Michelle thought CrossFit might be intimidating—until  her family pulled her in. Now she’s stronger, healthier, and enjoying every moment alongside her kids. Read how Salus became their favorite family time.

READ MORE ABOUT DAVID, ROWLAND, HERO & SIGNY'S JOURNEY HERE: https://salusnj.com/young-family

At Salus, fitness is more than just a workout—it’s a family affair. For Michelle, her journey started in the summer of 2024 when her husband, David, gifted her personal training sessions. Skeptical at first, she quickly discovered that CrossFit was not only approachable but actually fun. With her daughter Hero encouraging her to join the FitFam class, Michelle soon found herself alongside her kids, Martel and Una, embracing challenges, conquering fears, and celebrating milestones together.

What began as one gift has now transformed into a family tradition rooted in strength, joy, and community.

Here's what our coaches have to say:

"I remember meeting Michelle for the first time (in the parking lot at the sports complex! Circa 2021) when her husband David and their older kids first joined and she had a just had Una. We were waiting years for Michelle to join us at Salus as a member! :))

I love that she first started at Salus by taking the fit family classes with her kids! Michelle is a natural athlete and a pleasure to have in class and as part of our community! Watching hers and her kids progress over the last couple years has been remarkable to witness! Keep up the great work!" ~Coach Melissa

"Michelle is truly a pleasure to coach in class, always arriving with an open mind and positive mindset when it comes to trying new moves. It is so rewarding watching an athlete grasp new concepts and thanks to her receptiveness to cues, she has been making huge strides in her training. She serves as a great role model for any new athlete trying CrossFit as well as her kids who are following in her footsteps." ~Coach Erin

"She’s great to work with, always asking to make sure she’s doing the right form and ready to come and work all the time!" ~Coach Camilla

"Michelle brings an incredible positive attitude to every class, lifting up those around her with her energy and determination. I’ll never forget the first time she climbed the rope - she showed absolutely no fear, learned the technique right away, and made it to the top with confidence! Michelle is a quick learner, a hard worker, and an inspiring presence in the gym." ~Coach Marc

"I remember when Michelle first started at the Complex—waiting for Rowland and Hero during kids class, holding little Una in her arms. We began with personal training, and I’ll never forget kicking things off with a very modified Fran. She was in awe of the intensity, but honestly, I was more in awe of her willingness to try new things and do it all with such a great attitude. I’m so proud of the moment she got the courage to join FitFam alongside her two older kids. Now, she’s a regular in class—doing all the things—and inspiring her whole family along the way.... BUT it doesn’t stop with Michelle—Una and Martel bring that same drive to kids class. They’re fierce little athletes! Can you imagine starting CrossFit at 3? And hey, if you start off loving burpees, you’re already set for success.” ~Coach/Owner Angela

Michelle’s Salus Journey with Her Kids

1. When did you start at Salus, and what inspired you to walk through the doors that first day?

Summer of 2024 David gifted me with a pack of personal training sessions with Coach Angela. He told me I’d love it but I was skeptical. But too bad for me, David already paid so I had to give it a try. Angela introduced me to all the major movements and convinced me that CrossFit was not at all scary but in fact FUN.  I enjoyed it right away. My daughter Hero then convinced me to join her in the FitFam/Teens class. FitFam was a great way to get started with classes. 

2. CrossFit can feel intimidating at first—what was your experience like starting out?

I learned that it is much less intimidating if you ask lots of questions. Asking questions forces you to think about the movement and not about yourself. 

3. What made you choose Salus over a traditional “globo gym” or other fitness options?

Ha! I think my family chose for me. David (and the kids!) tried for a couple of years to convince me to start. So glad they were persistent! 🤣

4. How has your performance or fitness level changed since you started? 

I am much stronger overall than I ever have been. I used to be a runner and never ventured out of that world until CrossFit.  Now it’s great to see how many other things are possible. 

5. Are there movements you can do now that once felt impossible?

I remember the first day I attempted wall balls in the fit fam class. I could hardly squat down even once!   

6. How has your body (strength, endurance, energy) transformed? 

For years I have had a history of knee issues. CrossFit forced me to deal with it rather than avoid it. I had some discomfort the first few months, but after learning how to move properly, my knees continue to get stronger, more stable and pain free. I am so thankful. 

7. Beyond the workouts—have you noticed changes in other areas like nutrition, sleep, stress, or even confidence?

CrossFit sleep is the best! I also love the increased energy throughout the day. 

8. Salus means health and well-being—what does that word mean to you now that you’ve been part of the community?

I have found so much joy in being part of the Salus community. Everyone is kind and a real pleasure to be around.  Our whole family looks forward to Salus time. And sometimes we are there 2x per day! 

9. How do you describe Salus to your friends or family who might be curious (or hesitant)?

I tell friends that there is something for everyone. Whether you just had surgery or a baby or dealing with an injury, old or young- anyone can benefit and enjoy getting fit. . 

10. What’s your “why”—what keeps you coming back?

I keep coming back to get more fit- but the true joy in being fit is to better serve those you love. Fit bodies with fat souls. Fit bodies to be the best husband, wife, daughter, son, mother or father. Fit bodies to practice hospitality, mow your elderly neighbor’s lawn, or work overtime to pay the bills. Fit bodies to someday play with my grandkids. Fit bodies to serve Jesus and drink in life from the fire hydrant. Fit bodies, fat souls. 

11. Do you use any of our other services like personal training or nutrition coaching? If so, how have they supported your journey?

The personal training sessions with Coach Angela have been invaluable, for learning new skills and also for gaining more confidence. 

12. Favorite lift or WOD?

Rope climbing! 

13. If you could design your dream WOD, what would it look like?

Rope climb, toes to bar, crossovers and running.

14. What’s your next big goal you’re chasing?

Improving the enigmatic Snatch! 

15. Favorite way to spend your time outside the gym?

Outside with David and the kids- at a park, the beach, a bike ride or a hike. 

16. Go-to healthy meal… and your favorite splurge?

A big salad loaded with protein, chopped veggies, apples, manchego cheese and walnuts. 

Favorite splurge would be Rosie’s Pizza 😍 Pepperoni hot honey is the best. With a glass of red wine, and with David. 

17. If you could be an animal, what would you be and why? 

Cheetah. They run fast. 

18. Favorite inspirational quote?

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world” - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit. 

19. Fun fact not many people know about you?

I studied classical piano before David and I married and had kids. 

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Una & Martel Interview!

1. What made you want to try CrossFit Kids/Teens at Salus?

Martel- I was inspired by my older siblings and I want to lift barbells. 

2. What’s your favorite thing about coming to class?

Una- learning new things! 

3. What’s one movement or skill you’ve learned that makes you feel really proud?

Martel- lifting dumbbells and the barbell. And jumping ropes.

Una- definitely jumping ropes… and rope swinging. 

4. If you could make up a workout just for kids, what would it include? (and would there be burpees?? )

Martel- cleans on the barbell, fountain laps, rowing, and jumping pull ups. 

Una- burpees. Just burpees. Nothing but burpees. 

5. What’s something you can do now (in sports, school, or play) that you couldn’t do before starting Salus?

Martel- I can do jumping ropes now! 

6. If Salus had a mascot just for kids, what animal or character would it be, and why?

Una- Dragon. Because they are strong. 

Martel- Tiger. Because they are fast and strong. 

Today, Michelle is stronger than ever, her knees are healthier, and her energy carries into every part of her life. Martel is proudly lifting barbells, Una is demanding workouts filled with burpees, and together they’ve discovered that Salus isn’t just about fitness—it’s about family, confidence, and a community that lifts each other up.

Michelle says well: “Fit bodies to someday play with my grandkids. Fit bodies to serve Jesus and drink in life from the fire hydrant. Fit bodies, fat souls.”