After discovering Crossfit in the summer of 2012, Joey Tortora quickly fell in love with everything it had to offer. He was a runner and avid gym-goer looking for a new push. He saw a video of The Crossfit Games and was determined to have a future in this sport. In 2014, he began his competition career and qualified for his first Individual Crossfit Regional. Soon after this, he took his love of the sport one step further and started coaching. For the past 7 years, Joey has tied his two loves together and has been teaching people how to move and live well while at the same time becoming a 5-year Regional Individual Qualifier and a 2-time Crossfit Games Team athlete, finishing 5th in 2019. 

Joey’s passion for coaching comes from wanting to help others achieve their goals and avoid mistakes he made early in his career. As a Brute Athlete since 2018, he knows the impact a good coach can make. 

When not in the gym, Joey is spending his time in his basement woodshop crafting small commissioned pieces or changing the diaper for his newborn daughter, Ruthie. 

Favorite lift/event/area of focus?

If I could do one Crossfit event everyday for the rest of my life, it would be the Triple 3. I love the pain and the mental focus it takes to push your aerobic threshold for such a long duration. 

What are your motivations in life?

I strive every day to be the kindest person I can. Sometimes people just need to hear kind words. You never know what someone else is experiencing so always take that opportunity to lend them some positive vibes.

What’s your training mantra or favorite quote? 

“Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.” Michael Scott. Learn to love the discomfort. It’s only temporary. 

Anything else you would like to add?

As a coach, I firmly believe it is not only my job to help you increase our fitness, but increase your mental view of yourself. I’ll always be the biggest fan of my athletes!