Justin Andrews has been a member of Mission Cliffs since 2011, and a superstar office staffer and personal trainer since 2015. A dancer, climber, and badass, he’ll take the helm at Cliffs of Id in Culver City and we could I won’t be anymore proud ! Learn more about this fantastic human in this brief interview and maybe find some topics to chat about the first time you see him at the gym. (Hint: nerdy stuff!)
Tell us a little about your background!
I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, where I went to an art high school and majored in dance. I was also a competitive cheerleader for a few years, but that’s neither here nor there.
I went to school in Connecticut where I majored in dance and after I graduated I Googled San Francisco because I didn’t like New York very much. A few odd jobs and side hustles later, I ended up dancing for a company called ODC. After five years with the company, I decided to retire from professional dance. So I got my NASM Certified Personal Training certification and got a job at the front desk at Mission Cliffs, which brings us up to speed.
Now I love doing all the things I couldn’t do while dancing, like skateboarding and riding a motorcycle, because you might break something (which I did, no regrets). I also enjoy climbing outside, teaching fitness classes, going to Cons (pre-COVID), and playing board games and video games. I also love doing any of the activities mentioned above with my wonderful wife, who I married on top of a hospital in 2020 because I broke my arm riding a motorcycle (still no regrets).
How did you get started at Touchstone?
My first experience at a Touchstone gym was at Sacramento Pipeworks while I was on tour with ODC in 2011. (I think? I guess I could check my disclaimer. But I digress!) After a few hours ripping my skin off at Pipeworks, I was addicted to climbing.
A few other dancers and I ended up becoming members of Mission Cliffs, and that was basically it. I didn’t climb outside much the first few years because I was still dancing professionally, but once I retired I was all in.
What are you looking forward to bringing to your gym now that you are its manager?
Honestly, I only went to the Cliffs of Id once, and that was to run there, take a quick look, buy a pair of shoes, say hello to Rémi if she was there (that’s was Saturday; she was not there). ), and take the road to Red Rocks. I can say that I am so excited to be the new director of such a beautiful gym. (I’ve been treating myself to the self-guided tour on the site for weeks!)
My main goal as a new manager, especially inheriting someone else’s gym, is to feel the community, understand the culture, and build on the foundation Remi laid. Of course, I’m excited to be able to bring back some amazing fitness classes (hopefully I’ll have time to teach one or two), and I’d love to start some friendly climbing leagues, as well as community engagement. programs, but none of that can happen until I understand the community and culture of the city, its members and staff.
As a gym, we are here to serve the community by creating an inclusive space for professional and recreational athletes to climb and get fit, and my personal mission is to make Cliffs of Id the best gym possible.
That being said, I absolutely believe that as a gym we are here to serve the community by creating an inclusive space for professional and recreational athletes to climb and get fit, and that is my personal mission to make Cliffs of I am the best gym possible.
What do you like best about the neighborhood?
I don’t know yet, but I can’t wait to find out!!!!!!
What can you talk about forever?
Star Wars, Magic: the Gathering, sci-fi movies, fantasy books… yeah, I’m a big nerd. ? Just think of nerdy things, and you’ll keep me talking for a while.
How would you describe your managerial style?
I try to lead by example. Whether with a member or staff, I think the best first option is to approach situations as educational moments. Having situational awareness gives you the power to respond in a controlled manner, meaning you have the power to respond without being reactionary – which, in my experience, has always been a better way to go. So if I can educate my staff and members in a polite and informative way, I hope they pass that knowledge and patience on to the next person.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Just that I’m very grateful for the opportunity to take over what I already know is an awesome gym, and I’m ready for a new adventure! Goodbye 2020!!!!!
