about us
About CrossFit Grand Rapids
our Mission.
CrossFit Grand Rapids is a gritty, community-driven gym built on the belief that fitness should be accessible to everyone. No matter your age, background, or experience level. We strip away the fluff and focus on what matters most: helping people move better, get stronger, and live healthier lives. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll find not just a workout, but a group of people who will challenge, support, and celebrate with you every step of the way.
What sets us apart from other local CrossFit gyms is our culture. We’re more than a place to sweat! CFGR is a fun, loving environment where goals are achieved together. Beyond the gym, we’re committed to supporting the broader Grand Rapids community by partnering with and uplifting local businesses. Whether you’re here to crush a PR, build lasting habits, or simply enjoy moving, our coaches and members are dedicated to making sure you leave each class feeling accomplished, motivated, and part of something bigger than yourself.
Coaches
Zachary Christopher CrossFit GR Owner
CFL2, CFL1
Zak grew up in Caledonia and is the owner of CrossFit Grand Rapids. With nearly a decade of CrossFit experience, he brings a deep passion for fitness and a strong connection to the community. He’s driven by the joy of seeing members grow physically, mentally, and emotionally through consistent effort and support. His mission is to elevate others’ lifelong health through fitness, lifestyle, and community.
When he’s not coaching or crushing the WOD, Zak is a bass head that enjoys going to EDM shows with his girlfriend and playing/watching sports (Go Lions and Pistons)!
Bethany Jones GR Barbell Team Owner
USAW L2, USAW L1
Bethany, a proud West Michigan native, is an Olympic Weightlifter and Coach that is passionate about helping others grow stronger, both physically and mentally. With Six years’ of coaching experience, she combines her teaching background and love for fitness to inspire and empower her community.
When she’s not coaching or lifting, Bethany enjoys unwinding at home with her husband and beloved pitbull, Rio.
Andy Fredricks Head Coach
USAW L1
Andy has been doing CrossFit for over 11 years and coaching the last 2. As a coach, Andy loves helping people push past their limits, learn new skills, and improve on the ones they already have. It’s important to him that athletes understand not just what they’re doing, but why they’re doing it. Most of all, Andy wants people to enjoy their time at the gym – because fitness should be something you look forward to.
Outside of CrossFit, when he isn’t training or coaching, there’s a good chance Andy’s out on the golf course.
Ashley Mcintire Head Coach
ACSM – PT
Ashley has been a member of CFGR for 9 years and coaching for the past 2. With a background as a competitive gymnast and cheerleader, plus a degree in exercise science and ACSM personal training certification, she brings both expertise and experience to the floor! She enjoys focusing on technique and helping athletes lift heavier, move better and build confidence.
Outside of the gym, Ashley enjoys traveling with her husband and their two dogs, Mike and Luna. Whether it’s relaxing on the beach, hiking trails, or exploring the mountains.
Crystal Poole Head Coach | Phtotographer
CFL1, USAW L1
Coach Crystal was never an “athlete” growing up but found fitness in her mid 20’s as an adult. She hired her first personal trainer in 2017 and quickly grew to enjoy CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting. She became a coach herself in 2021 and believes it’s never too late to start your fitness journey.
When she’s not coaching or lifting with the GR Barbell Team, she is either at home with her husband and 3 cats or out photographing beings in their element.
Jack Pryde Head Coach
CFL2, CFL1
Coach Jack has been coaching CrossFit for over 10 years and enjoys being part of a tight-knit, supportive community.
His CrossFit journey began in the winter of 2013 to supplement his placekicking training while pursuing a career in the NFL. After stepping away from NFL aspirations, he earned his CrossFit Level 1 in 2016 and has been coaching ever since.
Helping athletes become the best version of themselves, both physically and mentally, is what drives him. When he’s not coaching, he enjoys spending time outdoors, especially up north. He is also a big Sparty fan and watches the football and basketball games with family and friends.
Lucas Elenbaas Head Coach
USAW L1
Coach Lucas has 7 years’ CrossFit experience and been coaching for 1 year. With an extensive background in wrestling and commercial roofing, he prioritizes safety in everything he does and brings that passion to class. He is a natural leader dedicated to helping others and reaching their goals.
Brent McPherson Coach
Coach Brent has over 8 years’ experience as a CrossFit athlete and 2 years’ experience as a coach. Originally from Mount Airy Maryland and a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Brent brings both dedication and a team-first mindset to his coaching
Outside the office, he enjoy spending time with his wife, newborn son, and their two dogs hiking local trails or tackling home improvement projects. Brent is also a big football fan, and rarely misses a college or NFL game, whether in the stands or watching with family or friends.
Curt Essenburg Coach
Coach Curt has over a decade of CrossFit experience and a genuine passion for early morning workouts. There’s something special about starting the day with your fellow dawn-breakers and he LOVES that energy!
In his professional life, Curt is the Dean of Students and Work at Kuyper College. He channels his extensive 15+ years in education into his coaching, fostering a supportive and effective learning environment for all athletes.
Off the gym floor, Curt spends his time with Ann, his wife of over 20 years and their three boys. Together they swim, camp and explore nature. Curt is excited to share more gym life with his oldest son, Ethan, who recently joined the ranks of the Grand Rapids Barbell Team.
Danni Hanna Coach
NASM CPT, RYT 200, YIN YOGA-20
Coach Danni is a fitness coach with a B.S. from the College of Charleston and a lifelong background in athletics (soccer, basketball, volleyball, and rock climbing). She combines strength training and mobility work to offer a holistic approach to fitness
Passionate about CrossFit and Strength & Conditioning competitions, Danni creates programs that help clients build strength, improve flexibility, and support mental well-bneing.
Jana Shavalier Coach
Coach Jana has been doing CrossFit for 3 years, originally joining with her husband to compliment their running and biking. She loves the community environment at CFGR< where the encouragement from members feel like family.
Outside of CrossFit, Jana competes in triathlons and running races with Team Stellafly, and together with her husband and kids live by a family motto of health and fitness
Justin Devries Coach
Coach Justin has been part of CrossFit Grand Rapids for over a decade and has been coaching for 1 year. He enjoys teaching technical movements and bringing a fun energy to every class
Outside the gym, he’s usually working on his camper van or diving into his latest craft or hobby.
Kendall Stuckey Coach
Coach Kendall has 3 years’ CrossFit experience and is passionate about coaching and helping athletes push past their limits. She loves seeing people accomplish things they once thought impossible, whether it’s their first pull-up or a new PR.
Known for a positive, encouraging style, Kendall creates a space where athletes feel challenged, capable, and cheered on each time they show up.
Stephen Martin Coach
Coach Stephen began his CrossFit journey over a decade ago while serving as a first responder and brings a passion for fitness, strength, and helping members scale workouts to reach their goals.
When he’s not in the gym, you’ll find him with his family or out on the water attempting to fly fish
Brandy Hobbs Coach
CFL1, B.S. Exercise Science, NASM CPT, NASM Virtual Coaching Specialist, CF Gymnastics
I’ve always been passionate about human movement, playing sports like soccer and boxing throughout my life. After studying exercise science in college, I started coaching CrossFit in 2016, working with the Michigan SWAT team and high school athletes. Since moving to Alaska, life’s challenges have helped me grow in both fitness and coaching, bringing more flexibility and creativity to my approach. While Olympic lifting is my passion, my current focus is building strength to keep up with my five kids and our busy homesteading lifestyle, which my husband and I are building together.