Most people who search for CrossFit in Kelso or functional fitness in the Kelso–Longview area want more than a workout — they want guidance, confidence, and a community that helps them build a healthier life. Timber City CrossFit was built on that exact foundation, shaped by the people who know this mission better than anyone: owners Chelsea and Ben.
Their story isn’t polished or perfect. It’s honest, lived-in, and rooted in a deep desire to help everyday people move better, feel stronger, and live longer.
A Background in Healthcare — and a Heart for Helping People
Before Timber City existed, Chelsea and Ben spent their careers helping people on the other side of health: when things were already going wrong.
They’ve worked in cancer centers, dialysis clinics, emergency rooms, and on the front lines as a firefighter-paramedic. They’ve supported families on their hardest days and seen how quickly strength, mobility, and independence can fade without preventive care.
Those experiences shaped their belief that true health starts with consistent movement and a supportive community — not crisis care.
CrossFit: The Common Thread That Changed Their Lives
Chelsea and Ben met in the CrossFit world, earned their Level 1 (and later Level 2) credentials, coached hundreds of athletes, and found joy in seeing people discover what they’re capable of.
CrossFit wasn’t just a hobby — it was the foundation of their relationship and the catalyst for their mission. For nearly a decade, they dreamed about creating a space where movement quality came first, community mattered deeply, and fitness was about living well, not chasing PRs for Instagram.
Building Timber City: A Vision Rooted in the Pacific Northwest
When they finally stepped forward to open their own gym, the name came naturally. Timber surrounds the community. Mount St. Helens towers in the distance. The vibe is rustic, grounded, Pacific Northwest through and through.
Timber City CrossFit became a reflection of its people — hardworking, down-to-earth, resilient, and proud of where they come from.
A Gym for Everybody — Not Just “Fitness People”
Chelsea and Ben didn’t want a competitor-focused gym or a place that felt intimidating. They wanted a space where:
• Beginners feel safe
• Parents feel supported
• Older adults feel capable
• First responders feel understood
• Everyday people feel like they belong
Their core belief: movement is for everyone — from kids to grandparents.
Ben’s 94-year-old grandmother is living proof. She climbs stairs, gardens daily, and stays active because she practices the same functional movement principles taught at Timber City.
When you walk through the doors, you feel that. This is fitness for life — not just for a season.
Lead. Teach. Support. Repeat.
Chelsea’s coaching style is honest, compassionate, and grounded. Ben brings structure, humor, and deep expertise in both fitness and nutrition. Together, they’ve built a gym culture where people feel seen, encouraged, and pushed just enough to grow.
They believe in doing the work themselves — leading by example, living the lifestyle, and showing what consistency can create.
The Owners Who Built a Community — Not Just a Gym
Ask any member what makes Timber City special, and you’ll hear the same answer:
“The people. The coaches. The heart behind it.”
Chelsea and Ben built Timber City CrossFit because they wanted to change lives in their own hometown. They wanted to reach more people. They wanted to give Kelso a gym where health isn’t about aesthetics — it’s about longevity, strength, confidence, and community.
And that’s exactly what they’ve created.
Want to meet the people behind Timber City?
Just contact us to get started!
