COACHES
Alex Cottingham | Owner
Alex comes to Cumming Strength & Fitness with almost a decade in the health and fitness field. He started CrossFit as a senior in high school (along with several other sports, i.e. football, basketball, track & field, weightlifting, etc.) and has been doing CrossFit ever since. He graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science and Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master’s in Christian Leadership.
During his time in college, he founded and directed the CrossFit University Affiliate at Liberty University, where he started with 3 members and grew it to over 100 in less than 3 years. Additionally, he programmed 2 CrossFit competitions during his time at Liberty University as well.
Since then, he has coached thousands of athletes over his 10+ years of coaching, competed in several CrossFit competitions, but ultimately finds joy in helping people become the healthiest version of themselves: physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally & spiritually.
Certifications
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
Bachelor’s in Exercise Science
Master’s in Christian Leadership
ACSM: EP-C (American College of Sports Medicine – Exercise Physiologist)
CPR/AED Certified
JEFF GRAVITT | Fitness COACH
Jeff was introduced to CrossFit in 2014 at the age of 36. After years of competing in various team and indiviual sports, Jeff was searching for a systematic approach to fitness within the context of a group environment. The moment following Jeff’s first CrossFit workout, he couldn’t help but become a lifelong advocate of CrossFit. After years of experiencing positive changes in his physique, strength, stamina, and energy, Jeff began to coach.
As a coach, Jeff enjoys seeing people experience the same positive changes for themselves. Jeff’s purpose as a CrossFit coach is to assist people in becoming healthier and fitter, within the context of healthy relationships.
CERTIFICATIONS
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
CPR/AED Certified
KATE SANDERS | Fitness COACH & director of crossfit kids
Kate has been an athlete since a young age. She started out as a competitive gymnast and swimmer, then moved on to triathlons and marathons as an adult.
After having two beautiful girls and wanting more out of her fitness, she found CrossFit at the age of 38. Kate fell in love the with challenge of lifting weights and used her endurance background to crush the met-cons. Her body and fitness goals changed in ways she never knew was possible and wanted to do the same for others.
Coaching has become a passion for her by helping others reach their goals by encouraging her athletes and teaching them they CAN do hard things. Kate is a very positive, enthusiastic and caring coach who loves seeing her athletes succeed.
CERTIFICATIONS
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CPR/AED Certified
Alexis Knight | fitness COACH & Director of crossfit Teens
Alexis has a background in many sports and is going on a decade of CrossFit experience beginning in high school. Because of soccer she began weightlifting in middle school to become a stronger and more resilient player. What began as a way to stay healthy in season, became a major influence and passion she pursued in college. After beginning CrossFit in an official affiliate in 2014, Alexis became empowered and challenged by hard working people to be strong and continuously learn new skills. This impacted her life so greatly she began coaching and graduated Mississippi State University with a degree in Exercise Science. Alexis has a contentiously growing passionate about preparing people to live their lives better in all facets, and has found often that means gaining the fitness and confidence to put into practice.
CERTIFICATIONS
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Human Performance
Nutrition Coaching Institute Level 1
CPR/AED
BRENT JOHNSTON | Fitness & ENDURANCE COACH
Brent loves all things endurance. He has competed in Ironman Couer D’Alene, 8 half Ironman races, even more sprint triathlons, 10 half marathons, and countless 5k and 10k races. Brent also has a passion for CrossFit and has a few team competition podium finishes under his belt. He has an appreciation for the synergy between long races and CrossFit training, and enjoys helping athletes stay injury-free through strength training and technique work.
CERTIFICATIONS
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CrossFit Endurance
USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach
CPR/AED Certified
CAITLIN PORTER | Fitness COACH
Caitlin comes to Cumming Strength and Fitness with almost a decade of Crossfit and coaching experience. Caitlin initially got involved in Crossfit as a way to meet new people, she fell in love with Crossfit and was drawn towards coaching others. In the past, Caitlin has experience competing in high level competitions. These days Caitlin focuses more on training for longevity and helping women navigate the prenatal and postpartum seasons of life. Caitlin has experience navigating Crossfit through both of her pregnancies and has a passion for helping other women find ways to continue to workout in a safe manner during those phases.
CERTIFICATIONS
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
By the Number Movement Method Seminar
BirthFit Educator Certification
CPR/AED Certified
KALI REEVES | Fitness & Nutrition COACH
Kali’s passion for athletics started during high school, carried her through college, and continues as she is approaching a decade of CrossFit experience. She started CrossFit as a new mom and has felt an undeniable pull to the workouts, lifestyle, and community ever since. It is her goal at CS&F to help others feel as inspired as she has been (and still is) by living a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle.
CERTIFICATIONS
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CPR/AED Certified
Shelby Thurman | Fitness COACH
Shelby comes to Cumming Strength and Fitness with a passion for people to discover a rich and full life. Born and raised in Madison, MS, she grew up with a soccer ball at her feet. After her soccer career came to an end, she missed the team environment and structured training.
Shelby discovered CrossFit in 2021 and fell in love with the community and the intensity each workout brought. Today, Shelby enjoys sharing her love of community and fitness with the teens and adults of Cumming Strength and Fitness. She hopes every member gains a greater confidence in themselves; that we can do hard things!
CERTIFICATIONS
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CPR/AED Certified
taylor Latham | Fitness COACH
Taylor comes to Cumming Strength and Fitness with a background in endurance athletics and five years of CrossFit experience. He ran Cross Country and long distance Track in high school, and first found CrossFit at the age of 28, where he knew he had found the best fit and expression of fitness possible for him. The community aspect of CrossFit captured his love and heart, and he jumped in headfirst. The love for both the methodology and the sport have deepened since.
He loves helping people accomplish things they thought they couldn't do, and is obsessed with the concept of getting 1% better everyday. In the gym, in work, in relationships - he loves to see people improve all areas of their lives.
He is married to Katherine, has two amazing (and crazy) kids – Maeve and Fields, and a golden retriever, Tilley. He actually first started CrossFit when he and Katherine were relocated out of state for Maeve's birth due to a rare birth defect, and believes that is why CrossFit is so near to his heart. He loves talking about this and Maeve's story, so if you don't know it, feel free to ask him sometime at the gym – he would love to tell you more.
CERTIFICATIONS
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Feel better. Look better. Be better.