Sep 4, 2015 - Things to Do

Inside Charlotte’s newest box: CrossFit Mecklenburg (13 photos)

Andrew Dunn

A new CrossFit gym – or box in the parlance of our times – has opened just down South Boulevard from South End and in the middle of a trio of Charlotte social spots. CrossFit Mecklenburg officially opened Sept. 1 and we went down to check it out.

The gym is in the same building as the soon-to-open Doc Porter’s Distillery, off of Old Pineville Road and in walking distance of Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and Sugar Creek Brewery.

Brendan McNeirney, 38, is the general manager and head coach. He’s a High Point University sports management grad and been in Charlotte since 2001. He’s also been a staple of the city’s CrossFit scene for years. He launched the program at the Harris YMCA, and later ran the program at South Tryon Athletic Center.

At CrossFit Mecklenburg, McNeirney said he wants to build a community-first gym that believes that competition is important, but not the most important thing in the world. The goal here is not to make the CrossFit Games on ESPN, but to relieve stress.

“I want people to come in and smile and laugh, but also get results,” McNeirney said.

The workout focuses on high-intensity, functional movements. Proper technique on the squat, deadlift and overhead press are key, McNeirney said. The class will begin with a warm-up focused on a skill or movement before the traditional workout of the day.

McNeirney plans for classes to be diverse both demographically and athletically.