The Best Hour

July 28, 2022

Since 2001, the CrossFit brand has been a growing, global phenomenon - inspiring people of all fitness levels to join the movement.

On June 27, 2022, Medicine Hat welcomed its newest downtown CrossFit gym, DOMAIN CrossFit, focused on creating a supportive community and a unique fitness experience. Local entrepreneur, Adam Andrews, says CrossFit became crucial to his mental and physical health and was determined to turn his passion into a full-time business.

“I’m in my early 40’s and have realized just how short life is,” said Andrews. “The only time I could really ever zone out from work and regular life issues was when I was doing CrossFit. I wanted to be doing it all the time.”

After selling everything he owned, Andrews and his wife spent many months and some of their retirement savings on traveling the world. Upon arrival back to the city, Andrews was determined not to return to a desk job so began his search for a studio location.

“I was very particular about the space I needed for the business,” said Andrews. “I wanted something central, that had concrete floors, had the right amount of square footage, and would accommodate us being loud! The location on North Railway was perfect and with a few renovations, we were able to transition the space to what we needed it for.”

DOMAIN CrossFit applied for the ‘Waterfront District Vibrancy Incentive’ managed by The City of Medicine Hat’s Invest Medicine Hat division. The incentive offers commercial developers or building owners, a 50 per cent matching investment (up to a maximum of $50,000) for permanent building improvements.

 “With the incentive, we painted, added two bathrooms, heightened the ceiling to accommodate our climb ropes, and added new lighting,” said Andrews. “We are so thankful the City provides these opportunities and invests in local business and infrastructure. It provides us with more stability and helps maintain buildings for the long-term.”

The DOMAIN CrossFit building features two large garage doors that open to North Railway Street, allowing the music and energy to flow to the streets. As well as an exposed brick interior from the original building development.

"Having the retractable doors creates a unique and authentic CrossFit vibe," says Andrews. “We encourage community interaction and want to positively contribute to the growing vibrancy in the place we call home.”

DOMAIN CrossFit is located at #1, 221 North Railway Street SE and can be found online at www.domaincrossfit.com.