ADDISON, Ala. – Misty Thomas was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 31. Her doctor told her to stay active and strong to stay walking, so she was a regular attendant at several commercial gyms. She’s spent years mastering different types of exercise. At first, she thought that CrossFit wasn’t for her, but after being invited to “Buddy Week” at Tally Ho Fitness by a co-worker, she fell in love with the sport.
Thomas was inspired about two years ago to get her CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certification and open her own place close to home. Soon after, she received her L1, as well as Gymnastics Trainer Certification. She said, “I have worked very close with a coach at a local gym in Cullman, training one-on-one outside of getting my certification to make me a better coach.”
On Saturday, Thomas held the grand opening of her own Southern Style CrossFit in Addison. She had a great turn-out with support from Barbell Voodoo, Align Alabama Health and Wellness, Inner Strength Meals and Nutrition, and the Chat and Chew food truck on site.
She said, “I have had amazing help with the CrossFit Affiliate Team and Kevin Killen CF-L2 at Tally Ho Fitness; of course, tons of support from my husband, family and friends. I have to give a shout out to my supporters from 4 Arrows—they have shown me exactly what CrossFit Community is supposed to. We are all here in this for the same reason and that is to hope that someone finds CrossFit, no matter what location.”
Thomas said her original plan when she first reached out to the CrossFit Affiliate team to open her own gym was to be open by January of 2023. “They asked me to fill out my application and I did. They accepted my application within a few days! Something that was supposed to take 3-4 weeks. My equipment was in faster than expected, everything happened so fast and was open within three months. Everything from my application to my location has been a God send.”
She is currently the only coach at the location and has a couple substitutes if needed. While coaching at Southern Style, she is continuing with her full-time job as a realtor at Lake League Real Estate and also doing office work for her husband’s cabinet shop. She has a full plate but is excited to take on her new venture.
She added, “I am truly blessed and the reaction from the Addison and surrounding community has been overwhelming and I mean that in a good way.”
Southern Style CrossFit has been open and running classes since May 2. Class times are Monday-Friday 5:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and closed Sunday. For more information visit: https://www.southernstylecrossfit.com/?fbclid=IwAR3oXVx6YCKCC8EsL7aTT_3mCxxT4FpGIzYdv8SiLQVmRDMlsafi4uK545I.
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