Joe Kramer
Coach
Qualifications
About Coach
My CrossFit Journey began back in 2011 when I moved to Portsmouth, Virginia and needed a sense of belonging. Back then my hobbies included both running and bodybuilding exercises at the local globo gym, I was the skinny, fast guy. Walking into a local CrossFit Gym ended up being one of the best decisions of my life. I was immediately welcomed with an instant sense of community. Some of the people I met there have ended up becoming a few of my closest friends. CrossFit took over my life from there and has led to great opportunities in my personal life and in my Military career. Through CrossFit, I got the awesome opportunity to meet Diane Fu and John North, both of whom have had a large impact on my CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting. I achieved my LVL 1 certification in 2013 and I instantly fell in love with coaching.
Turning Point
While running for morning PT at work, I severely herniated a vertebral disk in my low back. I ended up needing surgery and sustained a good amount of nerve damage that greatly limited me post-surgery. I struggled walking and doing simple everyday tasks, leaving me in a depression for roughly a year and a half. I thought I would never be able to walk right again, let alone run or do any real physical activity. But through day-by-day progress, I finally got back to what I loved so much. Being consistent and working every day, I was able to regain the ability to get back my confidence and eventually return to my pre-surgery stamina. Without CrossFit, I would not be where I am today.
Motivation & Passion
I love watching people do things they never thought they could and build self-confidence. I love being around like-minded people who chose to put their health first.
