Pagosa Springs, CO lies in the shadow of Wolf Creek Pass at 7,126 feet above sea level - high altitude training at its best. Hosting everything from skiing, snowboarding, trail running, mountain biking, and river rafting, to the world-renowned hot springs, Pagosa is a center for outdoor activities.

CrossFit Pagosa opened in 2011 and with over 30 classes each week, including weight training, endurance, and yoga, along with nutrition challenges and guidance, CrossFit Pagosa is dedicated to helping you reach your goals.

Join us and discover what CrossFit can do for you!

Trainers

Kari Cole

Co-Owner, CrossFit L2 Trainer, Nutrition Coach

I have always been in “ok” shape – not super athletic, but not a couch potato. Basketball was my sport of choice and I played it all the way through school, right here in Pagosa Springs! This has been my home since I started 3rd grade at Pagosa Springs Elementary school back in the 1900s. After high school I left for college, tried not to gain a lot of weight, but found little time for fitness. I later worked fitness into my life by joining various “globo” gyms throughout my twenties.

My first “aha” moment in fitness was when I took a Step Aerobics class led by a friend and fitness mentor. Her support and encouragement led me to become a Certified Personal Trainer in 2011. In 2012 I also started teaching classes in Step Aerobics, Zumba and Hip-Hop Cardio. In 2015 I received certification in Sports Nutrition.

The only thing missing was competition. The drive of competition - both with others and with myself - to reach new levels of fitness. The answer … CrossFit Pagosa’s Elements Class (now called Intro). I signed up for my first Elements Class in 2014 and got hooked! I continued teaching fitness classes, offering personal training and nutrition coaching, for a time. But it was clear my heart now belonged to CrossFit.

I became a Level 1 CrossFit Coach in 2018, received certification as a Nutrition Coach through the Working Against Gravity Affiliate Program in the Spring of 2019, and in Summer of 2023 I leveled up to an L2 CrossFit Trainer. 

In 2021 I became a co-owner of CrossFit Pagosa and have been pouring my heart into it ever since. I love coaching athletes of all ages, shapes, sizes and backgrounds in the gym – seeing them reach new levels and beat personal records they never thought possible! I also love coaching athletes on the nutrition side of the equation … a missing link to many fitness routines. CrossFit Pagosa is a place of inspiration and support that I am honored to be a part of. I encourage anyone - no matter where they're at on their fitness journey - to see if CrossFit Pagosa might be the "fit" their looking for.


Sylvia Thompson

CrossFit L2 Trainer

Health and exercise came into my life later than some - when I was younger and lived in Belgium the closest to exercise I did was sprinting several times a day to catch my bus. From Belgium, I moved to Las Vegas before settling in Pagosa Springs with my husband. Life is about transformations and our capacity to renew ourselves seems infinite. All the urban cushy life went out of the window when I became a volunteer firefighter. Carrying heavy and bulky equipment, pulling hoses, ladder climbing, and doing overhead work turned into huffing and puffing at the fire scene in the beginning. Then Crossfit Pagosa entered my life and I never looked back. The varied functional movements performed at different intensities helped me to increase my endurance and strength. I want to share the possibility to change the dull predicament of growing old and the benefits of working out.

Justin Frie

CrossFit L1 Trainer

Physical work and activity have always been a part of my life. I believe we were created with an amazing body that is meant to be used to its full potential, and when we do it makes for a fuller and better life. I have always loved sports, epic adventure, and increasing my abilities. I was introduced to Crossfit by a friend in 2015 and was immediately addicted to the intensity, challenge, and community. Even after doing Crossfit for years I am constantly still being challenged and I’m surprised by how enjoyable and life-giving it still is. My desire to be a coach was born out of my appreciation for the coaches who have been a part of my journey and my desire to help others grow in theirs. Coaching Crossfit has increased my passion and appreciation for the training methodology and sport of Crossfit. I am constantly impressed by how Crossfit produces fitness and greater quality of life in everyday individuals, stay-at-home parents, CEO’s, and retirees. It is my constant privilege to be a part of this gym, its staff, and its community.

Matt Cole

CrossFit L2 Trainer

Fitness, and physical activity have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was involved in athletics from a very early age, playing organized sports. In high school I focused on soccer, baseball, and wrestling.Early adulthood found me in the Army, and physical fitness and preparedness is paramount in that endeavor. After the army and upon moving to Pagosa I was a farrier, and being fit greatly improves effectiveness in this trade as well. I am currently a Ranch manager which has its own physical demands. I started my crossfit journey in November of 2016. I wanted to improve my quality of life, and tighten some things up! It was one of the best decisions I have made. Not only has it drastically improved my physical self, but brought me into a social community that is incredible! I took on coaching because I have always enjoyed helping people, and seeing them push themselves to levels they only imagined. I look forward to not only my fitness journey, but also everyone that walks through the doors of Crossfit Pagosa! 

Sumiko Tanaka

CrossFit L1 Trainer

Movement has always been a way to stave off boredom, exercising came later. Climbing trees, wading through creeks, and roller blading in the house were favorite pastimes. I was required to take a strength and conditioning class at the end of high school since string orchestra conflicted with all the other physical education classes. This class was known as the "fat kid" class for anyone who missed or flunked out of freshman gym. All the classmates hung out on the machines, so I went to the empty corner with the free weights. This started my love for heavy lifting. I was introduced to CrossFit in 2010 through a couple friends who wanted to use me as a free weight. I incorporated these movements into my ski fitness to stay in shape for the years I taught snow sports. I joined CrossFit Pagosa in May of 2023 and was immediately hooked to the varied movements and high intensity. I am excited to be part of CrossFit Pagosa and to be a different resource as a lifelong learner.

Elisa Dolan

Yoga Instructor

I’m Elisa, the founder of LucidSol Studio, a yoga studio grounded in the principles of wellness and inclusion. Fifteen years into my yoga journey, I became a certified teacher in 2019. Currently, I am deepening my studies under Sarah Klein and K-lea Gifford at Anu Yoga and will complete my 500-hour certification by the spring of 2025. In addition to teaching yoga, I offer sound healing, meditation, Myofascial release, and breath work. I currently work at The Springs Resort, where I lead yoga and sound healing sessions, and I also teach private group classes at local Airbnbs, providing travelers with a unique wellness adventure off the beaten path. This spring, I’m excited to be leading workshops across the Four Corners region and teaching at Sangha Yoga Fest again! I’m deeply passionate about creating inclusive spaces for people to experience holistic wellness, no matter where they are in their journey.