By Perla Gomez
Dr. Christina Gipson (right) coaches Katie Wagner (left) on her form while doing weighted push ups during the Stamina class. Dr. Gipson is a co-owner and coach at the Garage in Statesboro, GA as well as an associate professor for the sports management program at Georgia Southern University.
Member Caroline McTeer taps her shoulders in an elevated plank position. "Before I knew about the Garage I was a member at the Zone at 180 Fitness," said McTeer, a business major at Georgia Southern University, "I like that everyone is so supportive here and helps each other out. It's a very motivating environment."
Dr. Gipson takes video clips of members Molly Kim (front), Ashley Burke (center), and Kayden Lowe (back) during the stamina class. Dr Gipson manages the Instagram account and Facebook group for the Garage.
After coaching the stamina class, Coach Madison Bishop (left) practices snatch high pulls with Dr. Christina Gipson (right). Bishop educates herself on forms and movements in order to teach and correct members during the workouts.
Following the stamina class, Coach Bailey Dorsee goes over the workout with the GarageFit class while demonstrating how to do a kipping swing. Garagefit is a class that incorporates weightlifting and basic gymnastic movements to complete a full body workout.
Member Pat Hill (left) watches as Molly Kim (right) performs a kipping pull-up during the Garagefit class. A kipping pull-up is a pull-up that uses momentum from swinging the body in order to drive the chest above the bar.
Members Pat Hill (front) and Shnara Allen (back) work on pushing the barbells from their shoulders over their heads. "I've been coming for two years now," said Hill, "I remember we started off as a small group and we kept growing until eventually Jason [co-owner] kicked us out of the FIT gym and told us we had to come to the location we're at now."
Dr. Gipson waits for her turn on the air bike during the weekly Saturday coach's workout. On Saturdays, available coaches will create a workout and workout with the members instead of coaching them.
Kayce Emrich works out on the rower, a machine that simulates rowing a boat and targets the entire body. "My husband and I used to go to Fusion training [formerly known as CrossfitBoro] and we knew Christina from when she was a coach there," said Emrich, "we heard Christina opened the Garage and we've been coming since January. It is smaller but it is more intimate and it feels more like a community."
Will Bryan (far left), Dr. Christina Gipson, (left), and Cam Brown (far right) watch Dr. Gipson's friend, Sierra Teta run as she returns with the weighted sled. The Garage offers a free trial class to the public who are potentially interested in joining or tag along with a member for the workout.
Dr. Christina Gipson (left) and member Will Bryan (right) race while pulling a weighted sled. Bryan attempts to catch up to Dr. Gipson but is unsuccessful.
Members Kayce Emrich (front) and Kayden Lowe (middle) perform pull ups with the ring rows. "I usually like to attend the 5:30 a.m. stamina class during the week," said Emrich, "I really fell in love with crossfit."
Member David Mclendon (left) and Coach Laura Carroll (right) sprint in opposite directions. Carroll coaches yoga at the Garage on select Sundays twice a month and McLendon attends early Garage fitness classes with his wife, Elena McLendon.
Member Elena McLendon (left) and Coach Justin Brewer (right) pass each other as they pull weighted sleds. "My favorite thing about the Garage is how inclusive it is. You’re always greeted with a smile and amazing attitudes from every member," said Brewer, "I wanted to coach because it’s amazing to see movements click with people after they’ve been working so hard to accomplish it. It’s fulfilling to have a small part in their success."
Georgia Southern Cheer alumna, Katie Wagner performs an overhead squat. "Being an athlete all my life has really made me enjoy working out and competing and the Garage helps me do that even after my collegiate career is over," said Wagner, "It also helps that the community within the Garage is so accepting and welcoming no matter if you're experienced in working out or if it’s something you’re trying for the first time. Everyone pushes each other to be the best version of themselves they can be."
Garagefit coach, Justin Brewer records himself rowing on the rower machine. "I record myself because I've never had a coach and I've always kind of coached myself," said Brewer, "recording myself gives me the opportunity to coach myself and fix my movements myself."
Member Michael McAlvin (left) hangs from the bar while he and Jorge Gonzalez (left) watch Will Bryan (center) perform a muscle up. Muscle ups increase strength in the upper body, arms, and back.
Georgia Southern Football alumnus, Michael McAlvin (left) observes Jorge Gonzalez (center) do a muscle up on the bar. Jorge Gonzalez is an assistant coach for professional soccer league Tormenta FC and founder of JG Training, a training program for soccer athletes.
Coach Madison Bishop (front), Kayden Lowe (center), and Michael McAlvin (back) rest against the wall after the workout. "I love the fun environment that the gym has," said Bishop, "it is full amazing people that I love to coach and workout with."
Members relax and stretch after the weekend workout. "I'm proud of the community and the people that have chosen to invest in themselves," said Dr. Gipson, "I love watching people grow; physically, mentally, and spiritually. I love the support, interest, and care that people show towards each other. The Garage is just a place that has had the ability to bring together some of the nicest, successful, coolest people in Statesboro."
