Finding More Than Fitness at the Cove
Most people join a gym with a common goal—to change what their body can do or how it looks. Whether it’s gaining muscle, losing fat, or just feeling stronger, we see that every day at the Cove. But what we also see, and what we cherish most, is that people find so much more—a supportive community and friendships that extend far beyond the one-hour class.
Today, we’re spotlighting five strong, powerful, and inspiring women who came to the Cove for fitness—and found each other.
Laura, Emnet, Ruth, Marylyn, and Janessa all started their journeys separately (although Ruth and Emnet were longtime friends before joining). They came from different fitness backgrounds but were united by a desire to try something new. And CrossFit at the Cove offered just that.
Laura shared, “I wanted something different. I had always been active and went to the gym regularly, but I wasn’t seeing the changes I hoped for. I needed something that would challenge me in a new way.”
For Ruth and Emnet, joining the Cove was a chance to reconnect after Ruth moved back to Maryland—something they could do together.
For Maryln, she also had a long history of weight training but some friends encourage her to give it a try and she noticed all the result they were getting.
Janessa said, “I joined the Cove because I needed to prioritize self-care. It was something just for me.”
Each of these women had a busy schedule, attending classes at all hours—from early mornings at 5:45 AM to late evenings. They bumped into each other at different times, slowly forming individual connections.
But everything changed at the 11:30 AM Saturday class—when they all started working out together. That’s when a true friendship was born. The workout was tough, but what came afterward—laughing, talking, and sharing life—was even more important. One Saturday, they made plans to head to Manor Hill Tavern after class, and from there, the real magic began.
Phone numbers were exchanged. A group chat was created and was given the title of “The Power Snatches”. And what started as a fitness friendship turned into a lifeline of support, motivation, and sisterhood. They dubbed it their “Winter Survival Kit,” helping each other navigate not only workouts but life itself.
As Janessa puts it:
“Everyone has busy lives. There are days where energy or motivation is low, but it’s so much easier when you’re surrounded by supportive people. We’ve shared recipes, podcasts, encouraging words—and sometimes just a good laugh.”
Their connection goes beyond emotional support. They help each other physically too—practicing strict pull-ups, stretching together, or simply staying after class to catch up.
Emnet explained:
“Usually, whoever hits the early class texts a photo or shares how the workout went to fire up the rest of us. Someone always asks, ‘Which class are you making today?’ It keeps us all accountable—not just to ourselves, but to each other.”
Marlyn had glowing words for her new friends:
“We encourage each other during the workouts, to keep going, to add more weights and at a personal level with work life balance and personal/family related things. Such a great group of positive, professional and strong minded women that I’m so grateful to have met through CF and make each other’s life a little brighter.”
These women embody everything we believe in at the Cove. They show up with smiles, uplifting energy, and a contagious joy that makes our community stronger. We’re beyond grateful to have them as part of the Cove family.
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