Introducing the CrossFit Renaissance team

Meet the fitness experts that are here to help you achieve your goals

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Our founder

Jessica Thomas

In 2016, I saw an ad for a New You Challenge at CrossFit Renaissance. At the time, I felt buried by the responsibilities of 50-hour work weeks and the demands of being a mom of 4-year-old twins. I had stopped working out because I couldn’t figure out how to fit the gym into my life. Knowing I needed a change, I made an appointment to learn more. I joined that night! It was a life changing decision. I loved that the workouts were always changing, keeping me engaged, and that I could track my workouts and see my progress. The coaches made sure I was moving safely and pushing myself beyond what I thought I could do. I stayed consistent and started to discover my physical strength. In the past, I was always focused on how my body looked, and wasn’t listening to how my choices made me feel. At CFR, I started to look at my nutrition in a new way. I started eating to support by body – eating less processed foods, learned about macronutrients, and began eating for optimal performance at the gym. My body started to take on a more athletic look, which felt more familiar. And I was grateful and excited to find out what my body could do! The CrossFit workouts made me stronger mentally and physically. (It is amazing how pushing yourself through a workout over and over again proves that you CAN KEEP GOING even when it is hard.) I felt more centered, more resilient and more confident. I fell in love with CrossFit Renaissance and the awesome community there. They supported me as I learned how to carve time out for ME! I started to prioritize my own health so that I could show up as the best mom, wife, daughter, and professional possible. After a year, I realized that wanted to help others see the incredible results and transformation that I experienced. I wanted to be part of the team that was helping members of the community to live healthier and happier lives through fitness and nutrition. I left that corporate career in 2017 to start a new journey as a CrossFit and Nutrition Coach. I completed the CrossFit Level 1 Trainer certification and the Brand X Method Professional Youth Coach Certification. Coaching has been an incredible fit for me! CFR’s founders Bill and Joyce Shiffler welcomed me into their family business. They had established CrossFit Renaissance in 2009 and served hundreds of clients in Port Richmond neighborhood for 13 years. They taught me to lead with a focus on the client and I learned how to help others take the necessary actions to make permanent positive changes in their lives. This year, my husband Brett and I took over the CrossFit Renaissance business. We are incredibly grateful to have this opportunity to carry on the legacy of client focused service and delivering life changing results through exceptional CrossFit and Nutrition coaching here in Port Richmond. We believe in a world where all people feel the inner strength to go after a life they are scared to imagine and the spark to live with passion, fire and joy! And we look forward to providing the place for you to make that happen. We hope to see you at the gym!

Jennifer Adams

General Manager – CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2)

Rob Carter

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2)

Jessica Thomas

CrossFit Renaissance Owner – CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2)

Justin Rivera

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1)

Ryan Turner

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1)

Stacie Barton

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1)

Randy York

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1)

Brett Thomas

CrossFit Renaissance Co-Owner – CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1)

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