Marion residents Matt and Jenn Christopher want people to get off the scale.

While the husband and wife duo know how important diet and exercise are for overall health, the certified fitness instructors say most people tend to take for granted how integral our muscles are to daily routines.

To get their muscles in fighting shape, the couple began taking CrossFit workout courses and Seaside CrossFit was born.

“I’ve been teaching boot camps for years, but I didn’t realize how weak and imbalanced I was. I was overdoing cardio and I wasn’t focusing on building muscle strength,” said Jenn, a certified fitness instructor since 1999.

The Christophers say what distinguishes CrossFit from other fitness programs is its focus on strengthening muscles for what they describe as functional movements.

Crossfit workouts are short, but intense. Sessions generally last for 20 to 30 minutes and can include anything from weightlifting and rope climbing to push-ups and flipping tires over that would normally be used on a tractor.

Earlier this month, the couple moved their franchise of the fitness program from their garage to the town's YSI building at 13 Atlantis Drive to accommodate a growing list of clients. Jenn also instructs classes through the town's Recreation Department.

Whether it’s picking up your child, a basket of laundry or a tire, the Christophers say building muscle mass through CrossFit courses can make any of these common chores much easier.

“It works and it’s efficient,” Matt said. “Most of our clients are in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s and many of them are doing things they haven’t done in their entire lives. It teaches you how to use your body by using the major muscle groups.”

While it may take several tries before you can climb to the top of a rope or lift yourself on gymnastic rings, the Christophers say you can't argue with the results.

“I’ve had people say to me that they haven’t lost any weight, but they’ve dropped two pants sizes," Jenn said. "It’s all about building muscle. People feel good in their own skin. It’s like a community. Everyone is working to get there as a team.”