"Why are you guys running around the parking lot?"

It was one of the most common questions offered over a year that included both record-breaking snow fall and scorching summer heat.

That's because the folks at CrossFit Lake Highlands are regularly seen shedding pounds and getting into shape, rain or shine, in and around their location in the Lake Ridge Shopping Center.

And now, CFLH is nearing its one year anniversary!

First birthdays are usually a time of celebration, coupled with reflection and reveling in memories of the year passed.

But according to the owners of CrossFit Lake Highlands, Lisa and Chris Schmiedeke, Kristen and Mark Barnett, along with new owners Alison and Warren Sibley, they have little time for either as they prepare to mark their first year in business.

CrossFit LH started in a 2,000 square foot storefront next to the LH pizza joint, Atomic Pie.

"We've experienced such exciting growth that we've had to relocate across the parking lot to a new 9,000 square foot space," explains Chris.

"The new space allows us to accommodate more members and greater flexibility with the workouts."

The snow and heat weren't the only challenges that the CFLH crew met over their first year. According to Chris there were also plenty of misconceptions.

"Most of the conversations we have begin with people thinking they have to be in shape before they start CrossFit."

"They see all these fit people running around the parking lot and get intimidated."

"Yes, we have a lot of marathoners and triathletes, but we also have people who have shown up weighing 400 pounds."

Chris says it's the process of getting into shape that becomes the glue that binds the CrossFit Lake Highlands members so closely and helps produce the results.

Kristen identifies price as another common roadblock.

"People compare us to a globo-gym, like some in the area, and try to compare our prices to theirs," she says.

"We're completely different. All of our workouts are led by a CrossFit coach. A coach who's there to motivate, reinforce safety and get the most out of each participant."

"We have no desire for members to pay a monthly fee and then never show up."

CrossFit workouts are done in groups at specific times throughout the day, and every workout is scaled for the individual.

Recent growth has allowed the CFLH partners to streamline their way of doing business.

"We just changed our pricing structure and provided an additional option for new members," says Lisa.

"Each potential CrossFit participant begins with a free, one-hour introduction, including a personal meeting with a CFLH coach."

"The coach explains what CrossFit is and isn't, assesses fitness goals and fitness levels, explains some basic movements – and then comes the workout."

"After completing the workout, the coach will help each individual determine how to proceed."

"Depending on fitness level and confidence, that might include basic training three times a week or regular classes."

The CFLH partners are clear about their mission. They don't have time to sit back and enjoy first year celebrations.

"We're busy preparing for our future," says Chris.

"Our CrossFit Kids program is really taking off, and the kids love it."

"In the next few months we'll also begin classes to help the over 50 crowd, endurance classes, on-site corporate wellness, and specialized training for individual sports."

Lots of great options for folks looking to get healthy, stay fit and Shop Lake Highlands.

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For the month of November, the CFLH team is offering one month CrossFit Basics Memberships for $50.00. (A $75.00 value)

Each Saturday at 9:00 a.m. CFLH offers a free workout, open to the public, so folks can try a CrossFit class.

For more information about CrossFit Lake Highlands visit their website here or call 214.494.XFIT. (9348)