CrossFit Dunes

02/22/2026

Joining CrossFit Dunes last May was one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself. For so long, my identity was wrapped up in the roles I cherish; mom, wife, teacher, daughter, sister, aunt, friend. While those titles mean everything to me, I realized I had stopped making space to discover who I am outside of caring for everyone else. Walking through those doors felt like the first step toward reclaiming something that was just mine.

What I found was more than a workout. The community, motivation, and steady encouragement from Chad and Holly created an environment where I felt supported from day one. They have built a space that meets you where you are but also challenges you to grow. One of the greatest gifts has been that my daughters are able to come with me. I don’t have to juggle childcare or see my commitment to health become an obstacle. Instead, they get to watch their mom, and an entire community, prioritize strength, and well-being. That example is priceless.

Because of CrossFit Dunes, I am uncovering confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of identity. I am grateful to be part of a community that truly lifts one another up. It’s no longer just about fitness; it’s about becoming the strongest version of myself in every role I hold while, most importantly, showing my girls what that looks like.

-Emily Stevenson

12/28/2025

We’re beyond grateful for our members who show up, work hard, and make this place more than just a gym. This is community, confidence, and constant progress—all under one roof.

“I want to thank you for this gym, as I don’t know if you know how much this place means to me and I’m sure many other people.
You had a dream many years ago and you followed thru on those dreams, and now I have a place to go 6 to 7 days a week, to feel better about myself. Every time I leave I always feel great, and I have you to thank for that.
It’s not always easy to walk over here at night, in the rain, snowstorms, extreme heat, but I always do, because nothing makes someone feel better than a good hard workout.
Thank you for this gym and all the sacrifices you and your family have to go thru to keep it up and running and open for all of us!!
Thank you buddy!”

—From a loyal member

12/13/2025

09/20/2025

Saturday morning partner WODs are the best! ❤️

09/01/2025

Holly and Nicole spent the weekend in Holland earning their L2. The trainers, Joe and Kolin are amazing coaches and have a wealth of knowledge. We had an awesome time and are coming back to CrossFit Dunes with lots to share!

08/11/2025

CrossFit is the cure!

Society wants you to believe there’s a shortcut. A magic pill. A shot that changes everything. Big Pharma sells convenience. Society sells comfort. But your ...

07/30/2025

By Anna Luther: I have been putting off writing a testimonial for CrossFit Dunes for over a year because I really didn’t know how I could express everything that this gym means to me without sounding really sappy or taking things too far and sounding insincere.

First of all, you should know that CrossFit Dunes is not a normal Crossfit gym. I don’t even know what a normal CrossFit gym is (I’m picturing a lot of people without their shirts on, snorting chalk, and grunting through grueling workouts). If you ignore Ben Bates, then you won’t find anything like that at CrossFit Dunes.

What I HAVE found is a community of people that I look forward to seeing at every single class. They cheer me on in the gym and in life. They bring me to tears with their triumphs and sometimes I look around and am overcome with the energy during a class. There are often kids sitting on the stairs with snacks and iPads, partners helping each other do hard things and Chad and Holly encouraging, supporting and pushing us to do things we didn’t know we could do.

My CrossFit people have become some of my favorite people ever, and it seriously feels like a family. (I told you this was going to get sappy.)

I don't have the perfect gym body. I may never be able to do double-unders. I will ALWAYS cherry pick my workouts and skip certain days that seem ridiculous. And I will never agree to be Tara Miller’s partner ever again.

BUT - I cherish my Crossfit Dunes family, and I'm thankful every day that Nicole Bates forced me to go with her to an onboarding session.

These have become my people, and it's the place where I feel like everyone knows my name and is happy to see me. (And if you get that Cheers reference then you're old like me and you can STILL come to Crossfit!)

07/19/2025

Come join us tomorrow! 10-12

06/27/2025

Come row with us tomorrow! Show up for 10 minutes or join us for the whole time!

CrossFit Dunes is holding a 24-Hour Row Challenge this Saturday, June 28, starting at 9:00 am to help raise funds for the Frankfort Elberta Youth Sports Boosters.

Details are below 👇

💪 Come to the gym and hop on a rower!
No registration needed.

06/04/2025

CrossFit Dunes
I’ve always been someone who’s loved working out. My workouts were very routine and “comfortable” to me- run, dumbells, a few machines- repeat.

Fast forward to kids and my gym time was
very limited. I found myself frustrated that my workouts weren’t as efficient as I wanted them to be. My husband suggested joining him at CrossFit- but the thought of working out as a group, intimidating movements, and heaven forbid music I didn’t like- it was out of my comfort zone, and a no.

Thankfully, that mentality didn’t last long.

Almost two years in and I couldn’t be happier stepping out of my comfort zone. I love the challenging, efficient workouts that have made me stronger in ways I never imagined- physically and mentally. I love looking over and seeing others crushing the same workout next to me- it’s a motivation and a community I didn’t realize I lacked. I even love the music.

The coaches are simply amazing, meeting you wherever you are on your fitness journey- new to the gym, pregnant, post-partum, recovering from injury, you name it. Take the first step out of your comfort zone- the coaches and everyone else at CrossFit Dunes will help you with the rest.

Ashley Smoes

05/26/2025

Mission accomplished. Murph 2025: 42 athletes showed up, worked hard, and never quit.
“We don’t know them all, but we owe them all”