Celebrating Jason: The Heart and Soul of CFCL

At CrossFit CL, we pride ourselves on building more than just a gym; we’re building a community, a family, a place where people feel seen and supported in their journey to become the best version of themselves. Central to that mission has been one person who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that our community thrives: Jason.

Just yesterday, we celebrated his big 4-0 birthday, a milestone that reminds us of the countless ways he has inspired us all. His unwavering dedication and positive energy have transformed our gym into a place where every member feels valued and empowered.

If you've spent any time at CrossFit CL, you’ve no doubt felt the impact of Jason’s presence. He’s the one cheering you on when you think you can’t take another step. He’s the one pushing you to add just a little more weight to the barbell, knowing you’re capable of more than you believe. And he’s always the first to step in to help a member, no matter the challenge.

But what makes Jason truly special goes beyond the physical feats he helps us achieve. As many of you have expressed in the past, Jason is more than a coach — he’s the spirit of our gym. He’s the one who shows up early and stays late to ensure everyone is accounted for, and somehow always finds time to check in with members who might be struggling, whether it’s in the gym or in life.

Jason has also been a driving force behind the growth and evolution of CrossFit CL. He’s not just here to coach movements; he’s here to coach people, and that’s a distinction we’re incredibly lucky to benefit from. He embodies our core values of resilience, community, and inclusiveness. When Jason steps onto the floor, everyone around him steps up as well — not just because they’re chasing a new PR or pushing through a tough workout, but because they feel inspired by the example he sets every single day.

One of the most remarkable things about Jason is his generosity, not just with his time and expertise but with his heart. Whether it’s his willingness to spend extra time teaching a tricky movement or being a constant source of support for our new members, his impact is felt everywhere. He’s the kind of guy who knows when you need encouragement but also when you need to be challenged.

He also knows just the right moment to lighten the mood. If fact, it wouldn’t be a typical day at CrossFit CL without hearing one of Jason’s signature phrases echoing through the gym.

From “You can be uncomfortable for a minute,” to “Does it hurt? Then do that :)”, he’s known for keeping us focused, challenged, and amused.

And let’s not forget his notorious belief in pushing us just a little further, often with a smile and the reminder that “You can do hard things” or “Lats are the ass of your upper body.”

His one-liners are as memorable as his coaching style, like one of his classics, “Relax your face,” or “Running is your rest.”

And for anyone who’s ever avoided burpees, Jason’s has unwavering confidence in the process: “One day you are going to love burpees.”

While he may not have convinced everyone to love burpees, he sure put himself to the test when he did 40,000 burpees to raise money for the gym to pay off its Covid Loan. Who does that? Jason does.

It’s this lightheartedness, combined with his genuine care for every single person who walks through our doors, that has cemented him as such a beloved figure in our community. It’s these little things that make working out at CrossFit CL so much more than a fitness experience — it’s about showing up for yourself, and for each other — something Jason exemplifies daily.

This sense of belonging is at the heart of everything we do, and Jason has played a huge role in cultivating that environment. In a world where gyms can feel intimidating or exclusive, we pride ourselves on creating a space where everyone, regardless of fitness level, feels welcome. Jason’s warmth and approachability are key to that inclusivity, and it’s something we are deeply grateful for.

Beyond the gym, Jason’s impact is felt on a personal level with so many of us. Whether it’s lending an ear when life gets tough, offering advice when you’re struggling with motivation, or celebrating your milestones as though they’re his own, he has a way of making each member feel valued. He reminds us that we’re all on a journey, and no matter how tough the workout, or the day, might be, we’re in it together.

We’ve all seen Jason on his own fitness journey as well — constantly striving to improve his own skills, continually educating himself, and learning new techniques. This pursuit of excellence is not just for himself; it’s so that he can better serve our community. Jason pushes himself as hard as he pushes us. He doesn’t just talk about growth; he lives it. And its inspiring.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we want to take a moment to recognize Jason’s impact on our CrossFit CL family. He’s not just a coach, not just a fitness professional, but a true leader and friend to all of us. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone like him in our corner, reminding us to work hard, stay humble, and most importantly, lift each other up along the way.

So, Jason, on behalf of every single member of CrossFit CL, thank you. Thank you for the countless hours you’ve dedicated, the energy you’ve given, and the heart you’ve poured into this community. Thank you for pushing us when we needed it, believing in us when we doubted ourselves, and celebrating every win with us — big or small.

You are an irreplaceable part of what makes CrossFit CL more than just a gym. You’ve helped us build a family here, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds — with you leading the way, of course.

To Jason — for everything you’ve done and all that’s yet to come — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We wouldn’t be the community we are today without you.