Meet John San Filippo | Owner and Coach, Front Range CrossFit

We had the good fortune of connecting with John San Filippo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
It was definitely a risk. When I left my corporate job to start coaching full time, I was only making $400/month from coaching. It took a little while to pay off, but realistically, it was the best decision I could have made. I love what I do, I love our community, and it’s incredibly fulfilling.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The thing that sets me and the gym apart is our focus on individual attention for our members. Starting with the daily modifications of workouts for members goals and abilities, regular goal setting meetings to make sure we’re on the right track, and the ability to get individualized programming, coaching, or nutrition to support your goals. I got where I am professionally by being completely obsessed with it. I spent the first 18 months working every single day to become a better coach. From coaching at 3 gyms (2 for free when I started!) to spending tens of thousands of dollars on continuing ed, I was (and still am!) obsessive about getting better.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Week long–depends on if we get to stay in the mountains, or can just drive out for the day. If I could, I would devote several of those days to exploring outside the city–in the mountains. But in Denver, there’s so many good coffee shops, (Moru and Grounds for Dismissal near the gym!) food (Uncle, Carmine’s, and Nile Ethiopian Restaurant are our favorites), and fun things to do (sports games, Tattered Cover, Little Man Ice Cream). I think everyone gets obsessed with going out I-70, but we’ve loved going south or north as well. Medicine Bow-Routt national forest is awesome, Kenosha Pass is beautiful, and everything around Salida and Buena Vista is really fun. We also love Great Sand Dunes!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The biggest shoutout would be to my wife Amaria. She supported me when I made absolutely no money, helped me buy the gym, has been there every step of the way, and is just the best! Beyond that, my parents and sister for always being loving and supporting, Skip and Jodi miller for mentoring me so well (and selling the gym to me!) and all the great coaches, role models, and mentors I’ve had throughout the years.

Website: Frontrangecrossfit.com

Instagram: frontrangecommunityfitness, johnsanfilippofitnesscoach

Image Credits
Sarah Addy