MOSES LAKE - It's been a good year for Moses Lake's first CrossFit training facility.

Community interest in CrossFit has steadily grown since CrossFit Four Pillars was officially established last June, said owner and head coach Jen Lee.

"We started with about eight people working out in a park," she said. "We now have about 70 people and we're in a space dedicated for working out - we've grown much more than we thought we would."

CrossFit Four Pillars occupies a unit next to AIM Gymnastics on Western Avenue. Lee said people of all ages and abilities take classes at the facility.

"We see a total range here, from kids to adults in their sixties," she said.

Younger kids and teens often use CrossFit as a way to work on strength and conditioning when their sport is not in season, said Lee. And some of the adult participants are people who bike, run marathons or climb, and need a side training program.

However, a lot of participants are people who just want to work on improving their fitness levels, she said.

CrossFit is different than training at a conventional gym as only coach led, group training is provided. A coach teaches new skills and assesses performance with each class.

"There's a difference between exercise and training, and we train," Lee said. "What we do is help people improve and have them challenge themselves and push as hard as they can to meet new goals."

The great thing about CrossFit, she said, is that progress is easily measured. People who attend classes can see improvements in how high they can jump, how much weight they can lift and their range of motion, for example.

Lee said CrossFit is a great program because participants always have a team of people rooting for them.

"It's class based, so it's a lot like going to practice," she said. "You always have a team of people behind you, pushing you to improve."

CrossFit Four Pillars offers classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Members pay a flat fee and can attend whichever class fits their schedule.

Lee said they offer classes as early as 5 a.m. and as late as 5:45 p.m. There are also classes specifically for kids and teens.

People interested in CrossFit are welcome to observe a class, she said.

CrossFit Four Pillars was recently recognized by the Vision 2020 committee for their effort in helping the community stay fit and active. Vision 2020 recently awarded the facility their Visionary Award, which is given to businesses and individuals who are making a positive difference in the community.

Vision 2020 Chair Bill Ecret said CrossFit Four Pillars is making a difference by promoting the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.

"CrossFit Four Pillars has a direct impact on the continued improvement of the quality of life and future of our community," he said.