At CrossFit Oconee, Saying 'Can't' Isn't an Option

It has swapped locations and even changed its name, but the mission of remains steadfast: train hard, set high standards, push limits, and break barriers.

The gym started out as Xtreme Fit two and a half years ago at a smaller facility on Jamestown Boulevard and moved to Hog Mountain Road 10 months later.  Then, on March 1 of this year, it opened its doors at its new 5,000 square foot facility next door to its original location.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 25, owner and head coach Michael Clarke told Oconee County Chamber of Commerce members it is the only CrossFit affiliated facility in Oconee County.

Professional, collegiate, and high school athletes train at CrossFit Oconee and have included Whitney Mantooth, a former member of the UGA National Championship Golf Team, and Kansas City Royals First Base Coach Doug Sisson, among countless others. But the training facility is open to anyone, and clients range in age from young children to senior citizens with load and intensity scaled to fit each individual.

CrossFit Oconee offers private, group and team sessions and nutrition guidance. It also boasts Vertimax training, equipment used to increase an athletes power, speed, and vertical jump.

Posted on a white board is the only allowable use of the word "can't" to be uttered inside the training center, Clarke said. The adaptation of a Jerry Rice quote reads:

Today we will do what other won't, so that tomorrow we can do what others can't.

To learn more about CrossFit Oconee, visit www.crossfitoconee.com or check it out on Facebook.