Nicola Spence
The people!!!!! Everyone shows up for each other, whether you're hitting a PR or just getting through the workout. It never feels like you're training alone.
Meet Nicola Home
The heart of Nomad
Meet the rock stars who make Nomad feel like Nomad.
They show up, put in the work, cheer for the person beside them and bring a little more life to the room. These are the people at the heart of our community.
104 spotlights. One community.
Meet our members
The people behind the effort.
Strength is part of the story. So are their families, careers, quirks, goals, hard seasons, big laughs and the reasons they keep coming back.
2026
10 stories
Phillip Costas
Really enjoy the strength portions of the classes, not all crossfit gyms I have been to are like that.
Meet Phillip
Sean Schweiker
Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into fitness? I grew up playing lacrosse and have generally stayed pretty active.
Meet Sean
Joey Hager
The community at Nomad is unmatched. So many good people, encouraging moments and group support. For me, nothing beats the next day soreness after a hard workout. It is a constant reminder of progress and pushing to new limits.
Meet Joey
Jeff Moore
I feel like the cliche answer is the community, but that’s a real factor. It’s great to have a group of people who cheer you on and keep you accountable (shout out to the 7AM crew). In addition to that, I enjoy learning the…
Meet Jeff
Hannes Hoberg
Being bullied by Phil and Katie for my low weights, sauna real talk, just Kyle, Casey’s jokes and horrific hospital horror stories, Michael knowing everything about electrical stuff, beach workouts (they are the best), seeing…
Meet Hannes
Kevin Cummings
There’s a unique level of challenge where I don’t feel I’ll ever have mastery of every movement and weight. So, movements and weights that I haven’t mastered keep me coming back. When those movements aren’t present in a…
Meet Kevin2025
12 stories
Lillie Ritchie
Like most people, what keeps me coming back to CrossFit is that rush of endorphins you get after finishing a hard workout. I’ll never forget my first CrossFit class—my legs were so sore I could barely walk the entire weekend.…
Meet Lillie
Matt Belford
CrossFit is the only thing that keeps me in shape. The community holds me accountable and pushes me to be my best.
Meet Matt
Melissa Purcell
The fun workouts, the coaches, and the community, seeing my own progression in a million ways. When I come to the gym I instantly feel stress leave my body. It is such a fun place to be around some of the most amazing people.…
Meet Melissa
Marc Passione
There is something about testing the limits of the human body that keeps me coming back wanting to do it all over again. I also have made really cool friends at the gym that make coming back just that much easier.
Meet Marc
Jason Aultman
I enjoy sharing the misery with others, the varied movements, and how the strength and movements translate into everyday life.
Meet Jason
Sarah Dealy
What gets me to go: the routine. What gets me to come back: how good I feel after the workout (mentally).
Meet Sarah
Lindsey Thwaites
I have to say at first it was the programming and the way I felt after the workout but after being part of the gym for months, now it is also about the community of people. I am a little slow to warm up to others, but everyone…
Meet Lindsey
Philipp Zilm
I am addicted to the pain and the feeling of relief when the clock stops and I have finished the WOD. It is a great way to connect with your body and helps me to keep in mind that this vessel needs to be maintained. Seeing the…
Meet Philipp2024
11 stories
Taylor Rassmussen
Physical fitness has always been a form of therapy for me. If I’m not staying active, my mental state definitely falters.
Meet Taylor
Alex Palmer
The community and the programming. Also, feeling and seeing the physical progress over the course of time is very motivating to keep working at it.
Meet Alex
Katie Forbes
The community here and the friends I’ve made (shout out to the 6pm crew). I’m proud of my accomplishments and progress too, which motivates me to keep coming.
Meet Katie
Hannah Bruce
The community and the challenge! I love the people I have met through CrossFit and staying fit has helped me in so many realms of my life.
Meet Hannah
Matt Murray
The exercise makes me feel good, both physically and mentally, and I like the people.
Meet Matt
Tiffany Schaal
The short term answer is It’s motivating to show up and not have to plan anything. I just get to see my friends, work out, and go home. The real reward is to be able to do almost any excursion I want on vacation and not be…
Meet Tiffany
Gaither Bumgardner
Workouts make me feel like I’ve accomplished something each day. I know I’ve chosen to endure the challenge of a workout and build my fitness level. Another factor is the community, which provides both supper and…
Meet Gaither
Lauren Harrison
Obviously the friends I’ve made & the confidence I get from picking heavy things up and putting them down.
Meet Lauren
David Howerton
The friendships, the competition, and enjoying the sauna after a hard workout
Meet David
Alma Dell Smith
The great coaches who modify every workout to fit my level of fitness and the sense of humor and camaraderie among athletes. And then there is the sauna and cold plunge. What is your favorite at-home exercise to do? Walk the…
Meet Alma
Sean Connor
What keeps me coming back every day is my Kids. I want them to see a strong and healthy Dad. Show them commitment and hard work. I believe fitness is generational if shown by example.
Meet Sean2023
12 stories
Jenni Everhart
Tell us a little about yourself and what got you on the path to CrossFit…I never worked out. I started doing Zumba and Brian was doing CrossFit. The gym he was working out at, started a class called “sweatshop” which was a…
Meet Jenni
Emma Shillman
Since joining CFJI I noticed not only a change in my body becoming stronger, but how I feel mentally. I love how motivating each coach is and learning ways to better take care of myself physically and emotionally.. I have…
Meet Emma
Randy Bowden
The opportunity to improve a little bit every day…… and also the people I work out with.
Meet Randy
Ashley Macko
I kept coming back because I enjoyed the competitive nature, the community, the variety, and not having to think of what I want to do that day.
Meet Ashley
Jonathun Catapano
It has become part of my normal routine when I am in town. I can't think of a better way to get my day started. The workouts kick my butt, but gives me energy and a sense of accomplishment for the rest of the day
Meet Jonathun
Karen Wagner
The people and the challenge. I wasn’t aware of the great community that came along with getting fit. What a bonus. Everyone is so encouraging. The challenge of what I can do next. Upper body stuff is definitely my challenge.…
Meet Karen
Jake Kossowsky
I love the feeling that I get after every workout. It is this sense of physical and mental exhaustion mixed with euphoria. I also enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being part of something.
Meet Jake
Kayella Youngblood
The gym feels like a place no matter what my mood is or what I’m going through I can let it all out in a workout! I always say I’m going to Work It out “bad Joke”. I love the feeling of energy and accomplishment after a good…
Meet Kayella
2022
12 stories
Elizabeth Meelan
I like that most workouts are very challenging for me but I show up and do my best and sometimes surprise myself.
Meet Elizabeth
Haskins Howerton
An hour with no distractions, and the challenge of not being able to perform the exercises.
Meet Haskins
Tori Carle
Crossfit is a way for me to hang out with my friends every day, and to achieve my fitness goals at the same time. Without the social aspect, I wouldn’t be nearly as committed. Plus, there’s no better accountability than…
Meet Tori
Doug Michaelsen
The answer to that question has evolved over time. At first it was because I wanted to look ripped like my sister. I also loved the challenge of learning all the new things that CrossFit had to offer. I had never squatted or…
Meet Doug
Emily Rittenhouse
The people, the coaches, and the consistent structure of class. It’s settling to know there’s a routine of every class, and people to support you in every class, even if the workout is a grueling one.
Meet Emily
Kirk Clayton
The fact that there’s so much room for improvement and being humbled day in, day out. Also, knowing that I’d look back with regret if I took it for granted.
Meet Kirk
David Thomas
The coaches, the other members and the fact that I feel like I’m getting a little healthier and stronger each week.
Meet David
Shamus Brannan
You mean besides my wife? The community. I’ve met so many amazing people and made such great friends over the years. Also, I always have a better day when I get a workout in.
Meet Shamus
Kara Hicks
Knowing that showing up makes my day better almost every time. I always leave feeling calm and happy and ready to take on the rest of my day.
Meet Kara
2021
11 stories
Christine Brannan
The community and the coaches. I know my day is 1000% better after class (yay 5:30). It’s an opportunity to reset, challenge myself and improve each day.
Meet Christine
John Booker
I think it mostly set in after the Life Challenge I did in the Spring. That was when I really started to see some results, and results motivate me more than anything. It’s also just a fun group of people and they make working…
Meet John
Kelly Browder
I love working out and getting stronger every day. The community at CFJI keeps me coming back.
Meet Kelly
Meg Sorrell
I grew up very active, always participating in some sport/activity whether it was horseback riding, softball, volleyball, swimming, golf, or tennis. I went to Virginia Tech (GO HOKIES!) for undergrad and medical school nearby…
Meet Meg
Member spotlightKurt Rogers
I was coming out of a rough season of life and knew I needed to start getting healthy and have a better routine to reach some goals that I have. I’ve always wanted to try CrossFit and this was the perfect opportunity to go all…
Meet Kurt
Heather Marcelli
I enjoy the coaching staff, the other members in my noon class and the way it makes me feel. It is nice to be able to get an hour-long break in the middle of the day from work and use that time to also lead a healthier…
Meet Heather
Brian Tavares
It has to be the people. Working out by yourself isn’t nearly as fun. Having that little bit of friendly competition to push yourself or motivate others to push themselves is the best part for me. I have met many great people…
Meet Brian
Chris Marcelli
The gym helps me take my mind off work and all the other distractions in life. It also lets me continue to live the lifestyle (eat & drink) that I enjoy living.
Meet Chris
Halle Michaelsen
I love pushing my limits and getting stronger. After dealing with so many different setbacks, seeing growth is more encouraging than anything.
Meet Halle2020
8 stories
Colt Grunsky
I find working out to be a huge stress release and I look forward to it everyday. I’m also very competitive and strive to get stronger everytime I workout.
Meet Colt
Sharon Martin
Sharon has been a member at CFJI since February of 2019. She's been a staple on our 9 a.m. class since then and will even bring her daughter in from out of town to get some workouts in for some mother daughter bonding.
Meet Sharon
Patrick Garrison
I would say the community, continued desire to lose weight and get stronger, and I feel like the gym is a small place of normalcy during these weird times.
Meet Patrick
Kelly Jakes
Kelly Jakes has been a member of the CFJI family since June 2019. She has shown great determination and eagerness to learn and improve every day. Alongside her husband, Cutter Tews, Kelly has been an active member of the…
Meet Kelly
Steve D.
Three things keep me coming back, even on days that I don’t want to. So many aspects of my life have improved since starting at the gym and I don’t want to backslide. As long as I make it in, I know I can keep the habit up.…
Meet Steve
Josh and Julie
Julie: Participate in the Dirty Doug workout this year so I will know I can try it before I turn 50, next year. Josh: Handstand walk 25 feet unbroken.
Meet Josh
Michael Zehtner
Tell us a little about yourself and what got you on the path to CrossFit.
Meet Michael2019
6 stories
Hannah Bangel
I’m not a competitive person but when I’m able to push myself further than I think I can, that keeps me coming back for more.
Meet Hannah
Kristen Bratten
Besides the protein bars? Definitely the people, coaching, and I like the accountability. I know that if I’m not in class more than a day or two, the missing persons alert goes out and I start getting texts. There’s also a…
Meet Kristen
Jason Heddings
Results are always a major motivation. I would never make myself do this crazy stuff on my own. CrossFit is intense! I realized all the BS I was doing at the Globo Gym was bollocks. CFJI is an awesome place to train. It has a…
Meet Jason
Gilles Glacet
The energy I get from Crossfit and the group. And also, it gets too painful when you stop!
Meet Gilles
Alma Dell Smith
Kyle, who really cares about my progress and well being. And the other athletes, especially the camaraderie of the 5:30 am class. And the workouts at the beach.
Meet Alma
2018
10 stories
Justin Hoyle
Justin has been with CFJI since June 21st, 2017. He's even stayed with us despite a move across several bridges (Mt. P. ugh), which we are constantly reminded of.
Meet Justin
Shanna Youngblood
Desire to be fit, feel good/energy, and maintain a healthy lifestyle...mostly because I love it!
Meet Shanna
William Brooks
With an upcoming wedding on December 1st 2018, in January I decided enough was enough and I needed to get healthy and lose weight. With previous experience in Crossfit and getting absolutely no results from Golds Gym, I…
Meet William
Jill Fetsch
I just got back from a cruise with family and I worked out with my aunt and cousin who have been doing CrossFit for years. They finally convinced me to just try it out and see if I like it. I wish I would’ve done it years ago.
Meet Jill
Kyle Weant
Fake News: I saw this shiny bald head from Folly Road and went to investigate, turns out it was Kyle F. Real News: I had visited several other boxes in the area and none of them really fit my goals and/or personality, so I…
Meet Kyle
Jessica Beran
We've had the pleasure of watching Jessica Beran grow as a member at CrossFit James Island over the past few years. Her goals have been unwavering in that time, but her path to getting their has definitely taken some shifts in…
Meet Jessica
Jordan Hollinshead
Jordan just finished the open doing all of the workouts as prescribed which she was not able to complete last year! She's working on becoming a doctor and also training like a boss. We're so excited to learn more about her in…
Meet Jordan
Phil Griebel
Phil was an OG (Original) CFJI'er. Phil is one of the few members who can remember the day when we had one rower, we used slamballs for wallballs, and listened to our jams on a battery powered work-site radio. I'm not sure I…
Meet Phil
Allison Cordle
Since Allison and her husband Bo tried us out a few months ago, they've become staples in the 9 a.m. "ninjas" class. They even confessed that they purchased their house in Charleston based on its proximity to the gym...Nice!…
Meet Allison
Rick Rockwell
This month's member spotlight almost never happened. Rick Rockwell was a bigger CrossFit skeptic than most. His active career was his top priority and his physical health could not be compromised by any kind of silly injury…
Meet Rick2017
11 stories
Ali Arazie
The awards just continue to pile in for Ali! As we close out 2017, it is fitting that our final member spotlight of the year goes to the gym's "Most Inspiring Athlete" awards winner from the Holiday Party last Friday. Ali has…
Meet Ali
Dan Kuendel
Fresh on the CFJI Scene in 2017, Dan immediately bought into a healthier lifestyle and began consistently working out at the noon or night classes. Most recently, Dan won the gym's aesthetic vote in the Nutrition Challenge.…
Meet Dan
Jenny Kelley
It's been a long time coming for this spotlight. Jenny Kelley is the epitome of "Be An Athlete". Jenny started Crossfitting back in 2013 at CFJI and immediately worked to get better each day until she was dominating Rx…
Meet Jenny
Alvin Lawrence
I challenge you to try not to be happy and have a smile on your face when you're around Alvin Lawrence. It's not possible. Alvin has been bringing good laughs, a leather belt, non-gym shorts and sweet beard to the gym for a…
Meet Alvin
Valerie Tincher
Well, i'd be willing to bet almost everyone knows Valerie, and if they don't, they at least know her husband (He is the one yelling 'Cheese Dip').
Meet Valerie
Broc Litherland
It's only fitting that the day before Summer we honor a real ray of sunshine for this month's member spotlight. You can't be around this guy and not be happy. He consistently brings a positive attitude and friendly demeanor to…
Meet Broc
Karen Harper
I hated not having the strength to do much of the movements but I liked learning all the new moves. I loved all the different build-up options that are given and that I never felt intimidated asking questions.
Meet Karen
Nathan Wheeler
Unfortunately, I have only had the opportunity to work out with Nathan on the occasion that I come to a 9 am, noon, or Saturday morning, but I assure you that the few times that the stars have aligned, I never left the gym…
Meet Nathan
Tyler "Wolf" Mayberry
Many athletes have walked through that rickety old garage door at CrossFit James Island, but none quite as unique as Tyler "Wolf" Mayberry. A former collegiate athlete, rock climber, and all-around thrill seeker in his spare…
Meet Tyler
Emily Fain (Train)
A fan-favorite at the gym, Emily never ceases to amaze the entire coaching staff with her dedication, positive attitude, and willingness to improve. Known as "Fain Train" around the gym and "Mom" at home, Emily consistently…
Meet Emily
Matthew Cirnigliaro
Matt's dedication to fitness, nutrition, and family over the past few years landed him this Member Spotlight. His inspirational story below speaks volumes to to the type of person that he is, and anyone who has had the…
Meet Matthew2016
1 story
Masheed Rockwell
Masheed earned this month's Member Spotlight due to her dedication and consistency to the gym lately, despite her incredibly busy schedule with two young boys and working with her husband on their construction business.…
Meet MasheedThis is what community looks like.
Open a spotlight to meet the person behind the training—through their own answers and the photographs they chose to share.
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