Level Up, a new functional fitness center specializing in CrossFit and Hyrox, opened in Lingen in May 2024. Founded by Philip Peistrup and Kai Wibbelt, the facility is the first CrossFit box in Lingen and the second in the Emsland region, supported by a €5,000 grant from the City of Lingen’s innovation fund.
City Officials Visit New Functional Fitness Hub
Lingen Mayor Dieter Krone, Local Mayor Michael Teschke, and Sophia Gebken from the economic development office recently visited Level Up to review the company’s early growth. According to the City of Lingen, Mayor Krone described the center as an “innovative sports offer” that successfully blends physical activity with community engagement.
The venture received financial backing via the City of Lingen (Ems) innovation fund. The founders applied for a €5,000 subsidy in May 2024, which was approved and paid out following a decision by the Economic and Property Committee.
Training Philosophy and the Hyrox Integration
Philip Peistrup and Kai Wibbelt designed Level Up as a “fitness living room” where the focus is on functional movement rather than elite athletic performance. While the gym offers traditional CrossFit, it also incorporates Hyrox, a fitness competition that combines running with functional workout stations.
Peistrup stated that the goal is for members to start at their own level and progress incrementally, which inspired the name “Level Up.” Wibbelt’s expertise stems from a decade of practicing CrossFit, which he began in Cologne, while Peistrup’s drive came from a personal health transformation.
Facility Specifications and Group Coaching
To ensure individual attention, Level Up limits training groups to a maximum of 12 participants. According to the founders, this allows trainers to scale exercises to fit the specific fitness level of each member. Each session follows a standardized structure:
- Warm-up and Mobilization: Preparing the body for movement.
- Technique and Strength: Focused skill development and resistance training.
- Workout of the Day (WOD): The high-intensity conclusion of the session.
The facility features a large training area equipped with rowing machines, bikes, and wall ball stations. Members also have access to an “Open Box” for independent training and an outdoor area for use during favorable weather.
Growth Metrics and Availability
Two months after opening, Level Up reports high demand, with most courses operating at 80 to 90 percent capacity. The center currently employs a team of five trainers and runs two classes daily. To accommodate the influx of members, the gym is expanding its schedule to include additional Saturday morning sessions.
Prospective members can access free trial sessions and registration through the official website at www.levelup-lingen.de.