Energy. Goals. PRs. Challenges. Community. Family. Fitness. Fun. Just a few words that describe CrossFit East Cobb or “the box” as members call it. Everyone at CrossFit East Cobb has a fitness goal and is there to achieve it. Some have finite goals and others just want to get healthy, relieve stress, and feel better in their own skin.
Owners Christopher Sims and Jason Sobczak are quick to point out that although the workouts are high intensity, CrossFit East Cobb is not solely an extreme fitness gym. “We are always hearing ‘I can’t do what you do,’” says Chris. “Not all of our members can squat 400 pounds or run a five-minute mile. When someone comes into CrossFit East Cobb we assess how good his or her engine is, we then create a fitness plan for that individual. We train all types here — kids, seniors, runners, triathletes, busy moms and dads trying to get in before and after work. The workouts simply differ by varying degrees of intensity. The needs of a 40-year-old soccer mom and an Olympian differ by degree, not type.”
Chris and Jason bring an interesting mix of experience to their roles as owners and trainers at CrossFit East Cobb. As evidenced by the military motif and flags that adorn the gym, both have military backgrounds and training. Chris has served in the U.S. Army for more than 16 years. For the past 11 years, he has been a Green Beret in the 20th Special Forces Group. His military service spans six combat rotations and he continues to serve in the Army National Guard. Jason was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army for three years after high school, left to attend college on the GI bill, and has worked in the mortgage business for the last 15 years. He reenlisted after September 11, 2001 with the Georgia Army National Guard’s Long Range Surveillance Company, completing a four-year enlistment in 2005. Chris and Jason met in the Guard in 2002 after Chris had left active duty.
Chris started CrossFit training while in the Special Forces Qualification course in 2005. Special Operations Command had begun to use this new fitness program as a test bed for improving America’s Elite warriors. Once Chris experienced the benefits of CrossFit training he never turned back. Chris encouraged Jason to try CrossFit training and Jason could not get enough. During the next few years they remained in touch and discussed the possibility of opening a CrossFit gym; they finally agreed and CrossFit East Cobb was born in 2009.
As one of the first team of owners to bring CrossFit to the metro Atlanta area, Chris and Jason decided on East Cobb to open their gym. Chris grew up in East Cobb, having attended Mt. Bethel Elementary, Dickerson Middle, and Walton High Schools. Returning to his roots, Chris and his family now reside in East Cobb. Both owners have put their leadership and organizational skills, as well as their energy, into establishing a successful fitness facility. In addition, Chris founded Fitness Fueling Awareness, a 501c3, to give back to the local community. Each year in July, CrossFit East Cobb hosts a charity golf tournament at the Indian Hills Country Club with all proceeds going to support awareness, treatments, and research for Cystic Fibrosis in conjunction with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Since opening day on June 6, 2009, CrossFit East Cobb has been at its current location near the intersection of Johnson Ferry and Lower Roswell Roads. With more than 6,000 square feet and 200+ members, CrossFit East Cobb has built solid roots in the community. Recently named “Best CrossFit Gym in Atlanta” for 2015 by BEST Self Magazine, CrossFit East Cobb continues to be in the top 3 percent of affiliate gyms in the metro Atlanta area and recognized by Reebok as a “preferred partner.” This award and relationship is extended only to those affiliates that lead the way in the fitness industry.
Adult classes start as early as 4:30am and the last class ends at 8:30pm. The gym has three classes on Saturday and open gym on Sundays. Specific sessions are offered for kids, seniors, and women only. CrossFit East Cobb has a dedicated women’s bathroom and changing room along with three showers and two coed bathrooms. The facility is located at 4696 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 700, Marietta, GA 30068.
Reprinted from EAST COBBER’s March 2016 issue
