Yesterday, Theresa and I were discussing how far Penance Gym has come since we moved away from the CrossFit model. We weren’t just talking about programming—we were talking about mindset, culture, and the invisible pressure that used to shape our decisions. The conversation started with something simple but powerful: her observation of how I trained that morning.
She had just finished coaching the 8:30 class, which I was in, and said, “I saw you stretching your lower back between the warm-up and the workout. I also noticed you went a bit lighter on the same workout compared to last week. I figured either the homestead work or stress had caught up with you—but one thing I knew was it wasn’t because you were being careless with your training.”
That right there is a massive shift in the culture we’ve built at Penance.
If we were still following the old CrossFit format, I probably would’ve done one of two things: pushed too hard and risked injury, or skipped the day entirely because I didn’t want to appear weak by “scaling.” The subconscious pressure to perform—no matter how I was feeling—was real. And my ego would’ve made that call for me.
But not here. Not anymore.
We no longer prescribe weights, so there’s no such thing as “scaling” in the traditional sense. Every workout is done at the intensity and load that makes sense for you—based on how you feel, how you’ve recovered, and what your body needs that day. It’s not about keeping up. It’s about showing up with intention.
At Penance Gym, we’ve created something different: a place where smart training is respected and encouraged. Where adjusting your effort isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Where coaches notice what isn’t said, and help you train for the long haul, not just today.
We’ve eliminated the environment that feeds ego and punishes honesty. And in doing so, we’ve made it safer—mentally and physically—for people to show up as they are, with whatever their life is currently throwing at them.
If you’re someone who thrives on accountability and likes having a group to push you, that’s great. You’ll find that here. But unlike many programs, you won’t find yourself in an environment that pushes you past your limits just to impress a whiteboard.
We believe in strength that lasts a lifetime, and that means learning when to push—and when to pull back.
So if you’re still picturing Penance Gym as another CrossFit box, it’s time to update that image. We’ve grown. We’ve refined. And we’ve redefined what it means to train hard and smart.
Because real strength – the kind that lasts a lifetime – requires the ability to check your ego at the door.