Abbey sloulin

Abbey has been part of the CrossFit community since 2011 and brings well over a decade of coaching experience to Yuba City CrossFit. Her journey into CrossFit began unexpectedly when she was asked to help coach and get certified at a new gym.

“I was asked to help coach and get certified at a new gym opening up. Not knowing anything about it, I went for it, fell in love with it, and never looked back.”

Before CrossFit, Abbey was an accomplished collegiate track athlete. She holds the second-fastest 100m hurdle time in Chico State history and was an All-American track athlete in college. She also spent a year living in Australia, and yes, she’s even been in jail once. Street cred.

Outside of the gym, Abbey enjoys snowboarding, painting, water sports, and keeping up with her kids and their sports. Her active lifestyle and curiosity carry over into how she approaches coaching and life.

Abbey has coached for well over a decade and has worked with people of all ages and fitness levels. She has coached beginners, experienced athletes, older adults, pregnant and postpartum members, and adaptive athletes, often all within the same class.

“CrossFit is universally scalable. I’ve coached an elite-level CrossFitter, a 60-year-old grandma, a 7-month pregnant mom, and a 15-year-old newbie all through the same class.”

Her coaching philosophy starts with listening. Abbey believes the best way to serve people is to first understand their goals and limitations, then modify movements accordingly so everyone can train safely and confidently.

What Abbey loves most about coaching is the privilege of helping people improve their lives in meaningful ways.

“I get the privilege of helping people improve their lives, their self-esteem, their health, and their fitness every day.”

She also values the connections formed inside the gym and the sense of belonging that grows over time.

“I get to build meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life and help them become the best versions of themselves.”

When it comes to advice for someone just starting CrossFit, Abbey encourages people to fully commit to the process, stay patient, and enjoy the ride.

“Go all in and enjoy the ride. Let the process work its magic.”

She believes the benefits of CrossFit extend far beyond physical strength.

“You’ll be amazed at the results, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.”

Abbey also emphasizes the importance of connection and kindness within the gym.

“Be kind, be friendly, get to know your classmates. You may just find yourself forming lifelong friendships.”

Abbey credits CrossFit and the community around it for shaping who she is today. For her, CrossFit is about more than training. It’s about showing up, supporting one another, and growing together over time.