From Ashes to Opportunity: Our Story Caught the Eye of Dave Castro
When your gym burns to the ground, most people expect the story to end there.
But for us, that was the beginning of something greater.
The night the fire happened, we lost our building—but we never lost who we were. The very next day, we held class anyway. No walls. No equipment. Just people committed to showing up for each other.
For two years, we operated inside a church. We hauled in equipment. Set it up. Tore it down. Every. Single. Day.
Not because it was easy. But because the mission mattered.
We didn’t wait for perfect circumstances—we made do with what we had. And the community didn’t just survive…
It grew stronger.
And now—after years of grit, sweat, and setbacks—we’ve opened the doors to something new:
The PHNX Collective.
A space reimagined.
A gym reborn.
A symbol that when everything is taken from you… you still have the power to rise.
Why Dave Castro Called
When Dave Castro, one of the most influential figures in CrossFit, reached out to hear our story, it wasn’t because we went viral or ran an ad campaign.
It was because the story spoke for itself.
He wanted to understand what made this community hold together. What kept us going. What turned tragedy into momentum. What led us to rebuild—better, stronger, and more determined than ever.
That conversation wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a moment of recognition for every member who showed up during the hardest seasons. For every coach who led through uncertainty. For every person who believed in what we were building, even when there were no walls around us.
Watch the full interview with Dave Castro here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNoMMQCYVSg
This is Bigger Than Fitness
At CrossFit Trussville, we train bodies—but we also build something deeper:
Resilience when life gets hard
Confidence when you feel stuck
Community when you need support
And a reminder that your story isn’t over
We don’t care if you’re just getting started or starting over.
We care that you show up.
This place was forged in fire—but it’s built to last. And now it’s yours to be part of.
FAQs
What is the PHNX Collective?
The PHNX Collective is our newly built gym and community space in the heart of Trussville. It’s more than just a gym—it’s a symbol of rebirth, designed to bring people together through fitness, friendship, and growth.
Why was Dave Castro interested in your story?
Because our journey is rare. After our building burned down, we didn’t miss a beat. We ran classes the very next day and kept going for two years in a temporary space. Our relentless commitment to our members and mission is what caught Dave's attention.
How did the gym operate without a building?
We partnered with Gateway Church to run daily classes. We set up and tore down all equipment before and after each class—day in and day out. It wasn’t easy, but it kept the heart of CrossFit Trussville beating strong.
Can I visit or join CrossFit Trussville now?
Yes! Our new facility is open, and we’re welcoming new members every week. Whether you’re brand new or looking for a fresh start, you can book a free intro and get started.
What programs do you offer?
We offer CrossFit group classes, weightlifting, ReBoot (a beginner-friendly strength & conditioning option), CFT Kids, Youth Training, Legends 50+, Nutrition Coaching with a Registered Dietitian, and on-site Physical Therapy (Resilient Physio) and Massage Therapy.