About

About Strength Haven Athletics

Who We Are 

Strength Haven Athletics (SHA) is an independently owned strength and conditioning gym in New Haven, CT. Our roots go back to 2010 when many of our members first started at CrossFit New Haven. Over the years, we’ve gone through a number of changes, eventually becoming part of District Athletic Club. 

When DAC shut down, our coaches and athletes wanted to “keep the band together.” With a lot of community support and involvement, we opened our doors at 310 Winchester Ave in August 2023. 

Co-owners Torrie and Mike are at the helm, combining years of experience in gym management and financial advising, respectively. Many of our coaches came with us from DAC, all believing in the power of fitness fueled by community. We are passionate about fitness as it relates to overall health, performance, and well-being. 

Our Values 

As a community, we operate under these core values: 

• Inclusivity 
  We embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms. We believe everyone—regardless of age, gender, identity, ethnicity, ability, or fitness level—deserves a supportive environment to pursue their health and fitness goals. We work to create a space that is welcoming, safe, and respectful for all. 
• Integrity 
  We hold ourselves to high standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior. Integrity builds trust and helps create a safe and supportive environment for everyone here. 
• Growth 
  We are committed to helping our members grow. Through thoughtful programming, coaching, and community support, we aim to help you push your limits, overcome challenges, and reach your full potential both physically and mentally. 
• Staying Humble 
  We believe in staying humble and always being open to learning. Whether you’re new or experienced, there is always room to improve, and we encourage that mindset with both members and staff. 
• Virtuosity 
  We value doing common things uncommonly well. That means focusing on good movement, strong technique, and steady progress. We encourage members to be intentional in their training and take pride in improving over time. 

What You Can Expect From Us 

When you walk through our doors, you can expect an environment that will welcome and challenge you. Everyone here started somewhere and had to learn the movements, language, and flow of classes. 

As a member of SHA, you can expect: 

• Answers to your questions 
  You can and should ask questions. Our coaches are here to help you learn and feel confident in what you’re doing. 
• Accountability 
  We’ll encourage you to set goals and work toward them in a way that makes sense for you, your abilities, and your lifestyle. 
• Professional and thoughtful coaching 
  Our coaches are here to guide you. We keep things fun, but we also focus on helping you move safely and effectively. If something hurts or doesn’t feel right, we’ll help you adjust or scale as needed. 
• A safe, welcoming, and inclusive space 
  Fitness is for every body. We care about how your body moves and feels—not how it looks or how it compares to others. You have the right to train in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, or judgment. 
• Being heard and respected 
  If something comes up, we want you to come to us. We are committed to listening, treating everyone with respect, and working toward solutions together. 
• Clear and timely communication 
  Reach out to us! Torrie and Mike are in the gym often and involved in day-to-day operations. Email is the best way to reach us, but you’re always welcome to talk with us in person. We do our best to respond within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). We appreciate your patience as we balance running the gym with our own families and responsibilities. 
• Transparency in memberships and policies 
  Your membership agreement and waiver are always available in your Wodify account to review. Here are a few key reminders: 
• Memberships auto-renew unless canceled in writing (at least 10 days before your next billing date) 
• Memberships can be placed on hold for 14–90 days 
• Personal training sessions canceled less than 24 hours in advance will be forfeited 
• If anything is unclear, just ask. We’re happy to explain. 
• A clean and well-maintained space 
  We strive to keep the gym clean, organized, and safe so you can focus on your training. 
• Respect for your privacy 
  We treat your personal information and any health-related details with care and confidentiality. 

What We Expect From You and Our Members 

The gym is a second home for many of us, and we ask everyone to treat it (and each other) with respect. 

• Clean up after yourself 
  Wipe down equipment, put things back where they belong, and take care of the space. If something breaks or there’s an issue, let a coach, Mike, or Torrie know as soon as possible. 
• Treat others with respect 
  Listen during coaching, respect personal boundaries, and ask before physical contact. Use people’s correct names and pronouns. Disrespectful or harmful language will not be tolerated. 
• Take care of yourself and train safely 
  Follow coaching guidance, scale when needed, and speak up if something doesn’t feel right. We’re here to help you train for life, not just today. 
• Show up and be part of the community 
  We love getting to know our members. Come to class, stick around when you can, and join us at community events. 
• Communicate with us 
  Whether it’s a membership change, an injury, a financial concern, or something exciting you want to share - let us know. We can’t help if we don’t know what’s going on. 
• Bring a positive attitude 
  Support the people around you. Celebrate wins, big and small, and help create a space where people feel encouraged. 
• Have fun 
  Stay grounded and enjoy the process. Goals can change and progress isn’t always linear, but that’s all part of it. Find joy in showing up and putting in the work. 

Our Shared Commitment 

Strength Haven Athletics is more than a gym—it’s a community. We all play a role in making it a place where people feel supported, challenged, and welcome. We’re glad you’re here.