Multi-year CrossFit Master's athlete qualifying for Online Qualifier in the 40-45 and 45-49 year old age divisions. Competed in person at Wodapalooza, Granite Games, and Legends Masters.
Mutli-year Olympic Weightlifting Master's Nationals and Worlds. 3rd Place USAW Nationals 2024 71k category.
My favorite workouts are anything with a long time-domain that involve pull ups, burpees, DB snatches, and double-unders!
Outside of the gym, I'm an avid snowboarder, beginner splitboarder, and improving mountain biker! I also still love my work in anthropology and archaeology that take me to Bolivia.
Qualifications
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
Active Life Professional
USAW Level 1 certification
Adaptive Training Academy certification
Community CPR
Owner/Coach
Maria Bruno
About Coach Maria
I was born and raised in Zephyr Cove doing multiple activities from dance to snowboarding. I moved away from the area to pursue a career in anthropology and archaeology, living and teaching in the midwest and east coast, and doing research in Bolivia. While I loved the experiences and people I met along the way, Tahoe was calling me back and I relocated to the area in 2022. I continue to teach part-time at the University of Nevada, Reno but spend most of my days coaching and personal training at CrossFit Lake Tahoe. I have enjoyed returning to the mountains to shred snow, mountain bike, enjoy the lake, and be close to my friends and family.
Turning Point
Having been very active in my childhood and through my undergrad years at UNR, I found it difficult to find a physical activity that would balance out the hours of work I was putting into writing, reading, and teaching as a graduate student, field researcher, and teacher. In 2010, I learned about CrossFit through a box-gym trainer in Washington DC. I returned to Zephyr Cove in 2010 between jobs and discovered that a CrossFit gym was located just down from my home in Round Hill. I started as member of CrossFit Lake Tahoe with Coach Steve that year and was hooked ever since! I found a physical activity that was challenging, fun, and reawakened my inner athlete! I moved to Pennsylvania in 2011, and joined CrossFit gyms there where I learned more about the methodology and obtained my CrossFit Level 1 and 2 certifications to coach at two gyms in that area. While my passion for competing inCrossFit grew, I also realized how much I enjoyed coaching members who came from all different background and ability levels. Years later, when I was ready to make a career change, I was so fortune to have Steve and Iris welcome me into the coaching staff and eventually co-ownership of the CrossFit Lake Tahoe where it all started!
Motivation & Passion
There is no better feeling than seeing someone succeed, and being a coach provides that on a daily basis! I love showing up to my classes to help teach our members movements and skills that help them stay active in their daily lives and often challenges what they think is possible for themselves. Whether it's a 5 year old jumping onto a higher box or an 80 year old pulling themselves up on a rope, being a part of someone's physical and mental growth is truly a honor. I am also very motivated by the amazing people in our small but vibrant community! It's my aim to play a role in keeping our community healthy and happy both through coaching them through workouts or supporting local causes. I also love meeting people from all over the world who drop in during their visits to this special place. I hope we add to their experience of this magical place!