Fitness Gym Opens in Old Town Lilburn

If getting in shape is your new year’s resolution, there’s good news: There's now one more option in Lilburn.

DFC CrossFit opened Jan. 2 at 95 Main Street, in Old Town, in the former Enchanted Forest location.

Don’t let the CrossFit part of it scare you. A lot of people are afraid of CrossFit, because “it looks intimidating,” owner Karen Ward says. But, "the skills are taught from the ground up."

No workout is the same, so there's no boring repetition and stress on the same joints and muscles, Ward says. It's high intensity, but scaled to each client, and it's composed of everyday movements.

Ward already has a solid client base, since she's been working with many of them for a decade or more in different places around Gwinnett. And so there seems to be a social aspect, too. During a recent afternoon workout, participants signed a greeting card for a member before and after the session.

"It's the people that make my classes so much fun," she said. "Something special happens when a group shares sweat and laughter. The camaraderie is magical."

And Ward said she's thrilled to now have this location "near my people and close to the beautiful Lilburn Park and trail."

Ward has been in fitness training since 1979.

"I've been researching, teaching, coaching, and developing fitness programs in schools, fitness centers, and on my own for my entire career," she said. "It's my passion."

Many of Ward's clients are between 45 and 65 years old, she said, and some have been working out with her for many years.

"I can't help with sagging skin, but I can promise better posture, less fat, more muscle, more energy, increased mobility, and more fun!," Ward said. "You should see what (clients) can do now. They are amazing!"

For more information, contact Karen Ward at 678-779-3387 or karenward2@gmail.com. Click here for rates, schedules and more.