January Athletes of the Month: A Family That Trains Together at Salus

Meet Marie, Sofia & Katelyn Larusso: Their Family Journey Into Fitness

At Salus, some of our favorite stories begin as family stories. For January’s Athletes of the Month, that could not be more true.

Marie joined Salus first, stepping into her initial class last summer after watching from the sidelines for a few months. What inspired her to walk through the doors was simple and powerful: her daughters, Sofia and Katelyn. She wanted to do more than tell them how important health is, she wanted to show them.

That decision turned into a shared journey. Today, Marie trains alongside a supportive adult community, while Sofia and Katelyn thrive in our PreTeens program (ages 8–12), building strength, skills, and confidence through structured Teens CrossFit–style youth fitness in Middletown, NJ.

“I’ve coached Sofia and Katelyn directly in our PreTeens class, and they are such hard workers. They show up consistently, listen, try their best, and bring a great attitude every single class. That level of consistency at this age (at ANY age) is huge, and it is setting them up for success both inside and outside the gym.” ~ Coach Angela

"Marie always shows up with a positive attitude and willing to try things to improve. I appreciate when she approaches to ask questions and looks for feedback. I have had the pleasure of working with Sofia and Katelyn, they are the hardest working pre-teens in the room and so focused, I enjoy watching them attack a workout." ~Coach Gino

"It has been such a pleasure coaching and watching Sofia and Katelyn grow in confidence and strength over the past several months. They are fantastic listeners who consistently show up eager to learn and improve. One of the most rewarding parts has been seeing their mom, Marie, join CrossFit after they started. Marie is a natural athlete and a true joy to have in class—she brings a positive attitude every day and is always ready to take on new movements. This family embodies hard work, enthusiasm, and a love for learning, and we’re so proud of them. Now we just have to get Dad in here." ~Coach Melissa

Finding Confidence Through CrossFit

From Intimidation to Empowerment

Q: CrossFit can feel intimidating at first. What was it like starting out?

Marie: The coaches definitely removed the intimidation. From the first class, they were supportive and always provided modifications when needed.

That welcoming, coach-led environment was exactly what Marie was looking for, and it is the same approach we take with all of our youth and teen athletes in Monmouth County.

Q: Why choose Salus over a traditional gym?

Marie: I was looking for a coach led, structured environment with a variety of movements that was well-rounded and would challenge me to be better - Salus was it!

Progress, Strength, and Real-Life Wins

Fitness That Shows Up Outside the Gym

Q: How has your fitness changed since starting?

Marie: I feel it in daily life. Things like yard work are easier than before.

Q: What’s something you can do now that you couldn’t do before starting Salus?

Marie: My coaches would say I still have a lot of work to do, but my thrusters are a bit better.

Katelyn: I can do sit-ups and jump rope better 

Sofia: I can sometimes do double-unders now

Q: How has your body and mindset changed?

Marie: I feel stronger physically, but also more grounded mentally.

All the work I am doing physically motivates me to eat healthier and get the rest I need to fuel my body better. It is impacting my overall health in very positive ways.

Why Community Matters at Salus

Fitness for Ages 6 to 60

Q: How do you describe Salus to friends or family?

Marie: We tell people we found a great CrossFit gym that is great whether you are 6 years old or 60.

That range matters. At Salus, families train under one roof, with age-appropriate coaching, whether it is adult classes, teens fitness, or youth CrossFit programs.

Q: What keeps you coming back?

Marie: I want a good quality of life so I can be there for my family for as long as possible. Now that my daughters are also invested in Salus, we motivate each other. They are crushing it, and I have to keep up with them.

Fun, Favorites, and Goals

Q: Favorite lifts or workouts:

Marie: I get really happy when I see deadlifts and front squats in the workout

Q: If you could design your dream WOD, what would it look like?

Marie: It would definitely have the row, farmer’s carry and deadlifts. It would definitely NOT have the bike.

Katelyn: Pull-ups and deadlifts are my favorites. I would also include jump rope

Sofia: If I didn’t have to do it with them, it would be an AMRAP of 15 burpees, 5 solid wall walks (at least 3 steps), 10 pull-ups and 7 wall balls

Q: Next big goals:

Marie: A strict push-up

Katelyn: A 100 lb deadlift

Sofia: A pull-up with just the blue band

Q: Favorite way to spend your time outside the gym?

Marie: Quality time with my husband & daughters - they make everything fun.

Q: Favorite splurge:

Marie: Traditional Puerto Rican food. Always worth it.

Fun fact:

Marie: I am a pro-wrestling fan and it’s how I met my husband.

Why They Love CrossFit at Salus

Q: What made you want to try CrossFit Kids/PreTeens?

Katelyn: It looked fun, and our first class had an Easter egg game.

Sofia: Coach Erica motivated me and helped me through my first class.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about coming to class?

Katelyn: Working out and being partnered with Sofia.

Sofia: My coaches - they are so nice and seem happy to be there and help us get better.

Q: What’s one movement or skill you’ve learned that makes you feel really proud?

Katelyn:  Pull-Ups!!!!!! 

Sofia: Deadlifts - I’m proud of my 90lb lift

Q: If Salus had a kids mascot:

Katelyn: The jacked reindeer I saw on a shirt looks like the perfect mascot

Sofia: A wolf, because they are fast and strong

Teens CrossFit & Youth Fitness in Monmouth County

Families like Marie, Sofia, and Katelyn are exactly why we believe in structured youth and teens fitness programs. In Middletown, NJ, Salus offers a safe, supportive environment where kids and teens build strength, confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for movement.

If you are in Monmouth County and looking for a fitness program your whole family can grow with, Salus is here.

Interested in learning more about our PreTeens and Teens CrossFit programs? Reach out or stop by. We would love to meet you.