June Athlete of the Month: Ryan Pope

Congratulations Ryan, you are our June Athlete of the Month!

Ryan and his family moved to Colorado almost a year ago and he joined our NoCoast community shortly after. In that short time, he has completely skyrocketed his results! We are so impressed by Ryan’s dedication and work ethic. Not only has he transformed his body, but he is moving so much better, freer, and absolutely killing workouts! He is constantly staying after to get extra work in, is very coachable, and his progress is only fueling him to continue on this health journey!

We are so thankful to have Ryan as part of our NoCoast community and are proud and humbled to be a part of his journey so far. We’re looking forward to seeing all the continued growth!

Quotes from Ryan:

“I found CrossFit a few years ago and it really filled the voids that I was missing. Not only the athletic and fitness void, but the healthy competition and community void as well. I noticed a difference in my fitness, but I also noticed a huge difference in my personal happiness and fulfillment through CrossFit and the community around it. I knew that I wanted to make CrossFit or CrossFit style workouts and gyms a part of my life because they made me a more well rounded and better person. So when my family and I decided to move across the country for a fresh start last summer I knew I wanted, no I needed, to find a gym that encouraged me and helped build community. And NoCoast has done that and more. I'm the healthiest I have been in over 13 years and it is because of the encouragement, accountability, programming, and community at NoCoast!”

“NoCoast has led to a much healthier lifestyle all around for me. My fitness has improved tremendously, my nutrition has gotten so much better as well, but for me the most important part is that my overall happiness has improved. The workouts and routine have helped with both my stress and time management skills, which has led to improvement in my mood and work. The community has also been amazing for me! As a new family to town last summer, I was nervous about finding community and friends, but NoCoast has led to some of my closest Colorado relationships over the past year! It is such a welcoming and encouraging community where I have found amazing friends and accountability. “

Age: 37

Athletic/Sports history/highlights: 

Just high school sports. Football and swimming

How long have you been at NoCoast? 

Since September 2024

How did you get into your fitness journey? 

I've always loved being and feeling athletic, but work and growing a family took most of my priorities and time right after college. I let myself go for a while, but always felt like I was missing something in my life. I found CrossFit a few years ago and it really filled the voids that I was missing. Not only the athletic and fitness void, but the healthy competition and community void as well. I noticed a difference in my fitness, but I also noticed a huge difference in my personal happiness and fulfillment through CrossFit and the community around it. I knew that I wanted to make CrossFit or CrossFit style workouts and gyms a part of my life because they made me a more well rounded and better person. So when my family and I decided to move across the country for a fresh start last summer I knew I wanted, no I needed, to find a gym that encouraged me and helped build community. And NoCoast has done that and more. I'm the healthiest I have been in over 13 years and it is because of the encouragement, accountability, programming, and community at NoCoast!

What is your favorite workout or movement? 

I love a good back squat or pull up! And if I had to choose a workout I would say Cindy is always a favorite benchmark. 

What is your least favorite workout or movement? 

Not a fan of thrusters or burpees haha. 

What is your most memorable NoCoast moment? 

I would say there have been a few. The first was getting my first bar muscle up right before the CrossFit Open this year! Second was overcoming my frustrations and fears of rope climbs and actually doing them in a workout. And lastly would be getting to a point in my cardio through zone 2 training and consistency to adding a 10k run on Saturdays every week. I always despised long distance running, but through the coaching and encouragement of Sam and Dan, I have gotten to a point where I look forward to it! Something I never thought I would say. 

How does nutrition play a role in your fitness and recovery? 

Nutrition is something that I have been focusing on more in 2025 than anytime before. I have been doing intermittent fasting from 8pm-noon the next day, and also making better choices for lunch and dinner. I'm by no means perfect, with two little girls and a packed schedule it is certainly something I can get better at and a goal to improve as I have maintained the consistency of working out. 

How has NoCoast improved your overall wellness? 

NoCoast has led to a much healthier lifestyle all around for me. My fitness has improved tremendously, my nutrition has gotten so much better as well, but for me the most important part is that my overall happiness has improved. The workouts and routine have helped with both my stress and time management skills, which has led to improvement in my mood and work. The community has also been amazing for me! As a new family to town last summer, I was nervous about finding community and friends, but NoCoast has led to some of my closest Colorado relationships over the past year! It is such a welcoming and encouraging community where I have found amazing friends and accountability. 

How has NoCoast or fitness changed your family? 

My fitness journey and joining NoCoast has positively impacted my family for sure. My wife has become more active and started focusing on her own fitness journey, and my daughters have also started being more active and eating better. I will have to say as well, my fitness journey would not have the success that it has this year without the support I receive at home. My wife and children help encourage me to show up and keep going! They keep me accountable by asking when I'm going to the gym, and helping to make it a priority for me. Having the support at home allows me to continue on this journey guilt free as they encourage me to keep getting better. Because they have seen first hand that when I am healthier I am a better husband and father. So knowing I have their full support, helps me to become better in all aspects of life!

Advice to new people: 

Embrace the community and coaching. Scale to your abilities, there is no shame in doing your best where you are currently at! The people in class aren't judging you for scaling, they are cheering you on for showing up and getting better! And have fun!