L

As soon as Julia Brown’s alarm goes off at 4:15 a.m. she is on the go. At 5 a.m. she is at her CrossFit gym getting everything ready for her 5:15.a.m. class she leads. She typically works at the gym until 7 a.m. when mom duty kicks in and she heads back home to help her teenage daughters get ready for school. Then back to the gym to lead her 8:30 a.m. for CrossFit class.

During the school day, she juggles her CrossFit responsibilities as well as an unrelated remote job. Back to mom duty at 3 p.m. and picking up her daughters from school then to their various activities then often back to the gym to coach and check in with afternoon class members. Then back home for dinner, homework and bed.

Such is the life of busy mom, entrepreneur and small business owner Julia Brown. Ms. Brown slowed down long enough to answer our questions. 

Tell us a little about your background, education and career.

I’ve been active in competitive sports my whole life and quickly learned I feel my best when moving. That passion led me into education, where I earned two teaching degrees and spent 12+ years in preschool and special education with Tullahoma City Schools, always weaving movement into learning. Now, I carry that same love of teaching into coaching at CrossFit Tullahoma by helping members challenge themselves, build confidence, and live healthier lives. 

What sparked your interest in fitness?

As a kid, team sports taught me discipline, hard work, and gave me lifelong friendships. As an adult, fitness has been my outlet that helps me manage stress, stay energized, and allows me to keep improving myself.  

What is Crossfit?

CrossFit is a fitness program built around constantly varied, functional movements performed at high intensity. It combines elements of weightlifting, cardio, and bodyweight exercises to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall fitness. The workouts are scalable, meaning they can be adapted for any age or fitness level, and the community aspect creates accountability, support, and fun.  

When and why did you purchase your Crossfit business?

I’ve been part of CrossFit Tullahoma since it opened in March 2013—first as an athlete and then as a coach. After leaving teaching, I stepped into managing and eventually purchased the gym. It’s given me the opportunity to fulfill my passion for teaching in a new way while encouraging and supporting the people I care about.  

What is a typical day like for you?

 A typical day for me is pretty nonstop. With two teenage daughters involved in band, cheer, dance, and soccer, just keeping up with their schedules feels like a full-time job on its own. Most mornings start at 5am at the gym coaching, then I run the girls to school. From there, my days vary between work, PTO duties at East Middle, and coaching some afternoon classes. Then I head right back into mom-mode, shuttling the girls to their practices and games.  

What do you like most and least about owning your own business?

What I love most about owning CrossFit Tullahoma is having a vision for what our community is becoming and getting to help shape that every day. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch our members improve their lives, build confidence, and reach goals they didn’t think were possible. The toughest part is juggling the flexible work hours with family life, but the reward of watching lives transform makes it all worth it.  

Typically, who are your Crossfit customers?

Our CrossFit customers are everyone, from middle schoolers to members in their 70s. We’re an inclusive community where workouts are adapted to each person’s needs, and no one is ever “too out of shape” to start. 

Can you give an example of a life transformed by CrossFit Tullahoma?

About 18 months ago a member was overweight and diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and more. He was ready to make a change. He decided to take back his health at age 50 and took the brave step of walking into CrossFit. Over the course of 18 months, he has dropped to below 10% body fat and most importantly gotten off all medications leaving the doctors shocked by his turnaround. He is now an active granddad no longer limited by his health and weight. 

How do you define yourself in five words?

Fun – Compassionate – Resilient – Motivating – Creative 

What do you do for fun?

For fun, I CrossFit, because every day is a new challenge, and the community feels like you are always working out with your best friends. But most of all, fun for me is being with my daughters. I love cheering them on in their activities, watching them make memories with their friends, and taking them on our own crazy adventures. Those fun moments are what I treasure most.  

What is the coolest thing you have ever done?

The coolest thing I’ve ever done is starting to travel solo to different places. Last summer out West, I even hiked Mt. Zion alone on a whim, completely unprepared, but fully present, and it left me restored and inspired.  

Who and how has someone been a mentor to you?

My best friend, Whitney Newton, has been a true mentor, always offering guidance with honesty and helping me face challenges with an open mind. Her support has pushed me to grow as both a business owner and a person.  

What is your top business challenge at the moment?

The biggest challenge is breaking the stigma that CrossFit is unsafe or only for elite athletes. I encourage people, even those who’ve tried it before, to come experience how different we are. At CrossFit Tullahoma, everybody is supported in becoming the best version of themselves. 

What is your daily or weekly little treat to give yourself?

My favorite little weekly treat is giving myself some alone time outdoors, completely unplugged from technology—it refreshes my soul and reenergizes me for the week ahead. And every now and then, a new workout outfit is the perfect pick-me-up that makes me smile.  

What’s a bad habit you’re given up fixing?

I’ve given up trying to be a “one-thing-at-a-time” person. I thrive in organized chaos. It keeps me sharp, energized, and able to juggle coaching, family, and running a business all at once. 

CrossFit is located at 2121 North Jackson Street. Ms. Brown can be reached at 773- 0148.