Meet Jessica Bergman | L2 Crossfit Coach & Owner of Downtown Strength & Conditioning

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Bergman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Many people in the Crossfit community would agree that Crossfit gyms are a little different than traditional boutique studios, and group fitness corporate siblings. Each Crossfit gym or “Box”, while “affiliated” with the training method and brand of Crossfit itself is independently owned. Crossfit gym’s are not franchised. Each gym is privately owned by an individual or group of individuals; hence affiliated. This model allows each owner,, and subsequently Crossfit gym to apply the training methodology with their own interpretation, and vision .Each gym is unique and upholds training, programming and standards in their own way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
After wearing many hats in the Crossfit community from out of shape novice to Coach I had the opportunity to build something on the foundations of the gym that I was a coach at. Opening DTSC would give life to our gym’s future and help carve a path to grow into one of the top gym’s in Miami. We created and continue to create a space where people from every walk of life can get in shape, feel great, make a friend and find a place in our community. Being a leader in the tech community in South Florida and having an extensive sales background helped prepare me for the business side of opening a gym successfully. Our human capital is our number priority whether its our talented coaching staff or our loyal and strong membership base. Our people are our passion; along with brutal workouts of course! One of the biggest things I’ve learned outside of valuing our people is to stay the course and never give up. I built our gym on this mindset, and it’s been tested at points in the journey of owning and operating our gym. If you love what you do there are few if any sacrifices that will be too great to turn around in the face of adversity. Life will always throw curve balls, and how we choose to deal with them shapes the future of the business at every turn,

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A friend told me recently that Miami is not a city, but a lifestyle and she is correct! In no particular order we would need to grab a Cuban Sandwich at El Exquisito on Calle Ocho, maybe a quick stop at Ball and Chain or Azucar give them a little Little havana tour and a croquetta or 3. With so many new amazing restuarants a visit to Cote, Carbone, or some of the new Omakase spots in the area! Mr, Omakase, The Den at Azabu, Uchi, Yasu Tanaka, Hiyakama, Wabi Sabi I mean we could just eat all day. My favorite neighboor hang out restaurants for a local bite though, River Oyster and NIU so they can eat some of our amazing seafood- maybe even a stop at Joe’s if its the right time of year. Some tacos at Bakan or Coyo and a day in Wynwood- a coffee at panther of course and the Walls. The beach has some great spots like Baoli, Mila, Joia Beach, Margot. I love being outside. A nice run into Key Biscayne over the bridge maybe a bite at Rusty Pelican since I love the views! Miami is never short of new and fun places to go, i even still even enjoy Sugar at the EAST, Seaspice, Kiki on the River and some other more established venues..ceviche 105 for ceviche never disappoints. Who wouldnt love a spa day at Setai and a sunset pool day at the Standard..maybe a bite at Stilltsville Fish in Sunset Harbor. Shopping at Bal Harbor, Brickell Citi center, and a beer at riverside after a shop; or even an outdoor spin at redbike while we are there! Someone stop me because I love it ALL!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have had a lot of great influencers in my life but i would say that professionally my late CEO and friend at SoftwareONE, Patrick Winter helped me learn a lot about myself and business. He always seemed to know what to do in any situation. I admire that.

Website: https://downtownstrengthandconditioning.com/

Instagram: @dtscmia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaibergman/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DTSCMIA

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/downtown-strength-and-conditioning-miami

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPswayw_iBXXOiiDRCyA9fQ/featured

Image Credits
Andres Zavala @atozphotograph