Thinking About Starting CrossFit? Let’s Clear a Few Things Up

If you’ve ever thought about trying CrossFit or strength training but hesitated, you’re not alone.

We hear the same concerns all the time from people looking for a gym in Mortdale:

  • “I need to get fit first…”
  • “Isn’t it just circuit training?”
  • “I don’t want to get bulky…”

Let’s break down the biggest myths — and what’s actually true.


Myth 1: “I Have to Be Fit to Start CrossFit”

This is by far the most common misconception.

The Truth: CrossFit is designed for beginners

You don’t get fit before starting — you get fit by starting.

At a good CrossFit gym in Mortdale, every workout is:

  • Scalable to your current fitness level
  • Coached and guided
  • Adjusted based on your ability

That means whether you’re:

  • Brand new to training
  • Returning after time off
  • Or already experienced

…you can walk in and get a workout that suits you.

👉 Everyone starts somewhere — and no one expects you to be “fit” on day one.


Myth 2: “CrossFit is Just Circuit Training”

This one comes from misunderstanding what CrossFit actually is.

The Truth: CrossFit is structured, progressive training

Yes, some workouts are fast-paced — but CrossFit is much more than random circuits.

A well-run CrossFit program in Mortdale includes:

  • Strength training (squats, deadlifts, presses)
  • Skill development (lifting technique, gymnastics)
  • Conditioning (short, intense workouts)
  • Structured progression over time

It’s not just “sweating for the sake of sweating.”

It’s coached, programmed training designed to improve:

  • Strength
  • Fitness
  • Movement quality

👉 In short: it’s training with purpose — not just a workout.


Myth 3: “I’m a Woman — I Don’t Want to Get Too Bulky”

This is a huge concern for many women starting strength training.

The Truth: Getting ‘bulky’ is very hard to do

Strength training (including CrossFit) helps you:

  • Build lean muscle
  • Improve strength
  • Increase metabolism
  • Create a toned, athletic look

Putting on large amounts of muscle requires:

  • Years of specific training
  • Very high calorie intake
  • Often very targeted bodybuilding-style programs

It doesn’t happen by accident.

👉 What does happen is:

  • You feel stronger
  • You move better
  • You gain confidence

And most importantly — you start to see what your body is capable of.


Why These Myths Stop People From Getting Results

These misconceptions keep people stuck:

  • Waiting until they’re “fit enough”
  • Avoiding strength training altogether
  • Choosing the wrong type of gym

And ultimately — missing out on results.


Choosing the Right Gym in Mortdale Makes All the Difference

The truth is, your experience with CrossFit or strength training depends heavily on where you train.

A quality gym will:

  • Meet you where you’re at
  • Provide coaching and support
  • Create a welcoming, non-intimidating environment
  • Help you stay consistent

Because just like we talked about before…

👉 Consistency is what drives results — not perfection.


Final Thoughts

Don’t let outdated myths hold you back from starting.

You don’t need to be fit.
It’s not just circuit training.
And you won’t accidentally get bulky.

What you will get is:

  • Stronger
  • Fitter
  • More confident

All from simply showing up and getting started.


Ready to Get Started?

If you’re looking for a CrossFit gym in Mortdale that supports beginners and helps you stay consistent, the best step is the simplest one:

👉 Come in, meet the coaches, and try your first session.

You might just realise it’s not what you thought — it’s better.

Paul Kiely

Head Coach
CFH Fitness

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

Simply fill out the form below and then schedule Your FREE intro session on the next page.

Shortly after we will be in touch with you to confirm your intro session. We are excited to meet you!

(give our form below a second to load, we love you for it!)

Olivia Ohara

Level 2 Coach

Olivia was born in the Uk & moved to Australia when she was 21. She is a mum, athlete & coach with over nine years in the fitness industry & 15 years of Muay Thai experience behind her.

She is a CrossFit Level 2 trainer and Strength & Conditioning Coach who is passionate about helping everyday athletes build resilience, confidence, and performance.

Olivia is a 2 x CrossFit Games athlete. Finishing 15th in 2024 & 8th Worldwide in 2025. She was Oceana’s Fittest in the 2025 Torian Pro. She has 9+ years coaching across strength & conditioning and CrossFit. Even after all of this she still claims birthing & raising her now 14yr old daughter as her biggest achievement- that stuff is hard!!

Olivia loves Training (of course), Muay Thai, sunny beach days, good coffee, and anything involving dogs!
Her favourite this about coaching is “Watching members & clients do things they once thought were impossible. Seeing someone hit their first pull-up, lift a PB, or simply walk taller because they feel stronger & more confident”

Certifications

Graduate Certificate IT Management | Driver IT Executive | Leader Development | Cert III Sport and Recreation | CrossFit Level 1 | Senior First Aid

Kim Houareau

Level 1 Coach

Originally from South Africa, Kim has proudly called Australia home for nearly 10 years. She’s a devoted wife, mum of one, part-time coach, and full-time believer that it’s never too late to start something new.

Kim discovered CrossFit at 37—a “let’s try this” moment that quickly turned into a true passion for movement, strength, and fitness. Now 1.5 years into coaching at CFH Fitness, she is dedicated to helping members move better, build confidence, and feel strong—especially as we age. For Kim, movement isn’t optional; it’s a non-negotiable.

Outside the gym, Kim is a proud homebody. She loves puzzles, board games with family, and daily dog walks that inevitably end with a coffee in hand—balance is everything, right? Her life journey includes moving countries, earning two degrees plus a CPA qualification, raising a family, and discovering fitness later in life—proof that growth has no expiry date.

Kim brings a calm, encouraging energy to her coaching, with a strong focus on technique and longevity. She thrives on seeing those “lightbulb” moments when a member finally masters a movement. Her message is clear: strength, confidence, and proper movement are for everyone. And if you’ve been thinking about starting, Kim is the first to tell you—you’re never too late.

Certifications

Graduate Certificate IT Management | Driver IT Executive | Leader Development | Cert III Sport and Recreation | CrossFit Level 1 | Senior First Aid

Mitch Owen

Level 1 Coach

Mitch is 39 years young and proudly of Australian-Greek heritage, bringing two years of coaching experience at CFH Fitness to the floor with energy, passion, and purpose.

When he’s not in the gym, you’ll find Mitch soaking up the sunshine at the beach, camping under the stars, or getting his hands dirty in the garden — living the healthy, balanced lifestyle he encourages in his members every day.

With a CrossFit Level 1 certification and a Certificate III & IV in Personal Training, Mitch blends strong technical knowledge with real-world coaching experience to deliver safe, effective, and results-driven sessions. His coaching style is all about helping people move better, feel stronger, and enjoy the process along the way.

What Mitch loves most about coaching is connecting with people who share similar health and fitness goals. For him, it’s not just about the workout — it’s about being part of a supportive community that trains hard, lifts each other up, and celebrates every win, big or small.

Fitness isn’t just Mitch’s job — it’s his lifestyle. And he’s passionate about helping you make it yours too.

Certifications

Graduate Certificate IT Management | Driver IT Executive | Leader Development | Cert III Sport and Recreation | CrossFit Level 1 | Senior First Aid

Destry Tamai

Level 1 Coach

Originally from New Zealand, Destry brings 7 years of CrossFit experience and 3 years of coaching to the CFH community. When he’s not coaching on the floor, he’s busy being a dad to two young kids (ages 3 and 1) — which means he knows a thing or two about juggling life, training, and staying consistent.

Destry is no stranger to competition, with standout achievements including Torian Pro (Pairs), Rec Gym Games – Elite Individual, and being crowned Trinity Games Champion 2025. His competitive background gives him a deep understanding of both performance training and everyday fitness.

Outside the gym, you’ll find Destry exploring the outdoors, locking in movie nights, and eating… a lot (fuel is fuel, right?).

What Destry loves most about coaching is seeing long-term progress unfold. There’s nothing better for him than hearing members say, “I remember when I couldn’t even lift that — and now it’s part of my working sets.” He believes real success comes from consistency, patience, and celebrating the small wins that build toward big goals.

Destry’s passion, positivity, and commitment to helping members improve makes him an invaluable part of the CFH coaching team.

Certifications

AIF Master Trainer Level 1 | CrossFit Level 1 | NDIS Registered Support Worker | Senior First Aid

Paul Kiely

HEAD COACH

Paul has been involved in CrossFit for over 15 years and coaching for 13 of those, bringing a wealth of experience, education, and passion to every session he leads.

Paul was born in Ireland and emigrated to Australia with his family and has spent most of his life in Sydney. He is happily married and is a proud father to a beautiful baby girl, which has further reinforced his belief in the importance of long-term health, fitness, and community.

Paul played multiple sports growing up including Athletics, Swimming, and Cricket but his childhood passion was soccer. He played competitive soccer as a teenager before transitioning into rugby league, where he went on to represent Australia at a university level.

Academically, Paul performed well throughout school and university and holds a Degree in Exercise Science, a Master’s Degree in Science, and a current CrossFit Level 2 qualification.

Paul had a career in Education before starting CFH Fitness, formerly CrossFit Hurstville. He taught locally at Marist College Penshurst for 10 years and is well known in the local community from his position as a teacher a coach to many young men in the area.

For the past 11 years, Paul has successfully owned and operated CFH, a thriving fitness business, helping hundreds of members improve their strength, health, and confidence through structured training and professional coaching.

Paul still enjoys playing soccer, staying fit, the occasional game of golf, the occasional surf and spending time with family, and reading. He also loves to travel which has been a big part of his adult life.

What Paul loves most about coaching is seeing people make progress, whether that’s gaining confidence, getting stronger, or achieving goals they once thought were out of reach. He also thrives on the social side of coaching and the relationships built within a CrossFit community.

“I love working with people from all walks of life. Being able to help someone improve their health while having a laugh and building real connections along the way is what makes coaching so rewarding.”

Certifications

M. Science… | B. Science (Ex. Science) | Diploma of Education | Certificate Health & Physical Education | Cert III Fitness | Cert IV Personal Training | Australian Strength & Conditioning Level 1 | CrossFit Level 2 Trainer | CrossFit Kids | CrossFit Football | Senior First Aid

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

Simply fill out the form below and then schedule Your FREE intro session on the next page.

Shortly after we will be in touch with you to confirm your intro session. We are excited to meet you!

(give our form below a second to load, we love you for it!)

ARE YOU LOOKING TO DROP-IN?

We Would Love To Meet You!
WARNING! Class Sizes Are Limited.

If you would like to reserve a spot… Simply fill out the form below letting us know what day you might come by & one of our amazing coaches will reach out to you to reserve your class.

OUR DROP-IN RATES

$30 Per Class

FIND US AT
2/68 Roberts Ave Mortdale,
Mortdale, NSW 2223

(028) 065-5352
(048) 394-2941

OUR PRICING IS SIMPLE

We Want To Offer You The PERFECT Membership For YouR NEEDS.

Simply fill out the form below and one of our amazing coaches will send you our current membership information.