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THE BEST GYM NEAR ME IN Philadelphia

FITNESS COMMUNITY INCLUSION NUTRITION MINDSET YOU

THE GYM FOR
FITNESS COMMUNITY INCLUSION NUTRITION MINDSET YOU
IN Philadelphia

Welcome to Novem Community Fitness

HEY THERE! ARE YOU TIRED OF:

Boring Workouts Alone?

Workouts are way more fun together! Our purpose is to pass on empowering knowledge and training guidance in order to have a positive impact on the health and fitness of everyone we work with in the Philadelphia area.

Wasting time Not Getting results?

Because life is too short for time wasted in the gym working out alone, at Novem Community Fitness you become part of a strong tribe of like-minded individuals encouraging each other and winning at life.

Not Having A solid Game Plan?

Our main focus at Novem Community Fitness is guidance and structure. Life is full of long work days and every day challenges that keep us from getting what we really want – to be in great shape, be confident and for your body to do what you ask of it.

THEN WE'RE READY

TO GUIDE YOU

ON YOUR JOURNEY!

NovemFIT

Train with purpose through scalable group classes blending strength, gymnastics, barbell work, and conditioning to build lifelong fitness with expert coaching and a supportive community.

Novem Bootcamp

Push cardio, endurance, and energy levels with fast-paced HIIT-style workouts using bodyweight, kettlebells, dumbbells, and intervals designed to leave you stronger and energized.
 

Novem Barbell

Refine technique and build confidence under the bar with focused coaching in Olympic and power lifts designed for beginners through experienced lifters.

Mini and Mighty
3 Months to 4 years old

Reconnect with your body while bonding with your baby through gentle, functional movement in a supportive class built for new parents and growing families.

Foundations Strength Academy
5-8 years old

Introduce kids to movement through fun, high-energy games and skill-building workouts that develop strength, coordination, and confidence.

Teen Strength Academy
9-15 years old

Build strong, confident young athletes with structured, age-appropriate strength training that teaches proper movement, discipline, and teamwork.

DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

WHAT Philadelphia LOCALS ARE SAYING...

The Best gym near me in Philadelphia !

Evan Todtz
Evan Todtz
I joined Novem shortly after moving to Philly and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! I had always been decently fit and active, but wanted to try barbell lifting as a new personal challenge. Not only do the coaches train me on my movement, but offer lots of tips, techniques, and scaling options for a novice like me. But what’s surprised me most hasn’t been my notably improved strength or the friendly, welcoming environment (which are certainly major perks!) but the incredible community and friends I’ve made during my time with the gym. If you’re looking for a new home and a supportive space to get better and be yourself, Novem can’t be beat!
Monisha Prakash
Monisha Prakash
I’ve been coming to Novem for nearly three years, and it’s hands down the best CrossFit gym I’ve experienced! The coaches are incredible, the community is so supportive and friendly, and because of that I’ve been able to push myself more than ever before. If you want real progress and real people, Novem is it. Highly recommend at least giving it a try!
Jeanie Kang
Jeanie Kang
NovemFit is the best gym I’ve ever been to. I’ve worked out my whole life, but I’ve gotten into the best shape of my life here. The Bootcamp classes are so fun, super challenging in a good way, and every single day is different so it never gets boring. The coaches are amazing and really know what they’re doing, but they’re also kind, patient, and encouraging. You can start here as a total beginner or come in more advanced, and they always find a way to meet you where you are and push you safely. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and genuinely supportive, which makes it way less intimidating than other gyms. I actually look forward to my workouts now. If you want a fun, supportive place to get seriously fit, this is it.
James Sipple
James Sipple
Novem is so much more than a gym, it’s an important part of the fishtown/kensington community! I’ve been a member since around 2021 and have no plans of leaving. The coaches are highly knowledgeable and genuinely supportive, the workouts are challenging both mentally and physically. The members consistently encourage one another, creating a welcoming environment with zero gym intimidation. People of all fitness levels can easily succeed! I would highly recommend Novem for anyone who’s looking to improve fitness and make new friends.
David Wilson
David Wilson
I’ve been training at this gym for a while now, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best fitness communities I’ve ever been part of. The coaches are incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely invested in helping every athlete—whether you’re brand new or experienced—reach your goals safely and effectively. The workouts strike a perfect balance between challenge and variety. No two days feel the same, and I’ve noticed real progress in my strength, endurance, and overall confidence. The atmosphere is always energetic and positive, and the members make you feel welcome from day one. If you’re looking for a supportive place to get stronger, push your limits, and join an amazing community, this gym is the place to be. Highly recommended!

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

ARE YOU READY TO LEVEL UP?

1. SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST VISIT

Talk with a coach about your goals and learn how we can get you to your best self.

2. START YOUR TRAINING

You have defined your goals and you are ready to begin your journey. We will start you strong by taking you through the fundamentals of training and sound habits putting you on the road to success!

3. HAVE FUN REACHING NEW LEVELS

Enjoy the workouts with awesome people and reach your goals in no time!

got questions?

we got the answers!

Super simple! Just click get started anywhere here on the page to book your Free Consultation where you’ll tour the gym & meet our coaches.

We will chat about your current situation, your desired situation to see if we can help and if we are good fit for each other. Sign up today!

When you start at Novem Community Fitness, your fitness level will improve quickly, usually in the first 30 days.

The key to see results is consistency and commitment over time so that’s why we recommend 3 classes per week as a start. Sign up today!

Yes! We provide guidance on eating right or sleeping well which can help maximize energy levels – getting YOU maximum results from your efforts. Sign up today!

Nope! Most of our members start just like you. We assess each new members fitness level.

Then our workouts are “universally scaled”, with a different version of each days workout designed for every level. As you level up you can take on more challenging variants of the workout if you desire. Sign up today!

We are locally owned and purpose built to make an impact on the health and happiness in Philadelphia and the surrounding area.

You’re not just a number here, everyone knows your name. We’re a community of like-minded people that wants you to show up and supports each other on this journey to live better lives – with no judgement or criticism along the way. Sign up today!

If you’re a beginner and just starting out then 2-4 times per week will be enough to see results and allow you to adjust.

You’ll be sore some days, so allow yourself recovery days between training sessions at first – over the course of the following months work up towards 5 days per week if you want to maximize! Sign up today!

Each class is 60 minutes and led by qualified coaches. We always start together with a warm-up designed to activate the muscles being used in the workout.

The coach will brief the group on the workout, the movements, and the proper form. During the workout, the coach will be guiding and providing instruction.

At the end of class, we will cool down together to accelerate recovery and reduce potential injury. Sign up today!

We offer an exciting, challenging and varied programming which will keep it fun! The workouts are published in advance.

Some days are more strength focused where we will focus on our lifts. Movements like barbell squats, kettlebell swings and occasionally some olympics lifts will be included.

Other days, we may focus more on cardio conditioning with rowers and bikes. Some days are focused on body weight movements like pushups, sit-ups, and pull-ups. Some days are a mix of everything. Sign up today!

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

Simply fill out the form below and then schedule Your Free Consultation on the next page.

Shortly after we will be in touch with you to confirm your intro session. We are excited to meet you!

(give our form below a second to load, we love you for it!)

Novem Community Fitness celebrates, affirms, and creates empowering spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals. We honor and support the ongoing march toward equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Charlie Morgan

Coach HE/HIM

Charlie grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs and spent most of his athletic life on a baseball field. As a highschool sophomore, he was introduced to Crossfit in 2010 during offseason training where he found a new passion and enthusiasm for fitness.

After high school, Charlie went on to Penn State to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. During his time in college and even as a young adult, he bounced around conventional gyms, loosely following a hodgepodge of weightlifting, powerlifting, and bodybuilding training programs. He decided to move to Fishtown in 2020 alongside a group of close friends where he was invited to his first Novem class. He fell in love with the community and found a new home where he could improve in and advocate for movement and fitness.

Charlie is USAW L1 certified and plans to complete his Crossfit L1 certification this year. He values the physical and mental health benefits of being and staying active. Whether you’re training competitively or just coming in for a great workout, he’ll help guide and support in getting everyone closer to their goals. If you see him bopping around Fishtown, whether at a record store, concert, or brewery, feel free to say hi!

Certifications

Level 3 Crossfit Instructor (CCFT), OPT (optimal performance training) program design and assessment, Crossfit anatomy course, FMS level 1 (functional movement screening).

Dan Pineda

Coach he/him

Dan is from Wall, NJ. He grew up playing baseball and competed at the Division II level at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Dan is a physician and enjoys advocating healthy lifestyles and exercise prescriptions in his daily practice.

Dan’s CrossFit journey started in medical school. He appreciates the community and lifelong friends he has made along the way. Never one to pass up an opportunity for friendly competition, he enjoys participating in the CrossFit Open and local competitions.

Along with being a Doctor in Medicine, Dan has a Bachelor’s in Biology, his CrossFit Level 1 Certification, and is BLS, ACLS, and PALS certified. Outside of the gym, he enjoys riding his bike around the city, hopping around breweries, and snapping photos with his camera.

Certifications

Level 3 Crossfit Instructor (CCFT), OPT (optimal performance training) program design and assessment, Crossfit anatomy course, FMS level 1 (functional movement screening).

Lindsey Shanley

Coach she/her

Lindsey grew up in upstate New York where her love for fitness started with her dad bringing her along to the gym as a teen and throughout high school. She got her degree in Athletic Training from Springfield College where she taught group exercise on campus, and worked as a high school athletic trainer for two years before realizing she loved helping people avoid injury through fitness more than she enjoyed treating injury. She earned her master’s degree in Sports Leadership from Northeastern while transitioning into the Head Coach position at Orangetheory Fitness in Rhode Island. After just eight months in studio, Lindsey moved to South Florida to work for the Orangetheory corporate headquarters, opening studios and training fitness Coaches in ten different countries (and four languages!) including Poland, China, the UAE, and India. In June of 2022 while spending a month in Philadelphia, Lindsey took classes at Novem and quickly realized this style of training would be her next fitness venture. Lindsey loves that in CrossFit there is ALWAYS something to get better at, and most importantly that you need to eat A LOT of food to keep up with the workload. Lindsey became a full-time Philly (and Novem!) resident in June of 2023 and when not in the gym she can be seen taking her pups out on coffee walks around Fishtown.

Certifications

Level 3 Crossfit Instructor (CCFT), OPT (optimal performance training) program design and assessment, Crossfit anatomy course, FMS level 1 (functional movement screening).

Cory Payton

Coach he/him

Originally from the land of Bourbon and Horses, Cory comes to us from the great state of Kentucky. He found his first love for fitness during his High School years while making attempts to join West Point Military Academy. Although life took him elsewhere, he used the knowledge he gained from fitness and group mentality and applied it throughout his life.

Cory found his first CrossFit gym in Lexington, Kentucky after a friend encouraged him to look beyond the vast globo gyms. Cory steps into the walls as a member in 2018 but after 2 years Cory achieved a role he gravitated to, a CrossFit coach.

Cory made his way to NovemFit in 2023 after making a tour of all Philly CrossFit Gyms and is proud to call Novem home. Usually found in the weightlifting room and rarely seen doing cardio, Cory is here to help make Novem your favorite place.

Certifications

Level 3 Crossfit Instructor (CCFT), OPT (optimal performance training) program design and assessment, Crossfit anatomy course, FMS level 1 (functional movement screening).

Abby Jamiel

Coach she/her/they

Abby grew up as her family’s “non-athletic-artsy-child.” Ironically, her inability to throw a ball or hit a target led her towards a high school running career and eventually to row crew in college. As a member of Ithaca College’s NCAA crew team, she rowed in the Varsity 1 boat her senior year, placing 4th in Nation (let’s go bow seat). After an intense collegiate experience, Abby fell in love with womxn in team sports. Her fellow rowers are still some of her best friends. Abby found CrossFit when searching for a competitive and rigorous athletic environment after college. She started coaching in 2017 and currently has her L-2 CrossFit Certification and is CPR Certified. She has placed in the CrossFit Open quarterfinals in 2022, 2023, and probably would have made it in 2024 if she felt like paying the $50.

Outside of the fitness world, Abby is trained as an Urban Planner and nerds out about public art, public space, and elements of play, movement, and cultural reflection in communities. Sometimes, she paints too. You can most likely find her in the weight lifting room or facing her demons in the ice bath. Come say “hey” or talk to her about rowing, nutrition, your favorite city, or anything that makes you laugh.

Certifications

Level 3 Crossfit Instructor (CCFT), OPT (optimal performance training) program design and assessment, Crossfit anatomy course, FMS level 1 (functional movement screening).

Tori DeGiosio

Coach she/her

Although she now calls Philadelphia home, Tori grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania and first found her love for CrossFit while living in Washington, D.C.

After exploring machines and free weights in her college gym, then following powerlifting programs on her own after college, in 2017, she started CrossFit after being enticed in by a free class. She loved the “constantly varied” of CrossFit that brought new movements like gymnastics and weightlifting that she had never tried before, and was quickly hooked.

Tori is naturally more competitive with herself than others, so from day one, she was on a mission to learn all the CrossFit movements. She quickly learned, and began to even enjoy, bettering her weaknesses and building on her strengths (even though she still says anything over five reps is too much cardio).

In 2019, Tori became a CrossFit Level 1 Certified Trainer. Her goal in coaching classes is to help others realize how strong and capable they are — mentally and physically — and to make the gym a safe and happy space for every member.

Outside of CrossFit, Tori works full time as the Director of Digital Fundraising at a digital agency helping democratic campaigns and non-profits run successful digital programs funded by grassroots donations.

Certifications

Level 3 Crossfit Instructor (CCFT), OPT (optimal performance training) program design and assessment, Crossfit anatomy course, FMS level 1 (functional movement screening).

Vincent Crapello

Coach they/he

Vincent grew up in the woods of Sussex county New Jersey. Interested in sports at an early age, he bounced from soccer, to hockey, to wrestling, and more became a jack of all trades, master of none rather than finding a niche. Through high school and college, he found theater and working out to be his main venues for creative release. After graduating college in 2010 with Bachelor of the Arts degrees in both Theater Arts and Communications, Vincent decided to take his education to the San Francisco Bay Area, and discovered in less than a year that neither an office life nor theatrical one was the life for him.

He worked jobs at gyms, retail establishments, and many restaurants but only found that he needed to be a part of people’s lives, and part of a community. The need to help people, and desire to change people daily is what helped Vincent decide to become… a barber.

Vincent moved to Philadelphia in 2012 to pursue this dream of following an old-fashioned barber apprenticeship. All the while, fitness was starting to stagnate. Years of corporate gyms, and bro-science bodybuilding style workouts he was bored and could no longer motivate.

He had heard of CrossFit occasionally over the years, and after meeting Coach Lesha at the shop he was apprenticing, he decided to give Novem a try. After four and a half years of loving CrossFit as a program and Novem as a community, Vincent decided to try his hand at coaching to help the community that’s helped him so.

Vincent has been vegan and sober for over 10 years, and emphasizes the importance of physical as well as mental health. He’s had a stint as a professional wrestler at a local promotion, and works full time at a Fishtown barbershop, which services much of the Novem community.

Certifications

Level 3 Crossfit Instructor (CCFT), OPT (optimal performance training) program design and assessment, Crossfit anatomy course, FMS level 1 (functional movement screening).

Hugh Black

Coach he/him

Hugh Black is a Philadelphia transplant, growing up in Phoenix, and coming to us from Las Vegas. Hugh is a pilot in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and an avid CrossFitter, loving everything the sport has to offer and enjoys competing. However, Hugh wasn’t that athletically inclined while growing up, until he got to high school and had a goal to get accepted into the United States Air Force Academy. He began to run cross country and track for his high school. His coach encouraged him to sign up for the Rock and Roll Half Marathon to train in the off season, and after completing that race the endurance junkie was born. He went on to join the Marathon Club at the Air Force Academy, competing in multiplemarathons over his years in college and qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

After graduation, Hugh was looking to push himself to the next level in endurance sports and signed up for his first full Ironman triathlon: Ironman Louisville. While barely having enough time to train during pilot training, he crossed

the finish line of his first Ironman in 2012. He raced in two more Ironman triathlons if the following years, and while he still enjoyed it, he was getting burnt out and looking for a change in his fitness routine.

Hugh joined his friend for his first CrossFit workout in 2016 and was hooked. He loves what CrossFit has done and will continue to do to improve his overall health, fitness, strength, and coordination, while still maintaining his endurance and stamina. He also loves the community and comradery that you get from a CrossFit gym, especially with the CrossFit Novem community. Hugh is excited to share his passion for CrossFit and training with the Novem Community and help every member reach their goals and have fun while getting there!

Certifications

Level 3 Crossfit Instructor (CCFT), OPT (optimal performance training) program design and assessment, Crossfit anatomy course, FMS level 1 (functional movement screening).

Jeanette Bears

Coach they/them

Jeanette has always been attracted to competitive sports, especially ones where they compete with themself. In high school they threw shotput and discus, always trying to best their own scores, and even though they hated running, they aced their PT scores in ROTC. As an adult in NYC Jeanette joined basketball and football leagues, and while meeting their wife in their first season of basketball was a plus, they still struggled to find something that would challenge them. Jeanette found CrossFit after hitting a mental and physical health roadblock in 2018. Weightlifting (and finally embracing a little cardio) not only provided tangible success, but a gateway to a sport and community that finds space for everyone. Jeanette coaches because they want to help make spaces for all kinds of folks and bodies, making sure anyone can feel empowered through fitness.

Outside the gym, Jeanette is making movies, writing, or out exploring with their wife Ciara, daughter Everly, and pup Geoff.

Certifications

CF L2
USAW L1
Pre & Post Natal Coach Cert – Girls Gone Strong

Jessica Alvarez

Coach she/her

South Philly native Jessica was a very active kid and spent a lot of her free time outside climbing trees, riding bikes, and flipping off of swings at Milton Hershey School in Hershey, Pa. Throughout middle and high school she participated in sports like Field Hockey, Diving, Swim Team and Figure Skating. She finished her junior and senior year in Colombia where she learned and competed in show jumping.

In July of 2012, she attended her first class at Fearless Athletics CrossFit South Philly and fell in love with the community, barbell and gymnastic movements. She’s competed in a few individual competitions, but truly enjoyed and thrives on a team.

In 2018, while reminiscing about playing sports, her lifting coach encouraged her try something new, so she attended a Philadelphia Rugby Football Club game. She was instantly hooked and joined their D3 team. She currently plays 15s (Fall & Spring) and 7s (Summer).

She joined Novem in November of 2021 with her partner Graham. She enjoys taking both Bootcamp and Fit class, but when she’s not at the gym she enjoys tending to her many plants, hiking, and sneaking out to the burbs to relax and ride horses.

She looks forward to coaching existing and new members and hopes to make them feel heard and supported while on their fitness journey at Novem.

Certifications

Level 3 Crossfit Instructor (CCFT), OPT (optimal performance training) program design and assessment, Crossfit anatomy course, FMS level 1 (functional movement screening).

Diana Lamberti

Coach she/her

​Diana grew up in Central New Jersey where she spent her entire childhood inside of a gymnastics gym. As the oldest of 6, and the only girl, she was a very hyper-active and athletic child who never stopped moving. Her mom would even quiz her for spelling tests while she was doing cartwheels and handstand walking in the living room.

After deciding not to continue gymnastics in college, she began to feel a void. Throughout school, she tried various different gyms but didn’t find an environment that allowed her to develop a healthy and consistent lifestyle. When she moved to Philadelphia in 2012, she was looking for a way to get back in shape and make friends. Her cousin had been telling her about crossfit, and after stepping into Novem in 2013, she hasn’t looked back.

As she started to move more efficiently and learn new skills, her competitive side kicked in. She participated in a novice competition in 2014, and with that she was hooked and decided she wanted to turn crossfit into a sport. She has attended training camps to develop her skills both individually and as part of a team, and she has continued to travel around the country to compete.

In 2021, Diana gave birth to her son Bobby who is now the light of her life. Fitness helped her have a smooth pregnancy and a relatively easy recovery. Diana believes that fitness is an essential part of life and she enjoys helping people achieve their goals, no matter how big or small.

Certifications

Level 3 Crossfit Instructor (CCFT), OPT (optimal performance training) program design and assessment, Crossfit anatomy course, FMS level 1 (functional movement screening).

Joe Ling

Owner he/him

Whether playing football, riding bikes with friends, or competing in high school track and field, Joe has always had a strong passion for exercise. But as he got older and fell into his daily “grown-up” routine, Joe’s health took a backseat in life. On his 30th birthday, Joe realized he was overweight and knew something had to change. He spent the next two years gym-hopping through South Jersey and Philadelphia, trying to stay engaged with the workouts he needed to stay healthy. 
In 2009, Joe heard whispers of something called Crossfit—a new kind of workout that was fun, exciting, and results-driven. CrossFit challenged him both physically and mentally and he was hooked after his first workout. Joe loves CrossFit’s focus on staying healthy through proper diet and exercise, but he believes that the true bonus of CrossFit is the community created by the owners and members. Building on that love for community and fitness, Joe is excited to take his love for CrossFit to new heights at Novem and is looking forward to helping people in the CrossFit Novem community to reach their full potential in health, exercise, and life.

Certifications

Level 3 Crossfit Instructor (CCFT), OPT (optimal performance training) program design and assessment, Crossfit anatomy course, FMS level 1 (functional movement screening).

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

Simply fill out the form below and then schedule Your FREE intro session on the next page.

Shortly after we will be in touch with you to confirm your intro session. We are excited to meet you!

(give our form below a second to load, we love you for it!)

ARE YOU LOOKING TO DROP-IN?

We Would Love To Meet You!
WARNING! Class Sizes Are Limited.

If you would like to reserve a spot…
Simply fill out the form below
letting us know what day you might come by
& one of our amazing coaches
will reach out to you to reserve your class.

OUR DROP-IN RATES

$25 for Bootcamp
$25 for FIT with Experience

FIND US AT
1732 N Howard St Suite B,
Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 398-1398

OUR PRICING IS SIMPLE

We Want To Offer You The PERFECT Membership For YouR NEEDS.

Simply fill out the form below and one of our amazing coaches will send you our current membership information.

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