Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal
Hi Crystal, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
A series of experiences throughout my career led me to open CHALK, but my initial inspiration for entering the fitness industry came from a deep desire to help people. Losing my dad at just 44 years old fueled my passion for learning everything I could about nutrition and overall wellness. That loss became the driving force behind my mission—to educate and guide as many people as possible toward healthier lives.
I’ve been in the fitness industry for 18 years, earning bachelor’s degrees in Exercise Science and Physical Education, along with certifications as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Functional Range Conditioning Coach, and multiple CrossFit specializations. Early in my career, I worked as a yoga instructor and group fitness coach before discovering CrossFit in 2007 in Colorado. After seeing women who were capable of strict muscle-ups and lifting heavy weights online, I quickly became infatuated with the sport. In pursuit of new opportunities, I took a leap of faith and moved to Austin, making barely enough to get by. Despite the challenges, I was determined to build a career in fitness and create something meaningful.Eventually, I competed at the CrossFit Games in 2009 and 2010 in California, as well as in London and other fitness competitions.
By the time I opened CHALK in 2016, I had spent over a decade building a personal training and semi-private coaching business, managing a corporate fitness account, and growing my nutrition practice in Austin. It felt like the right time to bring all of those elements together and create a fitness community that blended training, nutrition, and education under one roof.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I actually laughed when I read this question because, when I opened CHALK, I truly believed it would be smooth sailing. I couldn’t have been more wrong! While we had a strong community from the start, attracting new members was a real challenge due to our location.
In 2018, I made a major investment in a marketing and coaching company to help with advertising, online outreach, and membership growth. I put in long hours every single day, and little by little, I started to see success. By 2019, we had our best year yet—only for the pandemic in 2020 to wipe out all that momentum.
The struggle didn’t stop there. Throughout 2021, I watched a slow but steady decline and knew I had to take action. I reinvested in another company to help bring people back into the gym. From late 2021 to early 2024, my days started at 4:00 AM and ended around 8:00 PM as I worked tirelessly to rebuild CHALK.
I couldn’t have done it alone. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with an incredible team of coaches, each bringing their own expertise and dedication to the gym. While the team has changed over time, the commitment to supporting our members has always remained the same, and that’s been crucial in helping us weather the ups and downs.
Looking back, every challenge forced me to adapt, learn, and push forward. What once felt like overwhelming obstacles became opportunities to grow. Now, I genuinely love problem-solving—figuring out solutions, refining strategies, and tackling setbacks head-on. It’s made me a stronger leader and a better business owner.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Chalk Training?
The most common question I get is, “Why is it named CHALK?” There are two reasons: first, we use chalk in every session for lifting, and second, we’re built on Austin Chalk, the white rock along Highway 360.
I wanted to create a boutique strength training gym that offered a more personalized approach, a supportive community of like-minded individuals, and a space for those who may feel intimidated by traditional gyms but still want expert coaching and results.
What makes CHALK unique is our emphasis on strength training—both weightlifting and bodyweight exercises—along with nutrition, mobility, and community. Our small group sessions provide personalized coaching and scalable programming for all fitness levels, combined with the motivation and support of a tight-knit community.
We also integrate Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) to enhance movement quality, joint health, and overall performance. Our tailored programs ensure every member, whether a beginner or experienced athlete, gets the support and structure needed to progress safely and effectively.
With my background in nutrition, it was important for me to ensure every member receives personalized nutrition coaching and a structured plan tailored to their goals, regardless of their membership plan. Each new member has a one-on-one nutrition meeting to develop a strategy for improving their dietary choices. At the end of the day, our goal is for members to experience lasting results and feel their best both in and out of the gym.
The best compliment I can receive is hearing that members who used to “hate exercise” now look forward to their workouts. That’s exactly the environment I set out to create at CHALK.
Beyond training, we foster a strong sense of community through social events, fitness challenges, and group activities, helping members stay engaged and connected. We offer Body Transformation Challenges, monthly memberships, and semi-private or private training to accommodate a variety of fitness goals and lifestyles.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’ve always been an athlete with a competitive spirit. Raised by my father, I grew up hunting, fishing, and spending as much time outdoors as I did on the court or field. My dad had me throwing a ball as soon as I could walk, and I played on select leagues, so there was never really an offseason. I was the team captain both my junior and senior years, competing in volleyball, basketball, softball, cross country, and track and field. Summers were spent traveling for tournaments, attending sports camps, and preparing for the next season.
Growing up, I had to be independent and self-sufficient early on. I got myself to school, cooked my own meals, and learned to take care of things on my own. That level of responsibility helped me mature quickly and develop a strong work ethic.
Being competitive has always been a core part of who I am, but so is resilience. The discipline to show up every day, push through challenges, and never quit was instilled in me from a young age. The work ethic I developed—through sports, my outdoor upbringing, and my independence—shaped who I am today, and I’m grateful for those experiences as a business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chalktraining.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalktraining/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chalktraining
Image Credits
Dave Re Photography, Bonnie Berry Photography
