photos by: JODIE BRIM CREATIVE
While there are many definitions of home, there’s none better than home is the space where you can be your truest self!
Owners Gavin Culler, Brooke Eagle and Scott Tyler opened Washington Park CrossFit in October of 2022, with a love for fitness and the dream of building camaraderie within their workout community. Mission accomplished – as the current member tally is 120, and enthusiasm for the Winston-Salem gym grows stronger and brighter every day!
“Nothing makes my heart happier than seeing our members bond with one another and spend time hanging out – both in and out of the gym,” shares Brooke. “As an adult, it can be hard to make friends, and I love that we’re creating a safe space for like-minded individuals. We all have CrossFit in common – but we also have such a diverse group of members (age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, skill levels and language).”
These days, you might happen upon a group of members playing pickleball on Monday nights, or heading to Easy Tiger beer garden down the street for a post WOD (“workout of the day”) beverage. Enjoying brunch at Acadia Foods across the street after morning classes is a common treat, and there are tons of community events throughout the year, including a school supply drive for the Educator Warehouse, AARF fundraiser, the annual “Friendsgiving” and the immensely popular “hot girl hour” program – a six-week program for ladies to try out CrossFit in a stress-free, all-female format.
Spend a few minutes chatting with some “mom” members of Washington Park CrossFit – who happen to be sharing our cover this month with their adorable offspring – and you’ll immediately feel that unmistakable sense of belonging. Finding a second family at Washington Park CrossFit has been a special blessing to members Emma and Tyler Weddington, Amanda and Carl Teachey, and Lisa Sun and Adam Wells, who have all found joy in introducing fitness to their young children and being able to share family time during their personal workouts.
“Adam and I wouldn’t be able to participate if the gym wasn’t a family affair,” shares Lisa Sun. “For parents, there’s often a sense of guilt when you’re not doing something for your child and, as working parents, there are only a few hours between getting home and your child’s bedtime. Both our mental and physical health would suffer without our gym. It’s a family affair because we are all able to be here – including our son, Max!”
Lisa had been doing CrossFit for a few years, but joined the Washington Park gym on day one, drawn to its ideal location amid historical homes and its community focus. She loves that members’ kids play with each other and want to mimic their parents.
“They swing on the rings and try to do handstands, literally anything they see us do. It’s fun to see their sense of play and exploration in the gym. Everyone here is supportive while also having a good time. We egg each other on and commiserate with each other after a tough day – I love my gym family!”
Emma Weddington, her husband, Tyler, and their son, Nash, recently moved here from Arizona and instantly became part of the WPCF family.
“The community at the gym is like no other,” shares Emma. “I have been a member of many CrossFit gyms over the years, and the moment I dropped in on my first class, I knew this was our new fitness home. What sets it apart is not only the coaches being excited and happy to meet us, but also our fellow class members. They got to know my family, and now all our kids are playing together and asking about each other outside the gym which really makes me happy!”
Emma and Tyler are thankful they can bring Nash along to the gym.
“He gets to watch us work out together and is now mimicking our movements at home, making us proud! Tyler and I were both athletes growing up, so fitness has become a passion. It would be an honor to watch my son find that passion for a sport or fitness and go all in! I think it’s important to show Nash that the gym is a safe space for everyone and that it’s okay to have good days, bad days, show emotions, be competitive and show up for yourself, which builds so much confidence internally. The CrossFit culture is all about community – so for our gym to support the family unit and want us to succeed is important. Coaching is top-tier and very hands-on, and it’s gratifying to see money being put back into the gym, whether it’s cosmetic upgrades or new toys for the members!”
Amanda Teachey, her husband Carl, and daughter, Maris, are original Washington Park CrossFit members and were excited to see WPCF preparing to open, after relying on garage workouts at home during the pandemic.
“As a young couple starting a family, we were looking for a gym, but also for a social outlet,” Amanda explains. “Since the gym was building a new membership from scratch, everyone came from varying fitness method backgrounds and all phases of life. I think that led to a diverse membership that organically created their own community from the start!”
Amanda and Carl quickly recognized that WPCF is willing to meet you where you are as an athlete – but will also encourage members to push past their comfort zones.
“Members support one another, motivate each other and hold each other accountable, but there’s also a competitive spirit sprinkled in there that keeps things interesting!” she adds. But, the family factor sealed the deal for Amanda and Carl.
“Bringing our daughter with us was a non-negotiable, so Carl and I were hoping for a gym that would tolerate a toddler (now preschooler) and have been extremely lucky to find a community that has truly embraced her being there. Our gym family has definitely become ours (and her) extended family! Especially having a daughter, I want her to be exposed to strong, powerful women, and appreciate her body and what it’s capable of. Maris has so many amazing role models to look up to at the gym!”
All three moms agree on the importance of teaching their children to prioritize physical and mental wellness and want their young family members to see that fitness ultimately brings people together.
Brooke says the staff welcomes members to bring their children to the gym as long as they are able to entertain themselves while their parents exercise.
“Our ‘cover models’ have both parents as members, so if both work out, bringing children along is the only option. These kids do great – they have an enclosed playpen with toys to keep them occupied – plus they are used to being at the gym.” What a positive sign for the future!
Find your home away from home and follow Washington Park CrossFit on Instagram @washingtonparkcrossfit, and visit washingtonparkcrossfit.com to sign up for a free one-week trial and learn more about varied membership plans. Washington Park CrossFit is located at 2020 Hollyrood Street in Winston-Salem.
“I joined Washington Park about six months ago and have been pleased with that decision every day. The coaching staff is knowledgeable and down-to-earth. The environment is friendly, and the space is clean and tidy (this really matters to me). Perhaps the most distinctive quality of the gym is the space for women to thrive and excel in their fitness goals. This is a place that has achieved the right balance of warmth and challenge.” ~ Halle Hill
