We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Ashleighanna! Ash always brings the vibes and selfies to the 5:15 class. We’re so proud of her dedication, so let’s dive into her journey at Terminus a little further, and make sure to give her a high five the next time you see her in the gym.

Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?

I joined Terminus in May of last year, so going on a year and a half with this crew. Since then, I’ve watched my body change the most that it ever has in my exercise experience. I’m by far the strongest I’ve ever been, especially in my upper body, which has been a really fun thing to celebrate. The programming, the people, the progress, and general air of Terminus has allowed me to shift my focus from how my body looks to how much better and stronger I can get. That mindset shift has made my fitness journey far more fun and mentally and emotionally tougher. I’m one of those people who needs a sense of community and belonging in order to really thrive and once I committed to being consistent with it, that’s exactly what I found. I’m very grateful.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?

It’s become a signifcant part of my daily routine and life structure – a pillar that aids in my overall positive functioning. By focusing solely on showing up consistently, trusting what’s being brought to me, and challenging myself, so many positive things have come out it; my self-confidence, sense of self, and sense of pride have all improved which inevitably is carried through in the rest of my daily life. I’ve really missed being an athlete, and Terminus has provided an outlet for me to channel that version of myself again. Outside of that, Terminus has been the founding place of a lot of my dearest friendships, and subsequently, some of my most fun memories this past year +.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
Honestly, my full 5:15pm crew inspires me because it’s like we’ve collectively made the commitment to show up consistently for ourselves and each other, giving more of that “team” feeling. Specifically, I want to shout out Diana Wong and Lauren Tilson because not only are they both absolute powerhouses in the gym, inspiring me through their own actions and capabilities, but they challenge me to push harder, and encourage me along the way. I’ve seen each of them show up consistently, and in many times, where they’d much rather not be there, and they still push themselves to get it done. I’ve gotten a handful of my PRs alongside those two.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
Follow me here lol… but it’s like finding out that your best friend lives down the street from you in a big house, and their parents are super cool and inviting for you to come over whenever, they have all the cool snacks, fun toys, and atmosphere to be creative, so everyone in the neighborhood is over there hanging out. And then you’ve got this really fun and inspired energy going with all your “work hard, play hard” neighborhood friends, so you start your own sports league. You then realize you’re all pretty decent at it, or at least ignited with enough interest that you want to keep getting better, until it becomes an important part of your daily life and future goals. :)

Q:  Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
My first day I was of course a bit apprehensive, but I came in with a handful of other friends who had transferred over from our previous gym, so I had some familiar faces with me. It was a big class that day, and all I could remember friends saying is how much more elevated the people were and challenging the programming was at Terminus – that was a bit intimidating, and I was a little uncertain of what my physical goals were at the time.

I remember Bryson meeting me with his warm and approachable energy, he ran me through the expectations, and it pretty instantly felt like a place I could fit into.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I was a cheerleader for the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs), where I studied preventative health, but wound up working in cancer pharma for my career.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
Being able to do and string together pull-ups was my first proudest moment, as well as finally getting toes to bar, my timed 1-mile PR, and for extra credit, completing my first Murph better than I expected

 Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?

My goals are to get better at handstands/handstand walks, build my lower body strength, finally learn how to do butterfly pull-ups, and get to where I’m somewhat competitive with Hyrox.

We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Jelani! Coming up on his one-year anniversary of joining the terminus crew, Jelani’s time here has been much more than just building muscle – but building a community! Let’s dive into his journey at Terminus a little further, and make sure to give him a high five the next time you see him in the gym!

Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?

November will mark a full year since I joined Terminus and started CrossFit. The biggest mental change has been my ability to push past my limits. In all my years of fitness, from solo lifting to other group classes, I can’t remember the last time I felt this motivated to give over 100% in a workout. It’s such an amazing feeling, especially when everyone around you is doing the same.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?

I’m fairly new to both Atlanta and the CrossFit community, and Terminus has been such a great outlet for meeting new friends and joining social events! It’s exactly the kind of supportive, genuine community I’ve been looking for in my fitness life. I’ve also become more disciplined; I wake up before sunrise for morning classes, and the surge of energy I get afterward truly fills my cup (and runneth over!).

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

I’m inspired by all our fun and witty coaches. They’re hilarious with their stories and banter, yet have this elite, approachable energy that makes even a shy person feel comfortable. With all their experience and knowledge, they’re never too proud to jump into a class and get humbled by the workout. That’s what inspires me most, they’re athletes first, and coaches second.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?

Terminus is the fitness community I never knew I needed. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always worked out solo, no one to correct my form or celebrate my progress. Terminus is my first CrossFit experience, and they’ve nurtured me from a caterpillar into a butterfly.

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.

I’ll never forget my first day of class when I was told to complete the workout with no weight on the bar. In my head, I thought I was strong enough to lift like everyone else. I was so wrong! Trying new positions with proper form completely humbled me. I quickly realized that if it weren’t for my coaches easing me into the routine, I could’ve easily injured myself. I’m so grateful for their guidance. :)

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

I love anime and EDM festivals! They’re new interests of mine, just like CrossFit. It’s cool to see how we’re always evolving, picking up new hobbies and letting go of old ones. I really like this new version of me, and I’m excited to see what catches my eye next!

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?

1. Finally nailing a bar muscle-up. I had so much advice and encouragement from the coaches, and one day, there I was, hovering over the bar. I felt like a baby taking its first steps.
2. Being told it was a “Jelani workout.” One of the coaches called a push-up-heavy WOD that, and although my arms look like they love push-ups, I burn out fast! Still, I was flattered.
3. Learning the hard way about carbonated drinks before class. A coach warned me not to have one, but of course I had to test it for myself. Let’s just say, don’t learn the hard way!

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short-term or long-term goals in the gym?

My ultimate goal with Terminus and CrossFit is to have fun, build meaningful connections, and feel good doing it. Fitness is a big part of my life, so if I can keep it fun, social, and fulfilling, that’s a lifetime of winning for me.

We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Mirza! Mirza joined the Terminus crew around nine months ago, and has done a complete 180, becoming a morning person! Dedicating himself to his fitness both in and out of the gym, Mirza is on his way to fitness greatness! Let’s dive into his journey at Terminus a little further, and make sure to give him a high five the next time you see him in the gym!

Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?

I’ve been with Terminus for nine months. I’m still shocked I’ve become a morning person. I’m usually a night owl so having the 6am classes changed my sleeping habits, which I honestly don’t mind.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?

Morning workouts have made me more alert throughout the day, which is always a plus. Also having free evenings led me to start strength training after work. Pairing the two has been steadily helping my overall growth. I just need to sprinkle in some yoga ‘cause my muscle recovery isn’t what it was in my twenties.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

The fan in the back corner, set on the highest speed! Whenever I’m about to fall from exhaustion, it’s the wind beneath my wings. But actually, it’s the entire 6am crew. When I first started Terminus and I was finishing dead last in class, having everyone cheer my name was such a surreal feeling. It was awkward for a second, but it quickly pushed me to follow through. (Peer pressure works!) I also have to give a special shoutout to this one French guy who goes to the afternoon classes.… Hehe. After seeing the transformation Crossfit had on Arnaud in just a few years, I remember saying ‘I want that, let’s go!’, and I’ve not stopped pushing myself since. I’d like to think stubbornness and tenacity are the keys to life.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?

It’s cool to see people from all over, pause their life and give one hour of their day to put themselves through the same rigorous workout you’re doing. I like that mentality of ‘it doesn’t matter what’s happening, for the next hour, this is everything’.

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.

I didn’t throw up so I felt I crushed it! I signed up for the free trial class October 4th at 5:15pm and got there late, but Bryson didn’t say anything so it all worked out. I remember having to do bikes, sumo deadlifts and a humorous attempt at a handstand push-up. One of those three was severely scaled.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

Senior year at Georgia State I made a stop-motion short for my film production final. My teacher laughed because he didn’t think I’d get it done in time or that it wouldn’t be good enough quality to pass the class. He ended up submitting it to the student film festival on my behalf, which got it showcased at the High Museum and later played at The Plaza Theater for Atlanta Celebrates Photography. The film that almost wasn’t had a fun little journey that year. I also worked in the costumes department on season 5 of ‘The Walking Dead’. The smell of zombie blood is very interesting… and adds about twenty pounds to the clothes.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?

It would have to be completing my first ‘Murph’. I scaled it, but I finished in JUST under an hour. The second would be doing my first Crossfit Open. Definitely scaled that one too, but it was a very fun experience seeing all the different skill levels sharing the same space. I have to work more on my outfits for next year’s themes though. Lastly, the fact I’ve gone from doing barely any pull-ups without a box or some sort of assistance to stringing ten kips in a row was something I didn’t see happening as fast as it did. Oh! And rope-climbing ‘cause it’s just fun.

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?

We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment – but this month, we have TWO! Meet John and Sarah! A married dynamic duo, John and Sarah joined the Terminus family a little over a year ago. Embracing both the discomfort of workouts and the comfort of friends, their time at Terminus has shown them what the power of consistency and community can do. Let’s dive into their journey at Terminus a little further, and make sure to give them a high five the next time you see them in the gym!

Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?

John: I started a little over a year ago, and honestly, if you had told me back then what I’d be doing now, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’m very much your average Joe when it comes to athleticism, but this past year has really shown me the power of consistent effort. I’ve gotten stronger, more confident, and a whole lot better at embracing discomfort in and out of the gym.

Sarah: I’ve been at Terminus since March 2024. I’ve gained new gymnastics skills, upped my weights and tapped into a mental toughness I didn’t know I had.

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?

John: The programming here is tough. It forces you to show up mentally just as much as physically. I’m nervous every day as the timer counts down to start to WOD because I know what I’m about to do is going to be hard. That challenge scratches a mental itch for me and keeps me grounded. There is a part of me that really enjoys the pain and suffering of it all in some weird if you know, you know kind of way. Knocking out a workout gives me a ton of confidence throughout my day.

Sarah: I hate (and love) the really short sprint workouts. They challenge me to fully tap in with complete presence and effort. I always get scared right before they start. The ability to lean into a metcon like that helps me to take on challenges personally and professionally; I can do them scared and come out the other side tougher for it.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

John: Sarah, my wife, is hands down the strongest person I know. She gets up at the crack of dawn while most folks are still in bed and attacks the day with a level of grit and consistency that blows me away. She somehow balances that with being an incredible mom to our two kids. CrossFit is tough I guess, but is there anything harder than labor y’all? Honestly, she should be Athlete of the Month all on her own. Huge shoutout to the Terminus moms making it happen every day.

Sarah: While I *am* inspired by John as well, I gotta say my OG gym besties Jenna Lombardi and Caroline Trawick keep me coming back! These women and I have been working out consistently together for over 2 years. I love watching them unlock new skills and hit PRs. Long live the Barbie dream house carpool!

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?

John: It’s a place where you suffer with people in the best way possible. That shared grind creates a bond that’s hard to describe but very real. I’ve also really appreciated the coaching and have enjoyed building friendships with each of them. It’s clear everyone here genuinely wants to help you get better, and that keeps me showing up as well.

Sarah: It’s such a high quality experience on all sides. The coaching is excellent – a great balance of having someone push you to new levels while keeping you safe with your form. The members are top notch- everyone is really welcoming, goes out of their way to introduce themselves and help you find whatever you need. Really hard to replicate a place like this.

Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.

John: My first class was an “active recovery” day with Coach Patrick. Sarah, as well as our friends and neighbors, Caroline and Shaun Trawick, came to encourage me for my first class. I want to say it was rowing and some sort of box jumps? Coming into CrossFit, I was running 40 miles per week and I thought I was in pretty good cardio shape, and let me tell you, I was quite mistaken! I got my butt absolutely handed to me and barely could move from the couch for an entire afternoon. For Sarah, it was just a casual workout, for me it was a deeply humbling experience.

Sarah: Caroline, Jenna and I dropped in for a class together. Patrick was coaching and we had wall walks and hand stand holds in the workout. I had never been upside down in a workout before so I was really intimidated. But Patrick made it approachable while challenging. I thought “oh, if they can coach me through this I’m going to learn a lot here”

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

John: I’m a dad of two awesome kids and I play the drums when I get a chance. For work, I’m a veterinarian and also own a consulting firm that helps veterinarians make the leap from being clinicians to business owners. I like helping people bet on themselves.

Sarah: I’m a nurse at Children’s! I help teach new nurses about pediatric heart conditions.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?

John: Top moment has to be getting my first bar muscle-up recently. Second would be completing Murph for the first time. Third, and maybe the most meaningful, is getting to share all of this with Sarah. CrossFit has been something we chat about daily, and it’s been awesome sharing something we both love.

Sarah: Completing my first Murph in 2024, unlocking kipping pull-ups and just crushing John every time double unders are involved- ha!

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?

John: Short term, I just want to keep showing up consistently and stay healthy. Long term, I’d love to hit workouts at the Rx level more often. And next year, I’d like to give it go with the weighted vest for Murph.

Sarah: Short term I wanna get a #150 power clean. Long term – a bar muscle up!

We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Dan! Dan joined the Terminus crew a little over a year ago, and has made his mark on the morning classes already! Truly tuning into the mental aspect of each workout, Dan is an athlete who pushes himself to master the intended stimulus or each wod – and hopefully not go out too hot in the process! Let’s dive into his journey at Terminus a little further, and make sure to give him a high five the next time you see him in the gym!

Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?

I have been a member at Terminus for a little over a year (Feb/March 2024), and have been doing CrossFit for nearly five. Since joining Terminus, I’ve noticed a couple of really big changes. I typically felt pretty confident in my gymnastics abilities but I have really seen great progress on more challenging movements like BMUs, handstand push ups and handstand walking. The biggest surprises have been my mental improvements. I can hear and implement simple cues for technical lifts that I couldn’t before, especially snatches and cleans. Now, I’m also stronger mentally within a metcon. I have the confidence to know my thresholds and properly approach workouts to get the intended stimulus without imploding partway through (well most of the time…). I was chronically known for coming out too hot and blowing up. Huge credit to all the morning coaches for helping me on that front.

 Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?

Mentally. Starting my day doing something challenging always helps regulate my system. It makes me feel more capable of the other hard things I face in a day.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

The 6am and 7am crews. I’m older than a lot of them and I’m always trying to stay a step ahead of them.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?

It’s a great community of people who are willing to do hard things. Whether in the gym or outside, life will hand you challenges and it’s awesome to see like minded people who face down the hard, versus run from it.

Q:  Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.

My first day at Terminus was a workout with heavy reverse lunges. Having come from another gym that I thought had challenging programming, I figured slap on the Performance weight and go to town. Simply, I was way wrong. In typical old Dan fashion, I came out too hot and blew up. I didn’t even finish. I learned a couple of quick lessons.

1. Think about the workouts, they’re often more challenging than they might appear.
2. Everyone around you will cheer you on to the bitter end (or the painful time cap, as it was for me that day).
3. Bryson will always be there with a smile and a funny line for you while you’re dead on the floor. I was hooked from Day 1.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?

I work in documentary filmmaking. I’ve completed four Triathlons and I’d like to do a half Ironman someday.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?

1. Competing on a team at the Atlantic Coast Classic in 2023 and finishing in the top third.
2. My year-over-year improvement in the Open from 2024 to 2025 (credit the Terminus programming for that one).
3. Completing an RX (but partitioned) Murph four years running – looking forward to making that five in a couple weeks!

 Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?

Bodyweight Snatch (180), be able to handstand walk 25 feet unbroken, get my first ring muscle up.

We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Navya! Navya is someone who consistently works hard and focuses on quality movement. Always bringing good vibes, her day-to-day schedule never stops her from getting in a good workout! Let’s dive into her journey at Terminus a little further, and make sure to give her a high five the next time you see her in the gym!

Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?
I’ve been at Terminus for just over a year now.  I have biceps for the first time in my life! But more than that, I feel a stronger sense of confidence in both myself and my physical abilities.

 Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?

Terminus is one of the few constants in my week. It’s a welcome break – a dedicated hour each day to step away from the usual stresses. Also, the question of the day keeps me up to date on pop culture.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
All the coaches. They remind me to always challenge myself and grow. Morgan, Patrick and Grant give the perfect cues to improve skills, Bryson convinces me that burpees are not the worst. Watching Madi coach a class right after completing the workout reminds me that I’ll make it. And Chase pushes me to add a little extra weight to the barbell.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
The atmosphere at the gym is incredibly supportive. It’s truly inspiring to see people consistently hit PRs and master new skills.

Q:  Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
It was a Friday evening class with Bryson that had a lot of skillwork. I was trying Terminus a week after checking out a couple other gyms in the area and I knew this was the one within the first 5 minutes! Everyone was so welcoming and friendly.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I learned classical Indian dance for 10+ years and competed nationally with a group in college.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?

• Turducken Games with my Tony and Alex. (It was amazing seeing Tony learn pullovers right before the last workout, and Alex crushing the barbell in the workout!)
• My first handstand pushup (Thanks for the help Grant!)
• My first pullup. I’ve been working on this for over a year and finally got one but haven’t been able to get a second pullup. (So maybe this is a half win?)

 Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?

I want to continue mastering skills and getting stronger.

How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally)since joining?

I’ve been at Terminus since January 2022, but have been doing CrossFit for about 9 years total. Since joining Terminus, I am definitely stronger (with a recent back squat PR) and have the energy to do all the activities that I enjoy such as landscaping, yard work and traveling. Daily WODs always have a way of making me feel better, though during the workout, I wonder why I’m doing this to myself? Furthermore, I am more confident in my appearance and self-
assured that when I am walking my dogs, I am not going to be dragged or pulled by them with
the sight of a taunting squirrel. Terminus is helping me stay fit as an older gym member.

Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?

Coaches Chase, Patrick, and Bryson. They inspire me to do better, work harder, and push me beyond my limits of what I think I can do. I am constantly reminding them that I’m twice their age…. well, almost. But, because of them, I have made exceptional gains in my workouts even if I sometimes feel like they enjoy watching me suffer.

How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?

Terminus has always made me feel welcomed and especially the members who attend the 10:30 and noon classes during the week. As previously mentioned, the coaches are great with lots of knowledge and experience. The programming has helped me to continue to improve my endurance and make strength gains.

Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.

I can’t remember what the work out was exactly because I was nervous to be starting a
new gym, but I do remember it was a cold day in January lol.

What is something that we may not know about you?

I’ve achieved two sommelier certifications:
Level 2 certified sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. CSW (certified specialist of wine) from Society of Wine Educators.

What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
Some of my proudest gains:
Being able to kip…I did 7 consecutively just recent,
I hold a minute plus plank,
Running again thanks to coach Chase.
Moving forward, do you have any short term or long-term goals in the gym?

After nine years of CrossFit, I still haven’t master double-unders. That’s definitely a goal for
someday. Also, muscle-ups.

We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and commitment. Meet Glo Ross! Glo is an awesome addition to the 5am Family! You’ll never catch Glo in a situation where she isn’t giving 110%! Her focus on technique and proper movement patterns is almost unequalled, and she is no doubt one of the most coachable athletes at Terminus! Let’s dive into her journey at Terminus a little further, and give her a high five next time you see her at the gym!

Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?
I’ve been at Terminus for about 14 months now. Since joining, I’ve noticed changes in my strength (my chest-to-bar pull-ups feel much stronger) and mobility (the video links in the cool-down section of the push press app are golden).

Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
Being injured and having to scale so many of the movements during the WOD has helped strengthen my ability to go at my own pace in any setting and not let comparison to others steal my personal victories.

Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
Every single person who shows up! The ladies of 5 am, especially Kathryn and Emily, always get after it and give it their all every day. And the coaches—they’re always willing to help me modify the workout and encourage me to go hard despite my limitations.

Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
To me, it feels like a welcoming and supportive place to choose your own adventure with your fitness journey. There are world-class athletes training next to first-timers—all showing up and doing what they can to get a little bit better.

Q:  Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
It was a Saturday hero WOD with Coach Sonya. I don’t remember the details, but I know there was SO much running and SO many pull-ups… I was the last one to finish, and folks cheered me on until the end. The quality coaching and the great vibes brought me back.

Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I spent my childhood in the Marshall Islands. Beautiful people, islands, and ocean, with an ugly legacy of US nuclear testing. Many folks don’t know about the Marshall Islands, but look it up when you get a chance.

Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
There have been times when I’ve amazed myself – like when I achieved legless rope climbs and maxed out my bench press. But honestly, my most recent proudest moment was performing an unassisted squat to a box without any pain. I’m also proud of all the strength I’ve built in my glutes and my hip flexors. These achievements may seem unremarkable, but I assure you that I’ve never worked harder for a goal.

Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
I was inspired by all the Terminus athletes who participated in the Open this year. I hope to join y’all in 2025.