Invictus Fitness
About
Invictus Fitness in San Diego offers a comprehensive training environment focused on CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, and general fitness. The gym is led by founder C.J. Martin, a Level 4 CrossFit instructor and USA Weightlifting Coach, and features a large team of experienced coaches with diverse backgrounds including sports conditioning, exercise science, and specialized CrossFit certifications. Members benefit from unique amenities like a dedicated recovery area, medical spa services such as IVs and vitamin shots, and a pro shop, creating a facility that supports both intense training and holistic wellness. The programming is designed to challenge athletes of all skill levels while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety and effective coaching cues during workouts.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently describe Invictus Fitness as having exceptional coaches who are knowledgeable, entertaining, and deeply invested in athlete success. Specific praise is given to coaches like Drew for his clear explanations and ability to command attention, Kirsten for her energy, Aush for his patience, and Fritz for his expertise and innovative drills. The community is highlighted as welcoming and passionate, with many members choosing to travel farther to train here due to the quality of coaching and supportive atmosphere. Minor feedback includes a question about accessing class workouts online, but overall reviews emphasize that the gym lives up to its promises and provides an outstanding training experience.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Donna Stachowicz
2 months ago
Invictus fitness classes are always terrific. The coaches are not only knowledgeable and enthusiastic but they are also highly entertaining. Some should be part-time comedians, esp coach Kirsten and Drew. They really bring the energy! Every single coach is top-notch and you can't go wrong coming here. Aush has the patience of a saint, working with the 9 AM crowd of crazy people, and Fritz always has some new drill to teach us and knows his stuff!
Michael Cox
2 months ago
Drew was the noon coach today. There isn’t a class he coaches where I am not impressed by his fitness knowledge. Drew clearly explains the WOD in a way that makes you think about the stimulus and your strategy. But beyond that, he has this ability to command attention, entertain the class, and make it fun. I also regularly attend classes coached by Nuno, Aush, Kim, and Kirsten, all of whom I could give similar compliments. Each Invictus coach brings their own unique personality and individual gifts. I honestly look forward to class no matter who is coaching. I drive 20 minutes to and from Invictus almost every day. I have countless other gyms that are closer and more convenient, but I stay at Invictus for the community, the coaches, and the programming. I have been doing CrossFit since 2012 and, in my opinion, none do it better than Invictus.
Keith Goodling
a month ago
Excellent job at the white board. Managed large group of barbell snatchers well and gave good feedback and cues. Class managed safely and efficiently . Warm up and activation was brief but effective. Loved my best hour of the day here. 6am! Let’s go!!!
Alexis Alexander
4 months ago
My thoughts/review for Invictus Fitness SD, Google, & the Facebook world 💚✨ To those who don’t like reading—long story short Invictus & those within the gym are amazing and go workout if you can! To those who like reading—enjoy: Visited Invictus Fitness during my vacation & the vibes—PHENOMENAL. The coaches are insightful, caring, proactive, & consistent with how they distribute their attention to all athletes regardless of skill level during classes. Thank you to Kim, Aush, Nuno, Kisha, Fritz, Drew, & Holden for choosing to show up to coach because you literally could do the opposite, ya know?…It appears you all truly if not love, then enjoy what you do and that kind of radiation of energy is cherished among people like me who value as well as prefer to be submerged in environments where light, authenticity, & a sense of passion exists. Y’all live up to the “coaches invested in your success” portion mentioned on your page for sure. Keep it up! Ethan and Virginia—Y’alls presence at the desk is beyond warm & welcoming. Thank you for exhibiting an ability to be attentive, selfless, & generous to all around you. Observing & experiencing y’all’s interactions made a significant difference in my desire to want to keep coming back to the gym. Never lose your spark because it’s lovely to encounter! Thank you to the gym peeps for being a mix of funny, composed, driven, welcoming, & all around a good freaking time to not just workout with but chat with as well! Especially, Jill, Birthday queen on 11/23 Laura, the Rachel who coaches soccer, the Andrew from 6am, Sasha, the Rachel with a British accent, John, Perry, Cathy (I think you said with a K so sorry in advance), Stacia, the Andrew in Mental Health realm, Mallory, Collin, Cheyanne, Luis, the beautiful brown couple I met who workout at 9am, & the rest of the individuals names I cannot recall but our encounters will live on in my memory…and journal haahaa My only 2, “What could be better?”, comments/questions are: 1) Is there a way to see the class workouts when visiting for us online athletes who do individualized programming? Not sure if that’s a thing already but figured I’d mention it. 2) Word on the street is there’s a debate between who is more handsome—Coach Nuno or Drew. My beloved & I agree it could be better if those debating finally recognized that hands down Coach Drew is the real pièce de résistance a.k.a. the more handsome of the two 🤌🏾 Don’t even see why there’s a debate bro 😉😂😆 In all seriousness, if anyone who doesn’t go is considering I highly recommend to get involved online, in-person, as a drop-in and so forth with this gym because they indeed live up to what they strive to be. Love it here & looking forward to returning in 3 months!
Aush Chatman
2 months ago
Best gym in San Diego! I learn from the coaches and my life is full from the community, special shout-out 5am, Mind Muscle crew, 9am, and 6am. Love y'all
fitness_centerAmenities
Contact
1401 E St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 5:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 5:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 7:00 – 11:30 AM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
C.J. Martin
Founder
Level 4 CrossFit instructor, USA Weightlifting Coach
Founded Invictus Fitness in 2009. Former member of CrossFit HQ training team. Has coached more than 60 individuals to the CrossFit Games.
Kim McLaughlin
Coach / Partner
Integral to day-to-day operations of the downtown location since 2019. Focuses on coaching, education, and community.
Holden Rethwill
Coach
Began CrossFit in 2013, started following Invictus Competition Program online in 2014.
Kirsten Ahrendt
Coach
Former competitive soccer and rugby player at Dartmouth College prior to joining Invictus.
Nichole Kribs
Coach
Started coaching and competing with Invictus in 2009, with 4 CrossFit Games appearances on Team Invictus.
Nuno Costa
Coach
Began coaching career in 2008, full-time coach by 2009. Coached at Invictus from 2009 to 2019.
Aush Chatman
Coach
Numerous CrossFit certifications, inaugural Gymnastic Bodies trainee
CrossFit veteran since 2005, former owner of CrossFit San Diego. Passionate about coaching internal transformation.
Fritz Nugent
Coach
Master's in sports conditioning and performance
Former collegiate decathlete. Has coached Track & Field, CrossFit, Strongman, and Rugby.
Andrew Shempp
Coach
Degree in exercise science
Over a decade of experience in CrossFit competition and training. Passionate about movement.
Drew
Coach
Mentioned in testimonials for fitness knowledge and coaching ability. Coaches noon classes.