Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Klinger.
Hi Erin , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My husband and I met over 6 years ago and will be married 5 years this November. We have collectively shared the love and passion for overall fitness and well being, not only for ourselves, but for others.
Michael lived in LA for 12 years where he was a “personal trainer to the stars” and owned two studios. After his stint in LA, he decided to move back home to FL and join the fire dept, where he is has served in suppression, hazmat, and is currently in the critical care team and soon to be promoted to lieutenant. It was a way for him to continue his journey of helping people.
Prior to CrossFit, I worked for the YMCA for over 10 years. I began as a member, a young mom with a new baby, looking for a safe space to exercise and have my child with me. From there, I started working in the kid zone and the front desk, and before I knew it, other moms and members were encouraging me to teach classes and personal train. I had always been an athlete growing up, stuck in the middle of two brothers, and learned to be rough, tumble, and focused on my sports. As my two daughters became older, I became a full time personal trainer and group exercise instructor, that then led into a group exercise coordinator and Wellness Director.
As I continued my own health and wellness journey, I found CrossFit and absolutely fell in love with it. It was always challenging, there was always something new and exciting to learn, and after almost 10 years of CrossFit, it is still challenging, and I am still learning! I eventually left the YMCA when I was presented with an opportunity to manage a CrossFit box and continue to pursue my love and passion for the sport full time. I felt like I had FINALLY found my niche.
My husband and I met during this time, and we shared the love of the idea of owning our very own CrossFit box. There were many bumps, barracades, and hills to climb to get there. But here we are…. Three years into owning CrossFit 904, which also happens to be my very first CrossFit box!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As my husband and I started our journey to owning our own box, there were several struggles along the way. It was all about timing, finances, the right space, and more importantly, the right people in our corner. Not everything has to be absolutely perfect, but things do have to line up. Our son was three months old when we decided to go all in on the space we currently have. We faced many challenges, long days, and sleepless nights, but we continued to hold on to our true nature and intent of we just want to help people be the absolutely best and healthiest version of themselves.
We always joke that we always go all in and never make anything easy on ourselves, and tend to take the hard road to better ideals. We are about to embark on a major space renovation with some exciting facility and amenity upgrades… all while I am currrently pregnant.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Michael and I are known for being compassionate, great teachers who genuinely care for our community and our members.
Anyone can get a certification and stand up in front of a group, turn on the music, and read from a whiteboard without giving any sort of education on the best practices, the how, and why. You won’t find that at CrossFit 904. We pride ourselves in developing our staff and coaches in being the best there are in the industry. You will come in. You will work hard. You will feel good. You will learn. And more importantly, you will see that you will start to become a better, stronger, more inspired version of yourself. We love our people.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I think that one of the most important lessons we have learned is that if you truly love your people, they will love you back. We never got into this business to make money. And I truly believe our people know that by the heart we pour into them, and the value we place on them as individuals and as a community. We truly want to help people become healthy and confident.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cf904.com/
- Instagram: CrossFit_904
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/CrossFit904/
