Located on 40 Jones Road in Waltham, CrossFit TILT was started by Wayland resident Len Dicarlo and his partner Max Isaac back in 2016. Dicarlo is the father of junior Sofia Dicarlo who attends Wayland High School. Since 2016, TILT has opened more locations in Cambridge, Sudbury and Southborough.
Dicarlo and Isaac’s plan to start a CrossFit business was derived from their inspiration and passion in exercising and wellness. Coaching staff at CrossFIT TILT are hired to be enthusiastic and bring excitement to gym members. The staff leads high intensity workouts through many different classes offered.
“Our inspiration for starting a crossfit program was believing in the crossfit methodology and wanting to help people reach their health and wellness goals,” Isaac said.
To Dicarlo and Isaac, the success of the business is extremely important. They care deeply for each of their clients’ needs, and attempt to maintain relationships with clients to help them reach their goals.
“Things that have made our business successful over the years are focusing on our client’s needs and employing high level trainers that care for the members inside and outside of class,” Isaac said.
TILT provides classes in a plethora of fitness categories, meaning there is something enjoyable for everyone. Each session circulates around a 60 minute time period. TILT provides a class called “Workout of the Day (WOD)” that is designed and directed by a coach to motivate and teach the participants. WOD focuses on different series of exercises in weight lifting that are directed to certain muscles in your body. They also offer an open gym option that creates space for individuals that prefer their own weight lifting training.
TILT was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as an extremely important aspect of the business was to have members be physically in the gym working out. This barrier created the need for TILT to expand past their usual in person sessions to virtual meetings.
“COVID affected our business in a significant way by shutting down the gyms and forcing us to turn our business virtual,” Isaac said. “Even after we were able to return to the gym, we were forced to create individual workout pods.”
After COVID-19, Isaac and Dicarlo were able to return to a normal environment with their normal systems for employees as well as members.
“Eventually, we were allowed to take down those pods and now we’re back to business as usual,” Isaac said.
In order to become an employee at TILT, it takes a long course of training including a boarding process. These trainings differ depending on what role you’re applying for.
“For a new employee at TILT, they need to go through a thorough boarding process that usually lasts up to six weeks,” Isaac said. “During those six weeks, coaches learn how to coach a full 60-minute class as well as things to do before and after writing lesson plans, and depending on if they’re a full-time or part-time employee, learning other full-time administrative duties.”
TILT is a community based business and provides a sense of belonging for its members. Many long term members have expressed that the coaching staff delivers experienced training and embraces first-time members. To add onto CrossFit TILT’s motivational and experienced coaching staff, the appealing amenities and facilities provided to its community are influencing people to join TILT.
“CrossFit TILT is truly the best in the business,” member Brittny Silke said on the CrossFit TILT website. “It is such a great community of people all working together and supporting each other. The coaching staff is next level and truly knows how to help you achieve your best in each and every class.”
The future of this business centers on the expansion of its current gyms. Dicarlo and Isaac are dedicated to their vision and fully invested in achieving their objectives.
“At this point, we plan on opening one new gym and then focusing on the gyms that we already have,” Isaac said. “We are both definitely excited for the future of our gym.”