Community Corner

Keystone X Training Gives Working Out New Meaning

Take your routine to the next level at Keystone Health Club.

training sessions can best be described as a journey.

Led by Diane Scanlan and Chuck Schaffold, certified CrossFit trainers at Keystone Health Club in Turtle Creek, the one-hour sessions will test your mental and physical strength, pushing you to complete reps that you might not think you are capable of in the beginning. My friend of , who also is a participant, may have said it best.

“I really have seen huge strength gains since I started doing it, and it's definitely helped with my martial arts,” she said. “I have to laugh because usually right in the middle of the workout, I'm like 'WHAT am I doing? Really?!' But then it's such a great feeling when you finish, knowing how hard you pushed yourself!”

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When Lisa invited me to a class to write a story, I knew I had to participate to get the full effect. While initially I have to admit, I was a little scared, by the end, I was completely addicted. I pledged to myself this year that I would get in the best shape of my life and the Keystone X training will definitely take your routine to the next level.

CrossFit training is used to get many police officers and firefighters into top notch shape, so just ponder that for a moment.

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While every single class is different and designed to challenge and build muscle and endurance, the particular session I attended began with a warmup and consisted of four rounds of the following routine:

  • 40 lunges with a weight
  • 30 air squats
  • 20 Push ups
  • 10 GI Janes a.k.a. pull ups at a bar followed by a burpee
  • Flipping a huge Firestone tire five times

I repeat—you do that routine four times in a row. I absolutely loved this class first and foremost because of the trainers. Chuck and Diane walk around the room for the duration of your reps to push you harder and check your form. I’m pretty sure they’re the nicest trainers in the ‘burgh. When I felt like I was about to pass out, Diane told me to take a break. She told me I could do it and to keep going.

My second favorite aspect is the energy in the room. I was continually inspired by the fact that we were all doing this together and we were all going to finish. People of all fitness levels participate so there is no need for anyone to feel like they don’t belong. Even after day one, I felt like this was a CrossFit family and everyone was friendly.

Schaffold said the group is tight-knit.

“CrossFit is more of a community. It’s very open and very shared,” he said.

Amber Furman of Braddock Hills started coming to the classes 11 weeks ago and has lost seven pounds so far.

“I love it,” she said. “I like it because the instructors motivate you,” she said. “If I was working out on my own, I wouldn’t go half as hard as I do here.”

Mike Yezovich of Delmont attends the classes with his wife and members of his own family. He’s been coming for two months.

“It’s a good combination of strength with power lifting and cardio, but I really don’t like running so I get my cardio in while lifting weights,” he said. “The trainers are a real motivating factor—when you feel like you’re dead, they push you. You do things in here you never thought you could do and everyone is really supportive in the class—we’re here to help each other.”

I highly recommend this class for anyone who wants to make a change in their life. It’s not just a workout. It’s a way of proving to yourself that you can get through anything no matter how hard it is. Just like in life, CrossFit sessions give you waves of moments when you just want to quit, followed by the feeling of picking yourself up mentally and telling yourself that you got it. You can do this. The music is blasting and you’re surrounded by amazing people who have your back. So, join the fun and change your life with Keystone X!

A single session costs $20 while a five class punch card is $75. The classes are offered to both members and nonmembers of Keystone Health Club so they are open to all. For more information visit www.keystone-x.com. Follow Keystone X on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/mykeystonex.

Keystone Health Club is located at 655 Braddock Avenue, 15112 in the Keystone Commons building. Enter the club on Cable Avenue by heading up to the third floor of the free parking garage.


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