Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard.
Hi Richard, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been in the fitness industry for over 15 years, and what started as a simple favor turned into a lifelong passion for transforming lives through fitness. Whether it’s helping someone lose weight, prepare for a competition, or as a lifestyle, my purpose has always been to guide people toward becoming the best version of themselves.
My journey began when a co-worker asked if I could train him during our lunch breaks. We met up every day for an hour. Word spread quickly, and before I knew it, I was training over 10 people daily—completely free—just because I loved it. Soon after, I started hosting group fitness classes at a local park a few times a week.
That’s when I discovered CrossFit—and I was hooked. I earned my CF-L1 and began applying what I learned with limited equipment and resources. Still, I showed up every day to coach the same group that kept growing. I didn’t realize the impact I was having until a few of them told me I should open a gym. At the time, I laughed it off. I wasn’t charging them—I figured they were just being kind.
But that idea stuck with me. I took a part-time job as a fitness instructor at a local gym to test the waters and see if this was really something I could do professionally—and if people would actually follow me. Two years later, I took the leap and opened my own CrossFit gym.
Fast forward to today: I’m six years into owning my own CrossFit affiliate, CrossFit Thanos. I’m a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer with a Level 1 Olympic Weightlifting certification, a Masters athlete with several wins under my belt, and a proud dad of two. Whether I’m coaching in the gym or out chasing adventure—solo or with my community—I’m always fueled by one thing: giving people hope. Helping them believe they can change, grow, and become more than they ever thought possible—that’s what drives me. That’s who I am.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any meaningful journey, it hasn’t always been smooth. One of the biggest challenges I faced was during COVID. Being forced to shut down the gym was incredibly tough—not just financially, but emotionally. This place isn’t just a business; it’s a community. So instead of shutting it all down, I adapted. I let my members borrow equipment and continued coaching them online. It wasn’t ideal, but it kept us moving, connected, and reminded me why I started in the first place.
Another ongoing challenge is member retention. Whether it’s due to financial reasons, relocation, or people seeking a different training environment, it’s something I constantly work on. I’ve learned to treat it as an opportunity to grow and innovate—introducing new workout programs, running weight loss challenges, and organizing activities outside the gym to keep things fresh and engaging. At the end of the day, I know that if I keep showing up with passion and purpose, people feel that—and many stay because of it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about CrossFit Thanos?
I’m the owner of CrossFit Thanos, a CrossFit affiliate that’s more than just a place to work out—it’s a place where people come to change their lives. We specialize in functional fitness for all levels, from beginners to competitive athletes. Whether someone’s goal is weight loss, strength, performance, or simply moving better, we meet them where they are and help them level up.
What sets us apart is our culture. We’ve built a community that thrives on accountability, encouragement, and grit. Everyone knows your name, your goals, and your story. You’re not just showing up to “get a workout”—you’re showing up to be coached, supported, and pushed in the best way possible. We also keep things fresh with personalized programming, weight loss challenges, HYROX/Spartan hybrid workouts, and regular community events both inside and outside of the gym.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that our name stands for resilience. Thanos means “immortal” in Greek—and to me, that represents the unbreakable mindset we try to instill in every member. Our mission is to give people hope through fitness—to help them realize that they’re stronger than they think and capable of more than they believe.
I want readers to know that this isn’t just about fitness. It’s about transformation. We offer world-class coaching, a supportive environment, and a training experience that helps you grow inside and out. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a competitive athlete, or someone just getting started—there’s a spot for you here at CrossFit Thanos.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the fitness industry continuing to evolve into more inclusive, well-rounded, and lifestyle-driven spaces. People aren’t just looking for a workout anymore—they’re looking for a place that supports every aspect of their health: strength, cardio, recovery, mindset, and community.
That’s exactly where I want to take my business. My goal is to grow into a larger facility that allows us to run multiple classes throughout the day—everything from CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting to bootcamp-style training, yoga, Pilates, and recovery sessions. I want to create a one-stop shop for fitness—where someone can train, stretch, recover, and build a stronger version of themselves all under one roof.
I also believe we’ll see more people seeking connection and accountability, not just results. That’s why community-based fitness models like CrossFit will continue to grow—but only those that evolve and serve the whole person will thrive. The future isn’t just high-intensity—it’s high-quality, high-care, and highly personalized.
I’m excited to be a part of that shift and build something that truly meets people where they are—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crossfitthanos.com
- Instagram: crossfit_thanos
