Our Story
Meet Coach Mel
Coach, competitor, and the heart behind IRB CrossFit.
Welcome!
This is my community
My name is Melanie, my athletes call me “Coach Mel”. I've been actively involved in CrossFit since January 2012. My coach at the time saw potential and encouraged me to get my L1. That September I met Chuck Carswell and Jenni Orr for the first time.
In 2013 I loaded up my car and headed to Miami to judge my first large competition – Wodapalooza! There I volunteered under Head Judge, Shae Tozzo. She also saw potential and encouraged me to volunteer at Regionals. In 2015 I headed to Carson, CA to judge at the CrossFit Games.
Since 2012 I have met some of the most amazing people! I cannot describe how this community, as a whole, has changed my life!
Over the past several years I have seen how everything has had a purpose; and now with the opening of IRB CrossFit I am able to share my love of community WITH my community AND you!
Love,
Coach Mel
“I get bored really, really easily, and nothing about CrossFit is ever the same. That's one thing I love about CrossFit — I can teach people something new every day.”— Coach Mel, featured on FOX 13
Our Vision & Purpose
A reflection of where we live
Indian Rocks Beach is located on a beautiful barrier island located centrally on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Our “island” lifestyle depicts our happy and relaxed community. We wanted IRB CrossFit to be a reflection of where we live – to coincide with our beach life.
Our community loves where we live, and at IRB CrossFit we want to embrace and celebrate the natural environment around us. We do that by offering:
- 🌊Regular beach classes
- 🌊Open water swim workouts and events
- 🌊Paddle boarding workouts and events
- 🌊Hooverball / beach volleyball warm ups and cool downs
Just to name a few…
Our goal is to be outdoors and as active as possible.
Our desire is take the things we love to do, and do them well.
We want to move better, feel better, and overall just be better.
What We Stand For
Our coaching philosophy
Mechanics First
It's not the weights that injure people — it's how you move. We focus on moving well, then moving consistently, then adding intensity.
Everyone's an Athlete
From day-one beginners to seasoned competitors, every workout scales. You'll feel capable and supported from your very first class.
Embrace the Island
We take what we love — the beach, the water, the sun — and train in it. Fitness here feels like a lifestyle, because it is one.
Community Over Everything
The magic is in the movement, but the fun is in the community. We celebrate the people around us and the place we get to call home.
Come Meet Us
Your first class is a conversation
No pressure, no judgment. Reach out and we'll talk about your goals, answer your questions, and find the right way for you to start — whether that's in the box or out on the sand.