My Biz: Working out at the 'farm'

CEDAR RAPIDS — On any given early morning if you happen to find yourself in Czech Village, you may notice a small group of people flipping large tractor tires around a parking lot. They aren't getting ready to plow and they certainly aren't doing it just for fun.

They are working out, as members of Fitness FARM, owned by Erik Barnhill and Cliff Rudzki.

The 'FARM' in Fitness FARM stands for 'fitness as it relates to me' and the gym's members are known as 'farmers.'

'We do functional fitness and Olympic weightlifting training, but one of our biggest things is that we are not just helping people reach their personal fitness goals,' Rudzki said. 'We are also building confidence. It's amazing how this helps you outside these walls.

'And we really enjoy seeing people achieve their goals, especially new members that don't have as much confidence coming in.'

Fitness FARM is not an open-gym format but offers set times for group training with a personal trainer. There are no contracts, the first week of workouts is free and after that members pay on a monthly basis or can buy punch cards.

'We try our best to make the reason you come here not about money,' Rudzki said. 'We want you to be here because you want to and feel a sense of accomplishment.'

Each day the workout of the day, or WOD, includes everything from active warm ups, mobility training, weight lifting and plyometric movements over a one-hour session.

Fitness FARM began in 2011 when Barnhill, who has more than 20 years' experience as a trainer, was operating a personal training business in a home garage. He had various personal training clients, including the Cedar Rapids Rollergirls, and quickly outgrew the garage space. He found a location on the northeast side of town.

In the past couple years the gym saw dwindling membership, but Rudzki — who joined back in 2013 — believed in the program that Barnhill had put together and became a business partner. They also found a new location in the back half of a large building in the heart of Czech Village.

'Things are going really well so far,' said Rudzki of their new location. During the recent Houby Day festival, for example, they hosted sunrise and sunset yoga on the Bridge of Lions. They also sponsored a 'beer mile.'

Just this past weekend, members of Fitness FARM participated in the Murph Challenge — a national Memorial Day fundraising event that pushes participants to complete a one-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats and another one-mile run all while wearing a 20-pound vest or body armor.

The team — made of up five trainers — at Fitness FARM also will be part of 'Know Your Local' at NewBo City Market's Meet Me at the Market event later this month.

'Not everyone is coming to work out here to be an Olympic weightlifter,' he added. '...

Some people come in and say, 'I just want to run a mile without stopping' or 'I want to be more active and be able to pick up my grandkids.''[naviga:h3 style="padding-left: 30px;"]AT A GLANCE

Co-owners: Cliff Rudzki and Erik Barnhill

Business: Fitness FARM LLC

Address: 56 16th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids

Phone: (319) 431-0768

Website: www.fitness-farm.com

Know a business in operation for at least a year we should consider for 'My Biz'? Contact michaelchevy.castranova@thegazette.com