Our story
From a small warehouse in Jozi to a lifestyle destination.
REF CrossFit Jozi wasn’t built on trends, it was built on the belief that fitness should prepare you for life.
Founded in 2008, we began as one of the first 500 CrossFit affiliates in the world and a pioneer of the movement in South Africa. What started with a handful of people in the back of a warehouse has evolved into CFJ Lifestyle Fitness, a 400m² world-class facility in Bedfordview, Germiston.
While our space has grown and our programs have expanded, our mission is to provide the best hour of your day through expert coaching and a community that actually has your back.
Accountability. Community. Fun.
CFJ Lifestyle Fitness proudly holds the title of South Africa's very first CrossFit affiliate. Since opening our doors, we've led the way in functional fitness, building a community that trains hard and grows together.
We aren’t a typical commercial gym. We don’t have mirrors, and we don’t have egos. We have coaches who know your name, a community that cheers for the last person to finish, and a system refined over 15 years to ensure you get results safely.
Whether you are here for the high-skill challenge of CrossFit, the high-energy flow of Concept Cardio, or the targeted prep of HYROX, we focus on "Better Than Yesterday." We bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
A World Class Team
7 Experienced Coaches
A Complete Schedule
65+ Classes every week
Train alongside people who want to see you succeed.
It's about more than just a workout.
CFJ is a hub for health.
CFJ Lifestyle Fitness is the intersection of elite performance and everyday wellness. Beyond our two dedicated training studios, we offer a holistic approach to your health.
Nutrition Coaching
You can't out train a bad diet and we use science-based habit change to fuel your life and your performance.
Specialty Programs
Focused classes specialising in personal training, olympic-style weightlifting, and strength training.
The CFJ Crew
A "fitness family" that trains, races, and celebrates together. At CFJ here to help you become the best version of yourself.
Meet the team
Expertise you can trust.
Our team brings together decades of experience. From masters athletes (55+) to competitive teens and busy professionals, our team is dedicated to meeting you exactly where you are today.
Gavin Cooke | Owner
A pioneer of CrossFit in Africa, Gavin opened the first CrossFit affiliate on the continent in 2008. With nearly two decades of experience in the fitness industry, he has played a significant role in developing the CrossFit community in South Africa. Gavin is also the owner of REBEL Elite Fitness and is passionate about creating an environment where members can access expert level coaching, exceptional facilities and a truly world class training experience.
Meghan van Dijk | Head Coach
As a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, Meghan brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to every class she coaches. Her goal is simple, to make every session the best hour of your day. Meghan oversees all programming at CFJ Lifestyle Fitness and leads the coaching team, ensuring that every class is purposeful, well coached and designed to help members make consistent progress towards their goals.
Kayley Thompson | Member Liaison
Kayley is your go to person for all things member related. From your first enquiry through to getting settled into the gym, she is here to make your experience at CFJ Lifestyle Fitness as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Kayley will help you find the right membership, get started on the right path and make sure you always feel supported as part of the CFJ community.
Zak Ntlanga | Coach
Zak has been part of the CFJ Lifestyle Fitness coaching team for over 14 years and brings a wealth of experience to every class he coaches. A familiar face in our early morning sessions, you will often find Zak coaching the 5am and 6am classes and starting the day with his trademark energy and smile. His experience, consistency and ability to connect with members make him a valued part of the CFJ coaching team.
Marcus Swanepoel | Coach
Marcus is our in house Olympic Weightlifting specialist, bringing more than 12 years of coaching experience to the CFJ team. With a particular passion for Olympic weightlifting and technical movement, Marcus has a keen eye for detail and loves helping athletes develop their strength, technique and confidence. Catch him in our 7:30am sessions for expert coaching and technical guidance.
Jennifer Ver Burgh | Coach
Coach Jen brings a wealth of knowledge in rehabilitative training and a particular interest in working around injuries and limitation. With a keen eye for movement quality and a strong understanding of how the body moves, Jen is passionate about helping members train safely, move better and build long term physical health. Whether you're returning from injury or simply looking to improve your movement, Jen is always happy to help.
Jason Wills | Coach
Jay is a passionate coach who loves connecting with members and sharing his enthusiasm for fitness. He believes that great coaching is about finding the balance between challenging people to improve and providing the support they need along the way. Jay brings energy, encouragement and a genuine care for every member he coaches, always looking for ways to help you become stronger, fitter and more confident.
Zia Kolia | Coach
Coach Zia specialises in gymnastics and hybrid racing, bringing a strong athletic background and a passion for performance to the CFJ coaching team. He loves helping members develop the skills, strength and fitness required to take their training to the next level. Whether you're working on your first gymnastics movement or preparing for your next hybrid race, Zia is always there to help you improve and become the best version of yourself.
Dylan Clark | Coach
Dylan is a passionate coach and athlete who understands what it takes to push physical limits while getting the most out of every training session. His experience as an athlete gives him a strong understanding of when to push, when to pull back and how to get the best performance from those around him. Dyl brings energy and intensity to every class while maintaining a strong focus on quality movement and effective training.
Inside CFJ Lifestyle Fitness
Book Your 20-Minute No-Sweat Intro
Start with a chat, not a workout.
We’ve spent more than 15 years building a community that values the individual. Come meet the team and see the space for yourself. No sweat, no pressure.