Owner & Head Coach, CrossFit Level 2

After a 14-year corporate career, Erik was finally ready to chase his passion as a full time coach and gym owner. Having done strength and conditioning for over 20 years and CrossFit for over 14, he’s come to deeply appreciate how transformative it can be. Outside the gym, you can find him trying to keep up with his fit family (wife + two boys), especially out in the mountains.

After finishing his college baseball career, Erik was looking for something to stay active, connected with others, and to have new goals to help motivate him in training. Like so many others, after doing a couple CrossFit workouts with friends, he was hooked and started coaching soon after. The gym and the community of friends he made became so much more than just a fitness routine – it helped blow off steam, a support team through highs and lows, and a jumping off point into many new adventures. Outside of traditional strength and conditioning and CrossFit, Erik has also competed in Olympic Weightlifting and is an aspiring runner.

CrossFit Level 1, USAW Level 1

Abby grew up swimming and distance running in Northeast Ohio, always drawn to endurance sports. After dabbling in triathlons, she found that something was missing—the sense of community she craved in her training. That all changed in 2015, when she discovered CrossFit. The camaraderie, accountability, and shared pursuit of growth quickly made it her home.

Her love for fitness and community led her to earn her CrossFit Level 1 certification in 2022, driven by a passion to help others find joy in movement—and, of course, to get sweaty with friends! Abby thrives on long, grinding workouts—give her “Murph” any day, and she’s happy!

Outside the gym, Abby and her husband share another fitness passion—cycling. You’ll often find her biking to work after coaching early morning classes. She also fully embraces the PNW lifestyle, spending her free time skiing, camping, and hiking whenever she gets the chance.

Olympic Weightlifting Coach, CrossFit Level 1, USAW Level 1

For Brittany, fitness has always been a way of life. She started playing soccer at age seven and continued through her collegiate years, where staying active and embracing competition became second nature. Originally from upstate New York, she eventually made her way to Seattle, but her journey with CrossFit began back in 2013 while leading her city’s chapter of Team RWB. A local box generously hosted their group for a Hero WOD, and despite dying her way through Armistice, she was hooked. The combination of community, competition, and lifting heavy things had her sold—especially when she realized that lifting heavy makes her feel pretty badass!

As much as Brittany loves moving heavy shizzz herself, what truly fuels her passion is seeing others discover their own strength—that priceless moment when someone realizes they can lift more than they ever thought possible. Making the 2,600-mile move to Seattle was daunting, but she found friendship and community at CrossFit West Seattle. Now, as a coach, she hopes to create that same sense of belonging for others.

Outside the gym, Brittany works at UW (Go Dawgs!) as a victim advocate, supporting students impacted by interpersonal violence. Given the demands of her role, CrossFit provides the perfect outlet for balance and stress relief. In her downtime, she enjoys converting people into cat lovers with the help of her two feline ambassadors, Burt and Ernie, as well as wearing fancy hats, beach-combing, hiking, and soaking up everything the PNW has to offer.

Movement Systems Specialist, CrossFit Level 1

Denise Griffith is the owner of Revive Movement Physical Therapy & Performance, located inside CrossFit West Seattle. She is deeply passionate about helping people rediscover their love for movement, empowering them to move efficiently, heal properly, and build resilience against future injuries.

Denise earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Nutritional Sciences, from the University of Washington in 2016. She went on to complete her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis in 2019. It was there that she trained in Movement System Impairments diagnosis and treatment, a specialized approach developed by Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, FAPTA, and her colleagues. As a Movement System specialist, Denise utilizes movement analysis to assess patients and guide their treatment, ensuring they move efficiently to promote healing and prevent future injuries.

Her passion for weightlifting athletes led her to specialize in rehabilitating injuries and optimizing performance. She is also highly trained in pelvic health through the American Physical Therapy Association of Pelvic Health, helping individuals improve function and quality of life. In June 2022, Denise expanded her expertise by earning her CrossFit Level 1 Certification.

Outside the clinic, Denise stays active with CrossFit, barre, boxing, running, and snowboarding. She cherishes time spent near the water with her husband, friends, and family.

CrossFit Level 1

I started at CrossFit West Seattle at 15 years old in August 2020 and have been hooked ever since. Before that, I played varsity soccer at West Seattle High School and spent time golfing and playing baseball. While I loved high school sports, I always felt like I lacked the strength and size many of my peers had early on. At the time, traditional gyms felt intimidating—I didn’t know where to start or what to do.

CrossFit changed everything.

What drew me in was the structure, the challenge, and, most of all, the community. I didn’t have to figure it all out on my own—every workout was programmed, movements were coached, and I was surrounded by a supportive community that constantly pushed me to grow.

I earned my CrossFit Level 1 certification to deepen my understanding of the methodology and to help others have the same experience CrossFit has given me. I’m currently a student at the University of Washington, and coaching gives me the perfect balance between academics and something I’m truly passionate about.

CrossFit Level 1

Before discovering CrossFit, I was solely focused on running. After completing my first marathon in 2012, I continued training for half marathons, always seeking new challenges. My introduction to CrossFit came after moving in with Owen, who had joined CrossFit West Seattle. Hearing about his experiences piqued my curiosity, and in early 2014, he invited me to a Sunday track WOD. I underestimated just how tough a burpee broad jump mile could be—but I loved the challenge, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

What I love most about CrossFit is the constantly varied movements and the endless opportunities to learn and improve. More than that, it has given me lifelong friendships and an incredibly supportive community. I hold a CrossFit Level 1 certification, which I recently renewed, and as a coach, my greatest joy comes from helping others develop new skills—a passion that aligns perfectly with my background as an educator.

Outside the gym, I am a mother, wife, and fifth-grade teacher. You’ll often find me walking through the neighborhood with Owen, Everett, and Grover, soaking in time with my family.