By Sarah Pope
Rare Breed Crossfit & Athletics, a new gym in Waldo, seeks going against the Crossfit stereotype of intense athleticism, and creating a welcoming fitness space for all.
“I think people are intimidated by CrossFit,” said owner and lead instructor Ryann Bowser. “It can be so scary, you think of elite athletes. I want to get away from all that.”
Bowser’s mission is to teach CrossFit in a way that embraces all ages, genders, bodies, at all levels, supporting and celebrating her clients.
“I want this to be an inclusive environment and safe space for LGBTQ+, which is very near and dear to my heart,” she said. “I want to create that community. Speaking from being a lesbian and being at several gyms, you walk into a gym and people don’t know your pronouns.”
CrossFit, with its focus on weightlifting, strength training and cardio can make it feel out of reach for the average person, but Bowser is quick to stress that at Rare Breed her focus is on long term health.
“We’re not working to be jacked,” she said. “We want health and longevity. We’re doing it for the bigger picture: to be strong, feel confident and healthy and increase bone density and stability.”
Rare Breed offers classes with Olympic Weightlifting components, so that participants can perfect their form while building their strength to lift heavier amounts of weights. Bowser customizes the experience for each participant so that they can focus on the outcome they want while still being involved in a group experience.
Carol Douglas joined Rare Breed for exactly that. Douglas, who attended the gym’s grand opening event on Dec. 16 with her wife Emily Johnson, will turn 64 years old in January and wants to get fit for the future.
“I was strong when I was younger but I feel I’m losing muscle mass,” she said. “I can either do a diet pill (to get back into shape) or I can do it the old fashioned way—diet and exercise.”
Douglas had been trying different gyms and knew immediately that Rare Breed was the right place for her after meeting Bowser and talking about her health and fitness goals.
“I came feeling pretty down and I left feeling a lot of hope and excitement,” Douglas said. “The truth is, I am one of those people that likes sports. I’ve never been into exercise for the sake of exercise. But I like the way I feel when I leave—I feel like I’ve been able to accomplish something.”
Taylor Farrar of Prairie Village, Kan., also attended the grand opening event and participated in a workout Bowser offered that day. She felt that Bowser explained all of the exercises to her really well.
“I had never done CrossFit before but once you are in the zone, it’s different,” she said. “It’s more comforting than I thought it would be.”
Tyler Muniz, a fireman who regularly competes in Strongman Competitions, which focus on lifting the heaviest possible weight of varying items, enjoyed the workout he did during the grand opening event.
“I’m glad we have this in this little part of Waldo and I hope it grows,” he said.
Bowser grew up playing sports and was always involved in fitness. She had previously managed a gym in Gardner, Kan., and hadn’t ever given much thought to owning her own business. But when she heard about a space available in Waldo she jumped at the chance.
“I didn’t have opening a gym in mind but I didn’t even look back,” she said.
Her father Bryan Bowser helped with the demolition and remodel of the gym space. He was visibly proud at the grand opening.
“This has been quite the project,” he said. “She’s given up a lot to get this venture going.”
Bowser’s fiancé Myranda Prather admires the community that Bowser has already built at Rare Breed.
“Being in a space where you are encouraged, supported and celebrated really changes the game,” she said. “Ryann makes every person feel welcome and meets them wherever they are in their personal journey. . . And that’s what makes it so special.”
Rare Breed CrossFit & Athletics is located at 305 W 80th St, Kansas City, Mo., just east of Wornall along the Trolley Trail.
Learn more about programs and classes at www.rarebreedcfathletics.com
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