Grand Detour couple moves CrossFit gym to larger location, expands club's programs

When they returned home, Jennifer, 33, and her husband, Dagan, 32, did just that, opening CrossFit Rock River gym on River Road in Dixon in July.

Now they’ve moved to a larger facility at 210 W. Boyd St.

CrossFit Rock River’s motto is “stronger every day,” and those looking for an intense workout will find just that.

CrossFit, a national exercise program started by Greg Glassman, has more than 4,000 gyms nationwide. CrossFit exercise programs are characterized by high intensity, constantly varied and functional movement.

“We do functional fitness – that is our main focus,” the couple says on their website. “Functional movements are those movements found in everyday life: squatting to pick up a child, kneeling to tie your shoes, walking up stairs, reaching over your head for a box in the garage, standing up from a chair, pushing a lawn mower … 

“Not only will you have fun during our sessions, but after a short time you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in how you feel – and what you can accomplish with more efficiency and ease – as you go about your normal daily routines.”

The VanOostens, who both grew up in Polo, enlisted with the Marines served for more than a decade, oversee the training at their gym, where they also offer body composition and fitness, massage therapy, health and wellness clinics and babysitting services.

“We wanted to accommodate a fast-growing craze, as well as expand our business to offer several new programs for 2013,” VanOosten said of the move.

“We both have professional experience of using the hardcore principals of CrossFit to train Marines and civilians alike, and as prior staff noncomissioned officers, are uniquely qualified to offer the leadership and mentorship necessary to ensure each and every athlete reaches their fitness goals.”

The VanOostens live in Grand Detour with their two children, ages 7 and 1.

CrossFit Rock River

CrossFit Rock River, 210 W. Boyd St. in Dixon, is open from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.