ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT | Naples Strength & Conditioning

Athlete Spotlight: Craig C.

Hometown: Naples, Florida

Age: 22

Profession: Part-Time Certified Nurse’s Assistant, College Student

What did you do for fitness before CrossFit? Before my return to CrossFit, I worked out with my college wrestling team. After I transferred schools, I stopped caring about my fitness completely, which is why I have returned because you should always care about your health and fitness.

Did you play any sports growing up? Growing up, I did a plethora of sports, but wrestling stuck with me the most and I even went to college for 2 years in Pella, Iowa to continue my love for the sport at the NCAA Division III level. I owe a lot of my personal success and passion I have for CrossFit to the mental toughness I gained from wrestling.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Heading into my senior year of high school, my old assistant wrestling coach wanted me to become stronger and more physically fit for my final year, so he took me to Mario and CrossFit Naples when they were still at their old location just down the road and about a tenth of the space that CrossFit Naples has today (Also no TVs just good old whiteboards). See Full Athlete Spotlight…

Athlete Spotlight: Colleen M.

Hometown: Bear, DE

Profession: 5th grade teacher

What did you do for fitness before CrossFit? Did you play any sports growing up? I played field hockey in high school and have always been somewhat of a tomboy and into sports so I’m usually up for doing anything active.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? A group of (ex) co-workers invited me to join their team for a Spartan Race and told me in order to prepare that I had to go to CrossFit. I went and did a week trial and got hooked. Ended up going for a year and a half before they put some equipment in at our work then started working out there. It just wasn’t the same and rejoined about a year or so ago.

What was your first workout and how did it go? How did you feel after? I don’t recall my first workout but I do remember that I wanted to cry and puke in the middle of it but when it was over I felt amazing, accomplished, and a bit powerful.

Favorite CF Movements: deadlifts, rope climbs, farmers carry

Least Favorite Movements: snatches and pull-ups (but probably because they are the most difficult for me)

Favorite Cheat Meal: I love potato chips – all flavors! View Full Athlete Spotlight HERE…

Athlete Spotlight: Renee R.

Hometown: New York

Age: 48

Profession: Paralegal

What did you do for fitness before CrossFit? Did you play any sports growing up? I would do the usual gym workout with weight machines and cycle class. I also played some racquetball, volleyball and outdoor cycling. I dabbled in sports growing up but never really became great at anything. Did some gymnastics and softball.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? I had a friend talk about it with such enthusiasm I had to try it.

What was your first workout and how did it go? My first workout was with a bench and running. It went ok but I did not think I would do it again because I disliked running so much. How did you feel after? I felt good that I finished it and thought I would give it another try. Now I am hooked.

Favorite CF Movements: I like handstand pushups.

Least Favorite Movements: Box jumps, especially when I miss the box.

Favorite Cheat Meal: Cheeseburger deluxe and fries.

Favorite Paleo Meal: I like bacon wrapped pineapple baked in the oven. It is even good with turkey bacon. View Full Athlete Spotlight Here…

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Google Rating

5.0

Naples Strength & Conditioning: CrossFit Naples

5.0

Gibson Bastar

12:19 25 Jul 17

The program is structured in a way that maintains 4 fundamental areas of fitness, focusing on one per week, but always has new workouts and conditioning sets. I look forward to every week, and love the versatility of movements and skills we focus on. The coaches are all very dedicated, and encourage all of us with positivity rather than pressure or aggression. Great gym!

Patricia West

13:41 24 Apr 17

Masters Class is amazing! I am 67 years old and after a pretty sedentary life, started cross fit about 2 years ago. When I moved to Naples this past fall - I discovered CrossFit Naples Masters Class and love everything about this experience. Great facility, wonderful coach and enthusiastic exercise mates. Every move is explained and demonstrated for correct form and with an eye to keeping you safe while giving you a good workout! I have lost a total of 15 pounds in 6 months and feel and look healthier and more fit.

Michael Lyon

08:46 26 Jun 17

Dropped in for a class while on vacation. A great and fun workout with positive coaches who provide solid feedback and encouragement throughout. The gym is clean and well-equipped, and the owners have done a great job building the community. If you live in or near Naples, or are looking for a box to drop in while around, this is your place. Thanks for a great day!

Camille Channer

22:54 14 May 17

CrossFit Naples is truly a wonderful community. I joined this box last year with next-to-zero athletic training and low confidence in my abilities, but also a desire to succeed and invest in my body and my lifestyle. The coaches (Kirk and Mario, especially) returned that investment two-fold and have guided me on my path to fitness, both physical and mental. I absolutely recommend this facility to anyone looking for a positive experience with a gym, either for the first time or as a seasoned athlete. Thanks, CFN!

Michael Palomba

02:34 30 Jan 17

I waited just over 3 months to give this gym a review because I wanted to really make sure they deserve the rating I am giving them- and they really do. If I could give more stars I would. CrossFit Naples is top-notch and extremely caring about its people; newly welcomed, drop ins, and even long time members. The owner, Mario, is an awesome coach, a humble leader, and a born natural- he could do it with his eyes closed. He's also a new father to a beautiful little boy who you can tell he loves so much. The Coaches Kirk, Miles, and Luke are like the heart and soul of this place- they are awesome at what they do and only want you to succeed. They know so much about fitness it's like having a personal trainer by your side. Every class they go over in full detail and demonstrate what we will be doing. They constantly correct form and do some really effective stretching techniques that target the muscles we'll be working on. It's definitely not the stereotypical meat-head gym with a bunch of wild crazies swinging from bar to bar like some other gyms. It has a community feel every class, every time. Now some info about me- I'm 30 years old, a husband, and a father of 2 young boys with very little exercise experience. When I first joined CrossFit Naples, I had zero knowledge of CrossFit and what it was all about. I barely knew what to do with dumbbells or a barbell. I weighed 160 pounds and exercised maybe twice a month on my own (which involved less than a mile of running and very few push-ups and sit-ups). When I joined this gym, I decided to not do anything other than what they told me and see what sort of results I get in 3 months. So I averaged 4 to 5 days a week there with not much change in my diet except cutting out a few unnecessary carbs and consuming more healthy protein. In that time, I lost 3% body fat and have some great muscle gains. I feel like a different person and it's only been 3 months. I can't say enough good things about this place. I never thought I'd be able to get myself up every morning to exercise, but I actually look forward to it. I'm so glad I found them, and I'm looking forward to the next 3 months. I hope this helps anyone who is on the fence about which CrossFit gym in Naples to try, because this one by far, feels like home.

Michael Galbato

21:18 25 Jan 17

I joined CrossFit Naples during my long winter break from college. I already had a decent amount of fitness experience but I ended up learning a ton of new movements and workouts that I can use while back at school. The coaches are fantastic and the classes are small enough to offer individual attention. The facility is great, has plenty of equipment, and is nice and clean. I particularly enjoyed that they offered extensive open gym hours, so I could workout on what I wanted outside of classes.

Joe Pellegrino

04:27 16 May 17

I'm a longtime weightlifter with some serious functionality and flexibility issues. Coach Kirk has been working with me over the past couple of months to help rebuild what I've screwed up. Even with up to 11 other people in the class, he always takes time to coach me personally. I'm starting to unlock my strength beyond simple iron throwing. I'm becoming functional. I cant recommend it enough.

Danielle Wallack

17:50 26 Oct 17

Excellent gym. Yes they are a crossfit affiliate, but they distinguish themselves by hiring great coaches and teaching safe and effective form and range of motion. You warm-up, practice strength and power lifts and then condition to get your heart rate up. The wods always leave me ready to tackle the day!

Christian Amland

18:47 06 Dec 17

I've been a member at Naples Strength and Conditioning for about a year now, and the quality of the coaching and community is absolutely fantastic. I refused to try CrossFit for several years before stepping through their doors, and was immediately welcomed with open arms. Knowing almost nothing about many of the movements and philosophy behind CrossFit, they really helped me grow and develop as an athlete, without just throwing me over to the weights and telling me to get going. Mario and the other coaches have truly become part of my family, and I would recommend them to anyone!

wendy powers

18:21 18 Mar 18

Dropped in for and early morning Friday Wod. Skill work, strength work and a quick 9 min conditioning wod to finish it off. Super fun and efficient with a knowledgeable coach (Mario) who coached the entire time! Shout out to Coco (a member) who made me feel most welcome! See you all next year when I’m back in town!

Adam Pinsker

03:36 02 Apr 18

The staff here are very encouraging, they don't just show you how to do crossfit, they explain why the movements are important for your health. It truly is a very supportive environment.

Laurie Wright

14:57 11 Apr 18

Naples Strength and Conditioning is the BEST place in Naples for training. The coaches are knowledgeable, encouraging and FUN!! The owner Mario is hard working, kind and passionate about what he does. This if reflected in all aspects of this gym from personal training to Crossfit and other classes. If you want to experience great results and be educated on how to do it - this place is for you!

Melissa McCurley

12:59 17 Apr 18

I'm in Naples for a few days on business. Contacted Naples Strength and Conditioning via their website on the weekend to ask some questions and Mario got back to me right away. He called me on a Saturday and answered all my question in a real customer care fashion. I then dropped in on Monday for a morning session and Coach Luke was just outstanding....he coached the entire time and did a great job making me feel welcome. The entire class was welcoming. I will be back a few more times while I'm here. Great work outs, great environment and very welcoming. Thank you for making being away from home a little less like being away from home.

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Categorized as: ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT