Hometown
Barnum, MN
Sometimes the road to CrossFit is a winding one. As a kid, Coach Joseph Gay wouldn’t have described himself as an athlete, but growing up on a farm in Northern Minnesota kept him active. His college years brought him to fitness through creative expression – specifically dance, and later to a love of aerial silks. Joseph also started lifting weights, but never quite felt like a “traditional” gym setting was for him. In grad school, he took up rock climbing, spinning, and swimming, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020 that he found himself in a mental and physical place to try CrossFit.
“I found solace in CrossFit9’s Instagram page,” Joseph said. At the time, CrossFit9 was posting daily at-home workouts to keep members fit while gyms nationwide were closed. “I was always anti-Crossfit, but while stuck in a 10×10 New York apartment, I discovered that fitness and health could help me mentally. I created a fitness regiment to stay sane.”
When Joseph moved to Florida for work (you might catch him on stage or behind the scenes at St.Pete’s freeFall theatre), he decided to come to CrossFit9 in person. Here, found the community, sport, and variation he craved.
Based on his own experiences, Joseph approaches fitness from an overall wellness perspective. “I love helping people improve themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally,” he said.
On the podcast
Part One:
Part Two:
At a party, where can you be found?
Hanging out with whatever animal is at the party. (Honestly, same.)
Joseph’s Local Tour Guide List
The Floridian, Craft Kafe, head down to the pier, The Dali Museum, and freeFall Theatre . . . . where you might see someone familiar 😉
Education + Certification
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Bachelors and Masters degrees in Acting
200hr Yoga Teacher Trainer via High Vibration Living Yoga
Fun fact: Joseph is also certified in hand-to-hand and rapier/dagger stage combat!
