Finding Friendship Through Fitness: Lili & Makenzie’s Story

At Train Denver, we talk a lot about community – how it shows up in the fist bumps after a tough workout, the encouragement mid-WOD, and the friendships that form when you least expect them. With Bring A Friend Week in full swing, we wanted to share a story that perfectly captures what it means to find strength and connection inside these walls. Meet Lili and Makenzie – two friends who met at Train and quickly became each other’s biggest supporters, both in and out of the gym.

Makenzie’s Story

When I decided to move across the country in December 2024 to continue my travel therapy adventure, I had no idea what to expect. My sister joined me, and one of my best friends from college lived out here, but besides that, I knew no one. The one thing I did know? Wherever I landed for my 13-week contract, I could find a CrossFit gym with a strong community and feel a little less alone. That’s where Train, and Lili, came in.

As I fell in love with Colorado and extended my contracts, Train became a constant. The programming was tough, the community was welcoming, and every class felt like something I could look forward to. I bounced between class times at first, and back in May 2025, I met Lili. She was new to Train and Colorado too, and we instantly clicked. We both loved skiing, hiking, exploring farmers markets, and despite my Philly roots, cheering for Boston sports.

To describe Lili in a few words: selfless, adventurous, and endlessly caring. She pours energy into her friendships and makes life here more fun. From hitting the slopes and joining run clubs to pushing each other through WODs, it’s been amazing forming such a close friendship so far from home. We motivate each other to show up, lift heavier, and move faster. Most weeks start with a text exchange about what classes we’ll hit together, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite parts of the week.

I’m so grateful for this friendship, and it all started right here at Train.

Lili’s Story

Moving to a new city alone is intimidating. When I joined Train, I was looking for two things – a challenge and a sense of community. What I found was both… and a good friend who made showing up to class something I genuinely looked forward to!

Makenzie and I joined around the same time and quickly became workout partners. She counts reps for me (because multitasking and counting aren’t exactly my strong suits) and helps me stay focused mid-WOD. We push each other through the hard stuff and celebrate the wins – sometimes with a post-workout treat, because balance. Some days it’s about hitting PRs; other days, it’s about laughing our way through burpees and remembering that showing up is what matters most.

Our friendship has grown beyond the gym, too. We ski together, explore new trails, and Makenzie even got me into running – I run now, apparently! Through workouts, adventures, and shared laughter, she’s become someone who keeps me motivated and grounded.

Train is more than a gym; it’s where I found strength, friendship, and a community that fuels both.