through crossfit.”

The planning and zoning commission appointed a subcommittee to make recommendations about the new facility for their next meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Jan. 16 at Kirkwood City Hall.