By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
On Aug. 1, Carrie Elwell and her husband Kevin are assuming the reins of Apogee Fitness, replacing Rich Pond as its new owners.
“Rich has done a truly amazing job of keeping Apogee thriving through a global pandemic, historic flooding, scorching heat and heavy traffic, and we’re honored that he’s entrusting us to carry the torch forward,” Elwell said.
She and her husband both have longtime entrepreneurial experience. They owned and operated Kids R Kids Learning Academy in Apollo Beach from 2008 to 2019; had part ownership of Liborio’s, which they sold back to their partner in 2017; and founded and co-owned Cigars on the Boulevard in 2021, which they sold in 2024.
Elwell became a member of CrossFit Apogee in 2014, when it originally opened on Big Bend Road. Two owners later, in 2020, Pond de-affiliated from the CrossFit brand, moved the gym to its current location — 6134 Florence Ave., Gibsonton — and renamed it Apogee Fitness. Elwell followed him. She has coached other members since 2018.
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I’m currently a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, and I’m now studying for my Level 3 Certification,” she said. “I’m passionate about fitness and helping people be the best version of themselves. I see how people and their lives change as they get fit, and that makes me so happy.”
Elwell is a big fan of functional fitness, which involves constantly varied workouts and movements and is 100% scalable.
“Basically anyone from a grandma to an Olympic athlete can work out, she said. “The only difference is the intensity.”
Valencia Del Sol resident Lentyn Earle, 60, has been an Apogee member for the past eight years.
“My workouts are adjusted to accommodate my limitations. They help me maintain my overall fitness,” she said, noting that doing so is essential to her caring for her parents and husband — a cancer patient. “I benefit physically, mentally and emotionally.”
Apogee Fitness, 6134 Florence Ave., Gibsonton, isn’t a fancy gym with lots of bells and whistles. It offers group classes six days per week where members of all abilities receive strength, cardio and core training to improve their fitness and function.
Classes are led by experienced, certified coaches, held in groups and include men and women of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels.
“The hardest thing is walking through the door,” Elwell said. “My favorite part of our workouts, which are built around everyone getting better together, is how the community gathers to support and encourage each other every time.”
At Apogee Fitness Florida, members of all ages and abilities can build strength, stay active and support one another. Every workout is designed around the movements people rely on in daily life.
The gym is open six days a week. One-hour classes are offered at 5:30, 8 and 9 a.m. Monday through Friday and 8 and 9 a.m. Saturday.
Visit https://www.apogeefitnessfl.com for a complete schedule, class descriptions and membership costs. Discounts are available for active military, Veterans and first responders.
The first class is free, so come try things on and see how they fit.
For more information, call 813-461-3880, email carrieelwell@outlook.com or visit https://www.apogeefitnessfl.com/.