CrossFit Fortius

Absolutely love this cross fit gym! The coaching is incredible for every level, the community is very open and welcoming and the wods are addicting!

I love this place. Before cross fit I did barre, yoga, and sculpt. Cross fit changed me for the better. I’m so healthy and I turely look forward to going to the gym. The atmosphere is so comfortable and welcoming.
They have a chiropractor, a nutritionist, and sports massage therapist on site.
The coaches are too notch– passionate, caring, and just straight up excellent.

Before I started crossfit I did I did my research and visited six other gyms in the area. CF Fortius was the one I chose and I am so glad I did!
I loved the feel of CF Fortius; the location, the brand new facility, the flexible contracts, the excellent coaches, and most importantly the community there.
I highly recommend CF Fortius for anyone trying it for the first time!

I did my fair share of crossfit research before deciding on Crossfit Fortius. I’ve been working here for a little over three months now and I’d say it’s definitely the BEST workout experience I’ve had in years!
All of the coaches, Dave Jesse Jasmine Josh Alex, are amazing and their attention to detail makes even newbies feel confident that they are learning all of the movements correctly.
Every workout is tough, but working out together with this group of incredible individuals makes it worth all the sweat. I recommend anyone that is toying with the idea of crossfit for the first time, or those looking to make a change, to come try Fortius for a free week.

I have been at Fortius for over a year now, and in that time my lifts have almost tripled in weight. I am achieving things I never even dreamed about when I first started here, all thanks to the amazing support of the other gym goers and coaches.
The facility is awesome, despite it still being under construction. We are constantly getting new equipment and the owners are making excellent accommodations for things that were lacking during the rebuild. We have so much room for activities in the new facility, I’m so excited to see what’s in store for us.
The programming is great! There are several coaches that offer Olympic weightlifting options, as well as Dave and Jesse’s top of the line programming. Watching the weight lifters get stronger every day is so inspiring, the energy on the platform unmatched. There is opportunity for every level of cross fitter as well, from beginner to casual gym goer to local competitor to regionals competitor.
As a competitor in both sports, I always feel prepared and supported by my team. The Fortius team is like family, and anyone who joins is treated that way. Joining this family was easily the best decision I’ve ever made and I am so excited to grow with the business and all of the people involved.

Fortius is among the 3 top Crossfit places in SoCal and without a doubt, the number one weightlifting spot in California. As a proof of being the best, Fortius was chosen to host the 2014 Cal State Games where the best athletes of Olympic Weightlifting participate.
Prior to Fortius, I used to train Crossfit in another box in Pacific Beach and two of my coaches there used to go to Fortius to improve their technique. I’m glad I switched to Fortius. The box is spacious, the crowed became my extended family and the hours and open gyms are a huge plus. Fortius basically open 7 days a week and when you sign up for the Crossfit, you’re also entitle to do Weightlifting 3x a week. Open Gyms are offered everyday in the mornings, afternoons and weekends, so there’s no excuse as far as barriers for you to train!
Come down for a free class on Saturdays and get a free week. Then, I’m sure you will call it your new home!

I’ve been a member at CrossFit Fortius for close to 2 years now and literally leave with a indescribable high, and smile on my face, every single day. This gym is more than a gym, and more than just CrossFit. Everything from the coaching, to my fellow members, and some absolutely amazing friends, makes this place a family, and a home.
I’ve worked out at a handful of other gyms, and while I can’t say anything negative about them, there’s just no place like home.
I drag anyone willing to try out Fortius and am proud to be associated with these amazing athletes and coaches!

Iv been to a few other Crossfit gyms in California, and nothing comes close to Crossfit Fortius. This gym is more then amazing, with the large facility, knowledgable coaching staff, and more then friendly members, this place is my second home. If you want to take your fitness to the next level, collect new friendships and be an overall better healthier person, this is the place for you!!!

An update: Crossfit Fortius has treated me very well over nearly 2 years of training. I have loved getting to be a part of the community and growing in my abilities. Finally was able to get a bar muscleup or two.
I am looking forward to the completion of the new gym and seeing the development of the community as Fortius moves from a smaller gym tucked in the back of an industrial complex into an enormous facility right in the middle of San Diego. Fortius is prepped for amazing things and I have faith this move will only propel Coach Jesse, Coach Dave and the rest of the gym into the forefront of fitness in San Diego.
Next review will happen when I manage to snatch my bodyweight.
I have been a Crossfit Fortius member for almost a year now. I was initially a bit uncertain of giving Crossfit a try because of some of the things I had heard about injuries. However, with the expert coaching of Jesse, Dave, Alex and the rest, all of my concerns have been laid to rest.
This gym is about being fit, growing personally, developing relationships within a strong community, and just having a good time.
My background prior to coming to Fortius was heavy into kettlebell training in the RKC style and in other athletic pursuits. Crossfit works great, and at this point I could not contemplate being anywhere other than here.
Now if I could just get to the point where I could do all movements at the Intermediate Level I would be thrilled. Snatches kick my butt.

I’m going to be honest, I never in a million years thought that I would ever give crossfit a chance. I used to think it was scary, too difficult, pricey, and I thought I would embarrass myself if I ever tried. The only reason why I decided to come here was because Wilmar D. is part of the Olympic weightlifting club. I’m really REALLY glad he introduced me to this place.
I actually participated in the very first crossfit workout at this box. After not working out consistently for… this is embarrassing…8 years, it killed me. I was REALLY tired. But I came back the next day. and the next. Why? Because even though it’s painful at times, it’s fun. Yea, I’m a crossfit newbie and this may sound like old news to you crossfit experts, but I like how crossfit workouts are a combination of different things. Pull ups, pushups, short runs, olympic weightlifting, handstands… And the nice thing is that there are modifications to every workout. I OBVIOUSLY cannot do a handstand or a real pull up, haha, but they find a way for me to do something that’s similar but actually doable for myself.
Now, as for crossfit fortius itself, I have to say that it’s full of amazing coaches and really nice, supportive people. I am really intimidated in general with working out because people usually either judge you or they stare weirdly at you but don’t say anything. Not the case here. EVERYONE wants everyone to do well and everyone is SO supportive. The coaches are also REALLY great. I’ve mostly worked with Coach Jesse, who is a great teacher, super patient, and very supportive. Even though I’m learning new things every day and I’m still really out of shape, I feel perfectly comfortable doing crossfit here. Dave is awesome too, ALWAYS cheering me on during all my workouts and boosting my confidence :)
Prices are more expensive than a gym membership, but you get QUALITY coaching, so honestly, it evens out. You also get access to all their equipment, tons of weights, bars, kettle bells, pull up rig, etc.
Even though I’ve only been doing this for 3 weeks and I’m still in pretty bad shape, I’m excited for the weeks to come (I signed up for a year!) and I’m excited to get my lazy butt into shape. I’ve never been able to stick to any workout plan for more than a week or two, but I know this will be easy for me to stick with because the workouts are always changing and the coaches and members are awesome here. I would HIGHLY recommend crossfit to anyone and everyone and I would especially recommend people to sign up at crossfit fortius for increasing your fitness, great personal trainers, losing some weight, and improving your Olympic weightlifting technique :)

Word cannot describe how I happy I am to have found a gym to call home! Military and kid friendly. All questions are welcomed! Just being here for 2 solid weeks I’ve already seen progress in strength, lifts, and overall fitness. Give this place a try! It only took me one workout to feel like I’m part of the family. Oh, and the new facility is HUGE! So much room for activities!
If you’re ever in San Diego, make sure you do a drop-​in! You’ll be happy, and SORE!

This place is seriously THE BEST. I’ve been to a number of boxes and Fortius stands about amongst the rest. The coaching is top notch and the community is unlike anything I have ever experienced anywhere else. I remember my first day, I was blown away by how friendly everyone was — I thought to myself, so THIS is where all the nice people hang out!
CrossFit literally changed my life and Fortius is where it all started. I couldn’t be more grateful to the owners Jesse & Dave for what they have created here and the confidence they have instilled in me. I never thought I would say it, but for the first time in my life, I feel like I can call myself an athlete.

It’s taken me awhile to get around to writing this review partially because my time these days are pretty limited (when WAS the last time I even wrote a Unilocal review?) but mostly I wanted to give myself some time at Crossfit Fortius before I jumped in to write a review. And luckily I did, because I have a better review now than I probably would have had I jumped in and written a review right away after just a few workouts at CF Fortius.
I’ve been very active for a few years and I read, research, and take part in all sorts of different things health and fitness related like it’s my second job. I’ve heard about Crossfit for years now but resisted because the workouts honestly seemed like short, high intensity workouts that I could kind of just do on my own at the gym and even similar to some workouts I had already been doing on my own. I’ve already been self motivated to work out regularly for awhile so I wasn’t really looking for a workout that would keep me motivated. I was also turned off by the attitude of a lot of crossfit people — people who liked to show off how «hardcore» they are and intimidate others by throwing crazy «WODs» at them or bragging about the crazy WOD they had just done.
However, I finally reached the point where I had plateau-​ed a bit — I wanted to lift heavier, increase the intensity of my work outs but I wasn’t sure I wanted to explore that territory on my own and I don’t have a lot of friends who have the same fitness style I do. I finally decided to check out crossfit and see if it would help me reach new levels in fitness and meet new people with similar fitness goals, interests, and motivation as I do.
Boy did I. I’ve now been here for 3+ years now (was one of the first members at the previous location) and the strength gains I’ve seen have far exceeded my expectations. Crossfit workouts are seriously addicting — it’s funny how most people have to force themselves to workout after a few days of rest while I am now finding that I need to force myself to take a rest day because I’ve been here too many days in a row.
The list of things I’ve improved/​gotten for the first time is pretty never ending but I’ll list my two favorites:
1 got my first strict ring dip. Never even thought to put that on the list of goals because I was convinced it was unattainable.
I got my first STRICT PULL UP. I got my first. strict. pull. up. I put this on my goals list jokingly because I never thought it was possible for me to get close to it, let alone reach the goal but I did and now I never want to stop training. ;)
You’ve probably heard the above from many seasoned Crossfitters, but what sets CF Fortius apart? The coaches — who have an amazing Oly lifting background (the precision and technical nature of these lifts deserve a whole other shpeal on its own but let’s just say that the experience of these coaches are INVALUABLE.). The fact that they don’t have a single hint of the attitude I mentioned earlier that I don’t like. Everyone here is so down to earth, nice, fun, and encouraging. I don’t believe that Crossfit is THE one and only perfect workout, nor do I think it is for everyone but if you are interested in stepping into the Crossfit world, I highly recommend CF Fortius to be your one and only stop. Thank you Crossfit Fortius for making me stronger, happier, and feelin’ good about myself. :)

I am new to crossfit, but I have always wanted to give it a try. I felt like my personal workouts had plateaued. I was getting bored with the same old routines while seeing very little improvements. A friend of mine suggested I go to Fortius to try crossfit for a week. The second I walked in, I was greeted by coach Willie. He took the time to make sure I learned the proper movements and lifting techniques without pushing me to lift too much weight. I met the owner David after my first class, and he was very inviting as well. He greeted me with a handshake and a smile. I eventually met the other coaches and the other owner, Jesse, and they have been every bit as warm as Willie and David were on day 1. Even fellow crossfitters have been incredibly nice and helpful as I try to learn and improve.
I joined Fortius a little more than a month ago, and I could not be happier. I truly feel like I am becoming part of the family. When I walk in, the coaches and other crossfitters act like they’re happy to see me and say, «Hey, Jarred,» and coach Willie always says, «Hey, big J.» At my old gym, no one knew my name. I barely spoke to anyone. Now I look forward to going to the gym, not just to get in a good workout, but also to see people who I consider to be my friends.

Ah where to begin… at the beginning. I’ve been crossfitting for over 4.5yrs and here at Fortius for just about the past 2 of those. Prior to that I was at a «popular» gym in pacific beach and saw how things shouldnt be run and what typically gives cf a bad name with excessive pricing, judgemental owners, and playing favorites to name a few. I was fortunate to come to Fortius because I had heard so much about their technique training and coaching (heck ever the owners of the previous gym i went to came there for coaching) standards.
Let me back track to early Dec 2013 when I 1^st stepped foot into Fortius. My crew & I were greeted by some incredibly friendly faces (5 of us showed up). I had a great workout and then spent the next 2 hours talking w/​1 of the owners and many of the members. I knew this place felt like home and 4 days later I was signed up, within the first week what struck me as the main standout was just how GENUINE this Fortius Family is… and that has stayed true the entire time I’ve been at this gym. I own a popular fitness apparel brand and I’ve been to dozens upon dozens of crossfit gyms and while many are awesome, Fortius continues to be the best technique training and best genuine group of members I’ve ever been part of.
I’ve been fortunate to see a couple of the Fortius expansions including their most recent to the new 12,000 sq ft location and its been a testament to just how great their pricing and community is to have seen them expand 4 times in 3 years. That doesnt come from luck, that comes from DOING IT RIGHT!
Many crossfit gyms can be «intimidating» when you’re new or new to town, don’t let the size of the the new facility scare you… you will immediately be at home once you join this crew. Our crossfit community is more than just «lifting», its about family, community, friendship, and fun. 1^st or last, we all cheer for you and love our adventures together inside and outside the gym.
If you are looking for a change, do not hesitate to check it out. If you’re dropping in from out of town definitely check out Fortius for 1 of the most welcoming and friendly gyms you’ll ever visit not to mention some great work outs!

I’ve been a member at Fortius since January 2013. Like many others, I was a member at another box before leaving and joining the amazing, wonderfully supportive Fortius Family. The coaching is hands down THE best, whether you’re an oly lifter or crossfit. They take the time to watch you while you’re doing movements to help avoid any injuries and get your lifts on point, instead of texting, taking selfies, fbing, Tindering, or whatever else I’ve seen other «coaches» do. When other xfit/​weightlifting coaches from other gyms come to YOUR coaches for training, I’d say you’re in the right hands.
For any new people that have never tried crossfit or weightlifting before, or those of you reading this who have not exercised in years, and have been living a not so healthy lifestyle but want to change that, DON’T BE AFRAID TO JOIN! Yes, you will probably see some jacked guys and girls but everyone (i mean everyone!) had to start somewhere, right? We call ourselves the Fortius Family because nobody is an outsider, we take care of each other and more importantly, we SUPPORT each other here. You will be introduced by name and helped out so you don’t have to feel like you’re on your own with no clue of what to do. We also like to get together outside of the gym so be prepared to attend bbqs, bday parties, volleyball games, Sunday Fundays, etc.
Seriously, stop reading through all the other business Unilocal reviews and come in and give it a shot. Btw, you can try it out for free for an entire WEEK! Good luck finding another xfit box that would allow that. We will see you soon. =)

The first thing I always advise someone who’s looking to start weight training or crossfit is to try out different gyms. As many as possible and at different times to get a feel for the people and the culture.
I had my first weightlifting competition at Fortius and people were really supportive. The nice thing about Fortius, even though they are a crossfit named gym, is that there are different strength activities supported there. There are powerlifters, weightlifters, crossfitters and endurance sports athletes there. Who says lifters don’t run marathons or do triathlons? :P
Fortius is a bit hard to find, but their facebook page has a great map on how to get through the business area and the coaches are always available to answer questions/​calls.
There’s something about Fortius’ remote location that adds to its charm. You don’t get too many random gawkers and the running areas aren’t too busy.
The people that go to Fortius are awesome.
The other über cool factor is that they offer open gym from 9 – 1 on Saturdays.

Top notch coaches, top notch community. Compared to every other crossfit gym in San Diego, the overall value you get as a member at Fortius cannot be matched.
The new Fortius location is enormous. So much room for activities! Not to mention, they are in the process of building men’s and women’s showers and changing rooms, a kid’s area, an outdoor workout area, and the Livesore headquarters! So much to look forward to.
Fortius also has an in house sports massage therapist named Shedara Gibson who is amazing!
Even if you are unsure about joining a crossfit/​olympic lifting gym, I still highly recommend stopping by Fortius to start your one week trial for free. You have nothing to lose! The Fortius community is so friendly, and will instantly make you feel like part of the family.

New location, new review!
What I said back in 2012 is this: More coaching, lifting, and programming experience than you’ll find under one roof in San Diego.
What I’ll add in retrospect is that this gym helped make SD feel like home, even for a short while.

I am proud and happy to call Crossfit Fortius my home away from home. The coaching is incredible, the community is welcoming and inviting and incredibly fun OUTSIDE the gym. If you are interested in working out with some really awesome people, I highly recommend checking this gym out. I did, and am incredibly glad I did.

I have been a member at Fortius for 2.5 years and considering their GIANT expansion into a 12K foot facility I felt it was time to give these guys a second review and a little more praise.
Who Am I? I am almost 40yo. I considered myself a pretty good athlete at one point. I played a lot of sports. A few years on the couch, then a few years with an infant took me down the path of stagnation and weight gain. At almost 37 years old I walked into Fortius. I have rediscovered the things that Fortius stands for: Hard Work, Teamwork, Strength, Dedication, and Pride.
Why did i join? To be completely honest, I had a warehouse across the street from the gym. 2 parking lots over is too close to ignore. I think I must have sworn for 2 weeks in a row that I was going to go over there and check it out. Every day I came up with an excuse not to. Finally a co-​worker and I made the trip. It has been one of the best decisions I have made.
What can you expect? I joined/​participate in the crossfit side of the house. They also offer an Olympic lifting membership, but honestly, my gut… literally…tells me that I need crossfit. I was nervous about joining a crossfit gym. I heard all the cultish rumors and stories of injury. Turns out, it kicks ass. It is a great combination of Strength, Stamina, Skill and Conditioning. Each workout starts with ample time to warm up and get stretched out, followed by a «skill session» where you practice skills related to crossfit, followed by a strength section (the only part I am good at) and you finish off with the actual workout of the day or WOD.
60 minutes later your ass is whipped.
The coaching is top notch. I feel safe performing heavy lifts. If your form isn’t right you will hear about it. Even if it is good but not great, you will hear about it.
I have learned all of the skills safely… muscle-​ups, Hand Stand Walks, HSPUs, Pistols… even finally getting Double-​Unders.
I will be 40 in July and am as strong as I was in my early 20s. Try out the free week these guys offer and make the best decision you could possible make.

After being involved in CrossFit for a year, I decided to make the switch to a new gym where I could grow as an athlete. Fortius gave me that and more. Not only is the coaching out of this world but the people I have met have become my closest friends. There is no need for a drawn out post about why Fortius is so great. They offer a free week so get in and try it out. I promise you, you will love every aspect that is Crossfit Fortius.
Citius, Altius, Fortius… Faster, Higher, Stronger.

I have been at Fortius for about 5 months. In that time I have seen amazing changes, physically and mentally I have never felt better. Every workout challenges and makes me stronger.
I know that the success I’ve had is 100% because of the community that Fortius has created. The coaching is knowledgeable, encouraging, and challenging. The members are supportive and friendly. And the gym is welcoming to every fitness level.
If you are at all curious about crossfit or weight lifting or just want to try something other than your average gym, Fortius is the place to go! And with an amazing free week of classes you can’t go wrong.