CrossFit Level 1
Licensed occupational therapist in New Jersey
Melissa Butler is a CrossFit Level 1 coach at Terrain Fitness. She first discovered CrossFit when she hit a plateau in her own training. She was running often and lifting occasionally, but she wasn’t getting stronger or faster. After a year of considering it, she finally tried her first class and immediately fell in love with the blend of strength and endurance, along with the strong sense of community. As a former high school and college athlete, she also appreciated the continued opportunities for competition. Outside of coaching, Melissa works as an occupational therapist in a local school district and has additional experience in both outpatient and hospital settings. She has been married to her husband, John, for 15 years and is a proud mom to Avery (13), Oliver (11), and her stepson John Henry (24). In her spare time, she enjoys coaching and playing softball, watching her kids play sports, reading, spending time with her dog Kiki, and traveling.
Melissa’s favorite part of coaching is celebrating the small wins her members achieve day after day. She believes that consistent progress leads to major accomplishments and she loves encouraging people to push outside their comfort zones when they are ready. Members attending her classes can expect great music, positive energy, and steady motivation. Melissa strives to create workouts that are challenging yet achievable, and she always checks in with members, especially those who are new, to make sure they feel prepared and confident. Her favorite part of being part of Terrain is the community. The people are caring, supportive, and fun, and she feels fortunate to coach among them. Melissa’s best advice for anyone starting CrossFit is to never be intimidated by a workout and simply show up. At a gym like Terrain, caring and knowledgeable coaches will guide you and help tailor workouts to your current level so you can grow with confidence.
