A New Community is Forming in Lakeview East: Introducing Boomer Fitness

What started as a tri-weekly strength training class for adults 65 and older at Archetype CrossFit, 3161 N. Broadway, has evolved into something much more. Affectionately nicknamed “Boomer Fitness” by its participants, the program has become a gathering place where neighbors build strength, confidence, and lasting friendships. Beyond the workouts, members have created a supportive community that proves it’s never too late to stay active, connect with others, and try something new.

Archetype Crossfit is all about building healthy lifestyles. But healthy isn’t just about maintaining your physique, it’s also about creating healthy habits and fostering positive mindset. Archetype offers a variety of programs designed to help you on your journey to wellness. Whether it’s a personal training session with one of their dedicated coaches, or a nutrition consultation, the team is always ready to guide and encourage each and every member to reach their goals.

Their group crossfit classes are designed to accommodate all fitness levels, entailing roughly 60 minutes of certified, coach-led warm-ups and workouts. Inclusivity and approachability are always at the forefront, and this is best exemplified by their Boomer Fitness classes offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00-11:00 AM. These workouts are developed to build strength, flexibility, and overall fitness while maximizing safety. They’re also customizable for anyone with prior injuries or limitations.

Owner Matt Holden has been a personal trainer for more than seven years. Matt moved to Lakeview East with his wife, Hannah, from Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2018 and has been helping neighbors build healthier, stronger lives ever since. Matt launched Archetype (and later Boomer Fitness) with a simple goal: make fitness approachable, supportive, and something people actually enjoy. “I love helping people bring fitness into their lives,” says Matt. “My favorite people to work with are beginners who haven’t done much fitness before, because it is so rewarding to see the massive benefits that a good fitness routine brings into their lives.” Whether you’re looking for personal training, nutrition coaching, CrossFit classes, or a welcoming community to keep you motivated, Archetype offers a place for every stage of the fitness journey. And when Matt isn’t cheering on members in the gym, you’ll likely find him working on his golf game at the Diversey Driving Range.

“I was gonna brag on Matt… you know obviously this is a crossfit gym, and while obviously this is a boomer fitness class, there’s elements of crossfit as well. What he does is we all do things together as groups, but then he’s also very focused on the individual. There are varying abilities and ages, but he’s very focused on making sure no one is overdoing it and not going to hurt themselves. So it’s a protected environment in that way. Matt is making us the best… whatever age we are. That’s the thing I like about this. He’s encouraging us and pushing us. He wants us to be the best condition we can be at our age.” – Terry, 70 years old

The 65+ community that has been attending these classes in the past few months has been finding tremendous success and making strides in their fitness journey. Every member is given the special attention needed to ensure movements are done properly and safely, while remaining challenging and rewarding. The coach and owner of the studio, Matt Holden, makes the 60 minute class fly by with encouragement and light-hearted banter, as well as helpful tips for improving members’ workouts.

“It’s become a community. And I credit Matt for creating that by having us introduce ourselves with our name, and answering the question of the day. Which, you know generates some common interests or a few laughs. It’s just a very positive environment.” – Sharon, 76 years old.

The class has even outgrown Archetype’s doors, and given members’ a new social outlet and way to meet others that share the same age and lifestyle goals. Whether it’s hangouts after class, walks down to the lake, or group happy hours at the local bar, the class has spawned new opportunities for people to get together. The group has even made a habit of meeting at Muse Spirits on Friday nights for a cocktail night. As a neighborhood, community is a crucial part of making Lakeview East such an amazing place to reside. There’s something for everyone, and always a new way to get out and get active in your community.