The word Penance doesn’t conjure up the most warm or fuzzy of feelings, but sometimes things aren’t always as they seem. Such is the case at Penance Gym in Oakland. Clint Cox is changing the way people see fitness. Does it come with a cost? Absolutely. Does it come with even greater rewards? Unequivocally. 14 years ago, Clint opened Do Work Training Systems (which later became CrossFit Penance) on the outskirts of Oakland. Initially, he trained high school and college athletes to be more competitive in their chosen sport and more resistant to injury. As the parents of the students he trained watched their children improve, they began asking about fitness for themselves. That led him to branch into training adults.  

With its rising popularity, Clint made the decision to affiliate with CrossFit, Inc. A quick internet search defines CrossFit as, “a branded fitness regimen that involves constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity.” This can be an incredible way of getting in shape. It is challenging and, for some, beneficial. However, it isn’t for everyone. Jumping on a 24 inch box can be terrifying for someone who struggles to climb stairs. Clint’s approach made him an outlier as a CrossFit gym owner. And 3 years ago he officially dropped the CrossFit flag and began training people by focusing on the true purpose of functional fitness – to live better lives outside of the gym. He also rebranded his gym under the name “Penance Gym”.

By changing their methods, they also targeted a different audience. They know that the average person just wants to be able to live pain-free, to feel strong, healthy and independent, or to age gracefully.

When entering Penance, you find a clean, spacious area. There is no “gym” smell. Instead, fresh air and light flood the gym. The marked spaces on the floor were mandated by 2020 but have become a way of giving space and individual attention to each participant. That year gave them a glimpse into what could be done differently. If they’d been able to reach those who needed fitness the most, perhaps some lives would have been different today.

Penance isn’t a gym that you pay a fee for and do your own thing. No, it’s an experience unlike any other in the area.  First, they want you to reach out. You can call them at 901-673-2614. The General Manager, Theresa Young, will schedule a consultation to learn about your history, your goals and your abilities. They will work with you to create the plan that suits you best. Do you need individual training? They have it. Do you need to be challenged? Done. Do you just need to learn to strengthen your body? They can do all of that and more. Each client follows the path that is best for them. Most people think that means they need to start by working out. But, sometimes that means working on your nutrition first. They don’t sell you thousands of dollars in generic supplements. Nutrition means whole food. It means developing a sustainable eating plan that you can follow whether you’re at home, at a cookout, or on vacation. They don’t believe in short-term restrictions. They believe in providing education and support to build habits for long-term health.

Their group fitness class has become very popular – providing a fun, interactive way to receive personalized, guided fitness instruction. They’ve worked very hard to create a group class where each client can receive the individualized coaching they require while still being able to be ‘a part of the group’. Each class is led and instructed by either Clint or Theresa. They use a wide variety of equipment (weights, ropes, resistance bands, medicine balls and even your own body weight/resistance) to develop usable strength for life outside the gym. There is no yelling, belittling or embarrassment. Clint and Theresa are both soft spoken and helpful. Their sole goal is your success.  Ask around the community; you’re sure to find rave reviews and success stories about Penance Gym. The word Penance might mean punishment, but Penance Gym means strength for the body, mind, and soul. To quote Clint, “Most people do whatever they can to avoid hardship and remove pain completely from their lives. And while we don’t want our members to hurt, we do aim to help them build reserves of strength and endurance for those times when they need it most; in times of stress and when things don’t go as planned.”  Give them a call and check out their website and blog at www.penancegym.com It’s never too late to give your body the tools to be the strongest it can be.

By: Karri Buck with contribution from Theresa Young