JULIA BROWN beamed as her students mastered their addition and subtraction skills, but a flicker of something else crossed her eyes as she watched them at recess. Brown had noticed a connection between her students’ physical development and academic performance for a while. Gross motor skills seemed to play a role in focus, and strong hand-eye coordination made learning to write that much easier. The idea of nurturing physical development alongside intellectual growth tugged at her heart. While pursuing a physical education certification lingered in the back of her mind, CrossFit offered a dynamic alternative. It was a program that resonated with her energetic personality.
“CrossFit is fun!” Brown said. “Regardless of the member’s age, we aim to make it the best hour of their day.”
Unlike the sometimes-dreaded gym class, CrossFit Tullahoma is a place where smiles replace groans. Here, workouts are anything but monotonous.
“I love that the workouts are different every day, and you can choose to compete against others in your class or focus on improving yourself only,” she said.
Brown is known for creating a welcoming environment where people of all ages and abilities feel comfortable challenging themselves. She even allows her clients to do partner workouts because it’s always more fun with friends. This creates a sense of togetherness and friendly competition, making Brown’s gym special.
Not everyone sees CrossFit the same way Brown does. Some envision a scene straight out of a fitness magazine — sculpted bodies pushing themselves to the limit. Brown tackles these misconceptions head-on.
“CrossFit is functional fitness for everyone. Everything we do in the gym transfers to real-life movements outside of the gym. I believe CrossFit helps us prepare for life in a fun, supportive way,” she clarified.
At CrossFit Tullahoma, functional fitness is for everyone.
Juggling motherhood, gym ownership, and personal health can feel like a constant three-ring circus. Brown found a solution through mentorship, learning to meticulously schedule time for her daughter’s soccer games, gym operations, and, yes, even a quick yoga session for herself.
Her own health journey, overcoming an autoimmune disease, further magnified the importance of self-care.
She said, “I learned the hard way that we must slow down and make ourselves a priority. The constant on-the-go lifestyle eventually takes a toll on us, and it is essential that we start prioritizing ourselves now.”
Now, she prioritizes her well-being — a valuable lesson she shares with her members.
She continued, “And by now slowing down and prioritizing sleep, healthy eating, and movement, I have all but reversed it and am healthier than I have ever been.”
Aside from being a gym owner, Brown is a role model — especially for busy moms. She urges them to prioritize health without guilt trips and with empathy.
Brown and her dedicated team work hard to modify workouts and make them more accessible for everyone while pushing them to grow and surpass their limits.
“I will push you but will also be your biggest cheerleader,” she explained. “I’m beyond proud when I see members become mentally stronger inside CrossFit Tullahoma and that strength bleeds into their lives outside of the gym, too.”
The gym actively participates in community events, cheering on athletes at the Lower Cumberland Special Olympics, and providing off-season training for a local youth wrestling program. It’s where everyone comes together to work toward a common goal — a healthier, happier life.
The potential to empower everyone to experience the transformative power of movement fuels Brown’s fire.
Brown envisions expanding CrossFit Tullahoma with more class times, specialty programs for children and older adults, and a summer camp where kids can build confidence through fun obstacle courses and team challenges.
But her greatest reward is in witnessing the triumphs — big and small — of her members.
Proper nutrition is crucial for overall health, and Brown shares a simple yet delicious sheet-pan dinner recipe that is perfect for busy families.
“Pick your precooked protein (grilled chicken, sausage, steak, etc.) and pick some veggies (we use asparagus, potatoes, green beans, and peppers),” she began. “Toss them in olive oil and then spread on a sheet pan in the oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. You can also do this on the grill.”
For Brown, fitness is the foundation for achieving dreams — not just physical ones. It empowers individuals to take control of their health, develop discipline, and build the endurance needed to conquer challenges in all areas of life. CrossFit Tullahoma is where shy newcomers transform into confident athletes, busy moms prioritize their well-being, and retirees maintain excellent health.
“I feel extremely blessed that so many have trusted in me, both in the educational classroom and now as a business owner. Success, to me, is not so much about what I do as about watching amazing things happen for our members as a result of what we do at CrossFit Tullahoma.” GN
