In 2015, at a small gym in Birmingham, Alabama, Emily Cooley walked into her first CrossFit class without knowing how profoundly it would shape the trajectory of her life. The affiliate was CrossFit Over the Mountain, and though she can’t recall the exact workout, what she does remember is how challenging it was. But as a former competitive gymnast, the challenge didn’t deter Cooley — it intrigued her — and she went back the very next day.
“I never thought I would find anything I loved as much as gymnastics,” Cooley, who competed for 15 years, said, “but then I met CrossFit and it was love at first WOD.”
From there, Cooley began a journey with CrossFit that would weave itself through different seasons of her life, across continents, and into the heart of her family’s story.
The First CrossFit Gym in Bali
For the next two years, Cooley consistently attended classes at CrossFit Over the Mountain. In 2017, Cooley and her husband, Justin, embarked on some travels and started to grow their family, so CrossFit took a backseat for a while. Then, in 2019, an unexpected chapter unfolded. The Cooleys and their two young children moved to Indonesia for volunteer work with their church. While settling into their new life abroad, Emily heard about S2S CrossFit, the first affiliate in Bali. Curious and eager to find an affiliate environment again, they decided to check it out.
At first, Emily and Justin would visit S2S CrossFit casually, dropping in here and there. But then, in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the owners unexpectedly approached the couple about taking over the gym.
“It felt a little crazy to buy a business during that time,” Emily admitted. “But we truly believed it was the Lord’s plan, so we said yes.”
S2S CrossFit
In one of the most uncertain periods in recent history, they became the second owners of Bali’s pioneering CrossFit affiliate. Over the next two years, they ran the gym, fostering a tight-knit circle that not only endured the challenges of the pandemic but also grew closer because of their leadership.
“We had the best time and the most wonderful community and family we built there while living away from our actual family,” Emily remembered.
Back to Their Roots
After their time in Bali, the Cooleys decided to return to Kennesaw, Georgia, where they were both born and raised, and S2S CrossFit changed hands again.
“One of our coaches and his wife, who was a gym member, bought the gym from us and are still running it today,” Emily said. “We actually just got to go back to visit and train there not too long ago. It was nice to keep it within our gym family.”
Shortly after returning to the States, the Cooleys welcomed their third child, Judah, to their family through adoption as a newborn.
Finding Support at CrossFit Ho’ola
The Cooleys’ return to the States came with financial challenges. Between international flights, purchasing a home, and the costs of adoption, there wasn’t much room left in the budget for a gym membership.
That’s when the Kimuras stepped in.
“I was convinced I would never find a gym I loved as much as (S2S), but boy was I wrong,” Emily said. “I walked into CrossFit Ho’ola and was greeted by Kekai and Lindsay Kimura, and all of the members, and my life was changed for the better! We told them we’d love to join their gym but couldn’t afford it at the time. They generously let us come for free until we got back on our feet.”
CrossFit Ho’ola
Inside the gym, the love showed up as accountability and encouragement, and the generosity didn’t stop there. The Kimuras offered Emily opportunities to coach classes and help with social media in exchange for membership. And the kindness rippled beyond the gym floor. Members showed up with meals, diapers, gifts for the kids, and even coffee when exhaustion from parenting set in.
Emily’s fitness has skyrocketed, too, even after multiple pregnancies.
“I thought that I was the fittest I was ever going to be before I had kids and we moved overseas. But Kekai quickly saw my potential and never let me settle for less. I started lifting weights I never thought possible and moving faster than ever before,” Emily said. “Whenever I feel like quitting, he’s there pushing me to get back to the barbell and keep going. His variety of coaching cues, diligence to look for and correct faults, and constant encouragement has helped form me into the best athlete I have ever been.”
Emily at CrossFit Ho’ola
The friendships she found at CrossFit Ho’ola became more than just workout partners. They became a family, sharing laughs, friendly competition, and genuine care both inside and outside the gym walls.
“My entire 5 a.m. class feels like a family,” Emily said. “I have gained brothers that I compete with every morning and girls that ask me how I am doing and make sure I keep showing up when life gets hard. CrossFit Ho’ola and the Kimura family have truly embodied what CrossFit stands for: fitness, community, and support in and outside of the gym.”
Today, the Cooleys’ home is full of life and laughter with five children. Their three children, now ages 6, 3, and 2, are joined by two foster boys, ages 3 and 1.
Stronger in Every Way
Over the years, the gains Emily has made haven’t only been physical. Yes, she’s stronger and fitter, but the most important transformation, she said, has been mental.
“The coolest thing I’ve noticed is my mental toughness,” Emily said. “I’ve realized I can do hard things. And as I did those hard things often enough, it actually started to feel easier.”
That resilience has translated into everyday life.
“CrossFit is hard. But so is life. So when either of those gets hard, I know I can face those challenges,” Emily said. “I hold tightly to my faith, and with that at the forefront, and my family, friends, and fitness behind me, I am confident I can face challenges in life head-on.”
“‘Work hard. Be strong. Give love.’ This is the gym motto for CrossFit Ho’ola … It is not just something they say, but something they live,” she added.
Advice for the Hesitant
For anyone interested in trying CrossFit but still hesitant, Emily has a message: “You can read all the articles and research about how CrossFit makes you physically and mentally stronger, and I’m proof that it really does. But what people need to know is that when you find the right gym, like I have at CrossFit Ho’ola, you gain friends that feel like family, and (who) support and love you both inside and outside the gym.”
Emily’s journey has been anything but ordinary. What began as one workout in an Alabama affiliate has grown into a life filled with faith, family, fitness, and community. And through it all, one truth remains: CrossFit has been more than just a workout; it’s been a way of life.