core values, build community

Living Our Mission: The 4 Core Values That Drive Excellence at CrossFit Lincoln 

At CrossFit Lincoln, we help individuals in our community become their healthiest and happiest through expert coaching and consistent support. Our inclusive environment, rooted in kindness and curiosity, fosters high standards of movement while building a strong sense of community, ensuring every member feels welcomed, cared for, and motivated to succeed. Our core values: Be Kind, Stay Curious, Build Community, Trust the Process…read more below!

Why I bought a CrossFit Gym

My fitness journey began as a child, moving around and using sports as a way to stay grounded. Basketball and swimming were my primary outlets, but as I got older, basketball became my true passion. I loved the team aspect—the shared experiences, camaraderie, and the fun that came with it. Fitness was always tied to this team dynamic, and being around others who shared the same goals made training more than just physical work—it was something I genuinely enjoyed.

In college, I expanded my athletic horizons by playing both basketball and tennis. While basketball continued to provide that team spirit I thrived in, tennis introduced me to a new individual challenge that I appreciated. But once I stopped playing these sports, something felt off. The structured team environment, the motivation that came from working with others, was suddenly gone. I was left to train by myself, and fitness quickly became a solitary task that lacked the joy and excitement it once held.

That all changed when I found CrossFit. From the moment I stepped into the gym, I felt like I had rediscovered that missing piece—community. The energy was infectious, and I realized I wasn’t just training for myself, I was part of something bigger. CrossFit allowed me to feel the same sense of teamwork and accomplishment that I once had in basketball, and it made fitness fun again.

Initially, I was drawn to the competitive side of CrossFit, pushing myself to see how far I could go. But over time, my focus shifted. I realized that while competition could be motivating, it wasn’t my primary goal anymore. What really mattered was feeling good in my body, staying healthy, and knowing that I could handle whatever challenges life threw my way. CrossFit helped me build strength and capability, but more importantly, it helped me create a sustainable relationship with fitness—one that was about long-term health rather than short-term gains.

This transformation in my own journey is what inspired me to own a CrossFit affiliate. I believe a well-run CrossFit gym can be life-changing for anyone—not just elite athletes. I wanted to create a space where people felt empowered and supported, a place where they could train hard, have fun, and leave each day feeling better than when they arrived.

At CrossFit Lincoln, I want to foster an environment of growth, where people feel capable, confident, and accomplished. It’s not about being the strongest or the fastest—it’s about being better than you were yesterday. My goal is to provide a clear plan for improvement that meets each person where they are, helping them build strength, mobility, and fitness at their own pace. We offer a supportive, encouraging atmosphere where everyone is welcomed, and progress is celebrated.

Ultimately, I want to create a healthier community in Lincoln, Nebraska. Fitness is about more than just exercise—it’s about improving the quality of your life, both physically and mentally. I want to help people understand that consistency and varied movement are key to long-term health and happiness, and I hope that they’ll share that knowledge with others. By coming together and supporting one another, we can build a stronger, healthier, and happier community.

CrossFit Lincoln’s Core Values

Core Value: Be Kind

Kindness is a core value at my gym because it’s a trait that transforms both individuals and the community. For me, kindness has been central throughout my journey in fitness and life. When I was growing up, I always saw how important it was to have people around who supported each other—whether it was my teammates in basketball or the friends I swam with. But it wasn’t just about the shared activity; it was the kindness and encouragement that made a lasting impact.

When I started CrossFit, I quickly realized that kindness wasn’t just something to give others—it was also something I needed to extend to myself. It’s easy to be hard on yourself, especially in fitness. You push to hit certain numbers, reach specific goals, and it can become frustrating when progress seems slow. But I learned that part of being kind is giving yourself the grace to show up, do your best, and accept where you are at each moment. That self-kindness has kept me going through tough workouts, challenges, and even opening my own affiliate.

At CrossFit Lincoln, we work hard to create an environment where kindness is felt and shared. Whether it’s a high-five after a tough workout or a smile as you walk through the door, we want everyone who comes here to feel welcomed and supported. Kindness isn’t just an attitude—it’s the foundation of a strong, inclusive community where everyone can thrive.

Core Value: Stay Curious

Curiosity has always been a guiding principle for me, both in fitness and in life. When I was young, sports like basketball and tennis gave me a sense of structure, but I was always curious about how I could improve. I wanted to understand why certain techniques worked better than others, how I could train smarter, and what I could do differently to get better results. That curiosity didn’t stop when I discovered CrossFit—in fact, it grew.

CrossFit has an infinite amount to learn, and that’s part of what makes it exciting. There’s always a new movement to master, a different way to approach a workout, or an insight into how the body functions. That curiosity drives my desire to constantly improve as both an athlete and a coach. I’m always asking questions—how can I help others improve? How can I make sure our programming is helping people get stronger, fitter, and healthier? And how can I bring the best knowledge into our gym to benefit our members?

At CrossFit Lincoln, we encourage our athletes to stay curious. Curiosity keeps you engaged, it motivates you to push beyond your limits, and it helps you explore new possibilities. Whether it’s learning a new skill, testing a different approach, or exploring how far you can go, curiosity is key to staying excited and involved in your fitness journey.

Core Value: Build a Community

Community has been a central theme throughout my life, and it’s one of the most important values we uphold at CrossFit Lincoln. Growing up, I always thrived in team environments, whether it was playing basketball or participating in school activities. Being part of a group that supports and challenges each other helped me grow in ways I never would have if I had been on my own. That sense of community is what I missed most when I stopped playing sports in college. Training by myself felt isolating and uninspiring. But everything changed when I found CrossFit.

CrossFit gave me back that team atmosphere—a place where everyone is working on their own goals but also cheering each other on. It’s not just about the workouts; it’s about the friendships, the shared struggles, and the collective victories. Our gym is built on that sense of togetherness. We push each other to be better, celebrate each other’s accomplishments, and support each other through challenges. Read more in our a previous blog post.

Building a community is more than just gathering people in a space. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels like they belong. At CrossFit Lincoln, we strive to make sure everyone feels seen, valued, and included. It’s that community spirit that keeps people coming back—not just for the workouts, but for the relationships and the feeling that they’re part of something bigger than themselves.

Listen to more about our community on OUR PODCAST

If our mission statement and core values sound like a community you want to be involved in, LET’S MEET!

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