Why We Disaffiliated from CrossFit
This is a question we’ve received from a few of our gym members, so let’s take it back to the beginning—when this gym first started in 2015.
When I began training people as a business in 2015, the original name was Freedom Fitness. I chose that name because it reflected why I believed training was so important. To me, physical fitness represents freedom—the freedom to do what you love for as long as possible. Whether it’s hiking a tall mountain, skiing, snowboarding, or simply playing with your children and grandchildren without feeling exhausted, fitness gives you the ability to live life to the fullest.
However, before I purchased the building we’re currently in, I discovered that Freedom Fitness was already taken by a large gym chain out west. Around that time, I earned my CrossFit Level 1 certification, and Martha and I decided on the name CrossFit Axis. When we moved into our current gym space, we officially opened under that name in 2018.
Then came 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to close due to New York State restrictions. While the shutdown was a difficult time, it also gave me a rare opportunity to step back and reflect on the direction I wanted to take the gym.
The Shift in Focus
During those years running the gym, I noticed two key things:
Most people in our area had little to no understanding of what CrossFit actually was.
Those who did know CrossFit had only seen the CrossFit Games on TV.
This meant that many people associated CrossFit with elite athletes doing extremely challenging and intimidating movements. As a result, some were hesitant—even afraid—to walk into our gym. I realized that this perception was preventing people from pursuing fitness, simply because they believed CrossFit was beyond their abilities.
At the same time, emerging research was confirming what I had already observed: strength training was becoming the key focus for long-term health and longevity. Studies were increasingly showing that building strength was the most effective way to maintain an active, capable life well into old age.
With this in mind, when we reopened after the lockdowns, we rebranded as Axis Strength Training. It was one of the best decisions we could have made—business began to grow as more people felt comfortable walking through our doors, no longer intimidated by the CrossFit label.
What Changed?
In terms of how we train? Not much.
We’ve always prioritized strength training and have continued to incorporate elements of CrossFit where they make sense. CrossFit has done incredible things for the fitness industry, and I respect the methodology. However, our focus has always been on safe, effective, and fun workouts that help people make fitness a lifelong habit.
Our programming is built around systematic strength development, with supplemental workouts that improve muscle growth, cardiovascular endurance, and overall fitness. We take what works from different training styles and tailor it to our members' needs, ensuring an approach that is sustainable and adaptable.
I’ve never been one to fully buy into just one training philosophy. I believe in keeping an open mind, learning from all styles, and applying what works best for each individual. There is no single "right way"—there are many paths to fitness, and different things resonate with different people. That’s why we remain open-minded and continuously evolve our approach.
So, to answer the question: Yes, we were a CrossFit gym in the past, and yes, we made a change. But at the core, our mission has always remained the same—helping people get stronger, healthier, and more capable so they can enjoy life to the fullest.
I hope this gives you some insight into why we transitioned from CrossFit Axis to Axis Strength Training. If you ever have more questions, just ask—I’m always happy to chat!
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