Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Baird.
Chad, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Story of CrossFit Zion
Our journey began back in 2001 with a little league football program we owned and operated. For over a decade, we poured our energy into developing young athletes, building confidence, and teaching the fundamentals of hard work and teamwork. By 2011, we realized that if we truly wanted to optimize performance and create a year-round culture of training and development, we needed to expand beyond the field.
We started training out of a small warehouse during the off-season — just a handful of athletes, barbells, and a relentless drive to get better. That humble beginning evolved into a training facility we called Edge Training Center. Not long after, we discovered CrossFit, and it completely changed everything. We affiliated, rebranded, and committed ourselves to building a true community built around functional fitness and personal growth. That’s when CrossFit Zion was born.
But shortly after opening, our world was shaken. My wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Overnight, the gym became more than a place to train — it became a family, a source of faith, strength, and hope. What started as workouts and weights turned into a community fight. Members rallied around us in ways we could never have imagined. They showed up, they served, they prayed, and they fought alongside us. Through that battle, something miraculous happened — not only did my wife overcome cancer, but the spirit and unity that formed during that time became the heartbeat of CrossFit Zion.
That experience inspired what has become one of our proudest traditions — the annual Battle of the Breasts competition. Each year, we honor survivors, fighters, and families affected by breast cancer by hosting a major CrossFit event and fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds go directly to local women who are currently fighting their battle. It’s a day filled with strength, love, grit, and community — a powerful reminder of why we started and what truly matters.
Since then, CrossFit Zion has grown into one of the most recognizable and influential gyms in the nation. We’ve been blessed with world-class coaches, incredible athletes of all levels, and a community that genuinely cares about one another. From young beginners to masters athletes, we help people reclaim their health, rediscover their confidence, and live stronger, longer, and more fulfilled lives — free from the ailments of inactivity and fear.
At its core, CrossFit Zion isn’t just a gym — it’s a movement. It’s proof that faith, family, fitness, and community can change lives. We started in a warehouse with a dream to build better athletes. What we ended up building was something far greater — a family that refuses to quit, a place where miracles still happen, and a legacy that continues to grow stronger every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a CrossFit gym in a small town came with its share of battles. We had no investors, no big budget, and no roadmap — just faith and a relentless drive. There were months when the bills stacked up higher than the membership count. We’d stay up late cleaning floors, repairing equipment, and praying the next month would turn around. There were moments we almost closed the doors — but something inside us said keep going.
Then, right when things were starting to take off, our world stopped. My wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Overnight, everything changed. The gym, which had been our dream, suddenly became our lifeline. We didn’t know if we could keep it open, but our community refused to let us fall. Members stepped up, ran classes, organized fundraisers, cooked meals — they became our extended family.
That fight — her fight — became the soul of CrossFit Zion. It showed us that fitness is more than reps and PRs; it’s about resilience, faith, and never backing down from life’s hardest battles.
Over the years, we’ve faced plenty more challenges — economic downturns, the COVID shutdown, injuries, burnout — but every time, we found a way to come back stronger. The community we built together carried us through every storm.
We’ve been impressed with Crossfit ZIon, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
For over 14 years we have successfully trained and helped thousands of professional athletes, teens, soccer moms and more with their fitness journey. We are a Crossfit Affiliate with Level 1, 2 & 3 Trainers. Our Staff consists of National Athletes, Nurses, Physical Therapists, Silverbacks, Moms and Dads. We are also the largest USAW Affiliate with National Coaches in Southern Utah. We offer Crossfit and other programs dedicated to those that want to improve their Crossfit, Olympic Lifting and overall fitness. We cater to all types of athletes from beginners to pros or anyone who wants to become faster and stronger in life.
What makes you happy?
Family, loyalty and Community! What else is there. If you have your family you have it all, if you have loyalty you will never be lonely and if you have community you have strength in numbers.
Pricing:
- Monthly No Contract $155 a month
- Monthly with a year commitment $135 a mont
- 10 Punch Pass $135
- 3D Fit Scan $30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crossfitzion.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfitzion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossFitZion
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@crossfitzion
