Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Brown.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When CrossFit Tullahoma first opened in March 2013, I was one of the founding members. The big draw to CrossFit Tullahoma was that workouts were suddenly fun, I was given individual support each class by the coach, and the members held each other accountable to come each day. At the time, I was an elementary school teacher, and as the years progressed, I had a want to better understand and teach CrossFit as well. I eventually became a coach in 2016 and never looked back. I left teaching in the fall of October 2021 to pursue another job opportunity, and I didn’t know at the time, that move would be what allowed me to purchase CrossFit Tullahoma shortly after. Shortly after leaving teaching, I was able to be in the gym more, as my new job was remote, and eventually was asked to purchase the gym by the current owner. I have a strong belief and passion for CrossFit as it is much more than a fitness program. It is a change-your-life program. Over the years I have witness countless members regain control of their health, through movement and nutrition, and spread that change outside of the gym. I love it when I see members become mentally stronger, and they begin to tackle issues outside of the gym with the strength and resilience they have developed within our facility. Additionally, I love CrossFit because it truly is for everybody! While we don’t have these programs yet, we hope to add kids and adaptive athlete programs in the near future. CrossFit Tullahoma is a big part of our local Special Olympics every year and we love to see athletes of all abilities push their limits and pursue better health.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not smooth, but worthwhile every step. Overcoming the stigma that “CrossFit will get you hurt” or the idea that it is scary, is challenging enough on its own. Once we can actually get those people to come in the door and take a free class, all of those apprehensions disappear, but that first step is a big one for many. Of course COVID, as well as many different seasons in peoples’ lives, have affected membership, but we have a great, solid member base, with many members being there for 7+ years or more.
We’ve been impressed with CrossFit Tullahoma, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
CrossFit Tullahoma is a welcoming environment where people of all ages and abilities feel comfortable challenging themselves. CrossFit is functional fitness for everyone. Everything we do at CrossFit Tullahoma transfers to real-life movements outside of the gym. I believe CrossFit helps us prepare for life in a fun, supportive way,
Regardless of the members’ age, we aim to make it the best hour of their day. The workouts are different every day, and you can choose to compete against others in your class or focus on improving yourself only.
I am most proud that everyone says how much we at CrossFit Tullahoma “CARE”. Our coaches are involved in weekly coaching development, which allows them to be better coaches for our members. Even as all of our coaching styles differ, and of course members have their favorite coaches, the message across all classes is that we care and we are here to support you, inside and outside of the gym. Our coaching team works hard to modify workouts and make them accessible for everyone, while pushing them to grow and surpass their limits.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Mentor program – “Affiliate University”
Coaching staff – they CARE and want to see all of our members improve their lives.
Members – we couldn’t be who we are without the support and participation of the member base. Over the years, we become each others’ biggest supporters and become more like family. These people see each other at their worst, the moments they struggle the most, and they cheer each other on to finish workouts. That support bleeds outside of the gym walls if you are with us for even a couple months.
Pricing:
- Unlimited plans (as many classes as you want)
- Limited plans (2x/week for those who are being active elsewhere other days of the week)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crossfittullahoma.com
- Instagram: cftullahoma
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossfitTullahoma
