Check Out Nathalie Flores’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathalie Flores.

Hi Nathalie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Venezuela, where movement, competition, and discipline became core parts of my identity from a very young age. I started as a rhythmic gymnast, eventually joining my state’s national team. Later, I transitioned into Shotokan Karate-Do, where I proudly represented Venezuela in international competitions, including winning a Pan-American Championship. These experiences helped shape my drive, work ethic, and passion for athletic excellence.

After years in competitive sports, I discovered CrossFit—and it immediately felt like home. I was drawn to the combination of strength, skill, and resilience it required, and quickly immersed myself not only as an athlete, but as a coach. I began coaching full-time in Venezuela at Rebellion Elite Box, where I trained both everyday athletes and aspiring competitors in CrossFit, gymnastics, weightlifting, and functional fitness. During this time, I also developed a strong personal coaching business for 1-on-1 training, offering tailored programs across various athletic disciplines.

In 2022, I earned my CrossFit Level 1 certification and began expanding my education through multiple specialty certifications in gymnastics, endurance, mobility, and lesson planning. I officially moved to the U.S. in 2023 to further my coaching career, and since then, I’ve worked at premier fitness and performance facilities in Colorado—Coal Creek CrossFit, Impact Sports Performance, and Summit Academy—where I lead classes and athlete development programs for youth, adults, and competitive teams.

I recently earned my CrossFit Level 2 certification in May 2025 and am already working toward my Level 3, which is one of the highest distinctions in the CrossFit coaching profession. I’m also a certified Advanced CrossFit Judge, and have judged elite athletes at international events such as Wodapalooza in Miami.

Looking back, my journey has always been rooted in helping others unlock their full physical and mental potential—through strength, structure, and sport. As I continue to grow my career in the U.S., I bring not only years of competitive and coaching experience, but also a deep cultural commitment to discipline, excellence, and the transformative power of fitness.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s definitely been a rewarding one. I’ve been fortunate in many ways—I had access to quality education growing up in Venezuela, including early English instruction, and I was raised with strong support from my family. But even with those advantages, building a career in fitness, and later transitioning internationally, came with real challenges.

Coaching in Venezuela meant working in an environment with economic and logistical instability. Even the basics—like reliable equipment or scheduling around power outages—required extra effort and resourcefulness. I had to be incredibly committed and creative to keep progressing as both a coach and an athlete.

Relocating to the U.S. brought a whole new level of challenge. I had to reestablish myself in a new country, navigate the immigration process, and build trust and credibility from the ground up in a highly competitive fitness industry. Even though I already spoke English, adapting to the cultural expectations of American clients and institutions took time, effort, and humility.

But I’ve always believed that pressure creates growth. Each challenge—whether in Venezuela or here—has shaped me into a more prepared, professional, and intentional coach. It’s also deepened my drive to keep learning and to help others reach their full potential, no matter where they come from or what they’re facing.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a CrossFit coach with a deep specialization in gymnastics and high-level sports performance. My work blends two worlds: I coach everyday individuals in functional fitness and CrossFit—and I also train competitive youth and adult athletes from a variety of sports using CrossFit methodology as the foundation for overall fitness.

I’m known for my ability to break down high-skill movements like gymnastics into approachable, progress-driven steps that help people build real strength, confidence, and body control. I specialize in coaching both CrossFit athletes and multi-sport athletes—like hockey, soccer, volleyball, and basketball players—helping them improve speed, agility, mobility, endurance, and injury resilience.

At the core of my coaching philosophy is the belief that elite movement should be accessible and transferable. That’s what makes CrossFit such a powerful methodology—it’s not just about competing in the sport itself, but using its principles to elevate any athlete, at any level, in any discipline.

I currently coach at elite facilities in Colorado including Coal Creek CrossFit, Impact Sports Performance, and Summit Academy, where I run strength and conditioning programs for high-performance athletes. I’m also a certified CrossFit Gymnastics Specialist and an Advanced CrossFit Judge, which allows me to stay involved in the competitive scene from both coaching and officiating perspectives.

What I’m most proud of is how I’ve built trust across cultures and disciplines. Coming from Venezuela, I’ve managed to not only establish a coaching career in the U.S., but also stand out for my technical expertise, communication style, and commitment to progress. My ability to coach high-level skills while also creating a positive, empowering environment is what truly sets me apart.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to try something new—everyone starts somewhere. Nobody walks into a gym already knowing how to lift, move, or perform complex skills. It’s easy to feel intimidated or like you need to “get in shape” before joining a class, but the truth is: the gym is where you learn. That’s the whole point.

My biggest piece of advice is to find a space where you feel supported and seen. Go to a gym that makes you feel comfortable, not judged—and surround yourself with coaches who know what they’re doing and are genuinely invested in helping you progress. Good coaching isn’t just about programming—it’s about trust, consistency, and education.

I wish I had known sooner how powerful it is to lean into discomfort. The first steps are always the hardest, but they’re also the most transformative. Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, learning, and being willing to grow.

Pricing:

• Crossfit memebership 165/mo
• personal training sessions between 85 and 100$
• Half hour skills sessions $50

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myimpactsports.com/strong
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieflores.coach?igsh=dnI1czR6OGp5bjIw&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nathalieflores__?_t=ZP-8xDM84XrjV1&_r=1