CrossFit changed my life. Now, my mission is to help others change theirs - Valentina Pierangeli

Valentina Pierangeli
Dec 14, 2024
3 min read

Hi, I’m Valentina Pierangeli, an Italian psychologist who moved to the UK six years ago. Little did I know then how much my life would change - not just because of the move but because of something I discovered along the way: CrossFit. This incredible community and methodology have profoundly shaped both my personal and professional journey in ways I never imagined.

Eight years ago, I was a very different person. Shy, riddled with self-doubt, and harbouring a fixed mindset, I believed sports were simply "not for me". Then, I met my partner, a CrossFit coach.

At first, I was simply curious about his world, but eventually, I decided to give it a try. Walking into a CrossFit gym for the first time was nerve-wracking, but that moment marked the beginning of a transformation that changed my life forever.

Where I once saw limits, I began to see possibilities.

CrossFit taught me so much more than just how to move. It showed me the power of showing up, staying consistent, and focusing on the journey rather than the destination. I became obsessed (in the best way possible) with those small, meaningful efforts that, over time, lead to significant changes. It didn’t just strengthen my body; it redefined my mindset.

Now, I absolutely love walking into a CrossFit gym. There’s something magical about the energy, the shared struggle, and the connections you make. I love supporting newbies as they navigate their first steps into the CrossFit world. Watching their growth and seeing their confidence bloom is so rewarding.

And then there’s the incredible diversity of people you meet—individuals with unique stories and backgrounds. This environment inspires me every day and has shaped my mission as a psychologist.

Today, I work with athletes and everyday gym-goers to help them get the most out of their training. It’s not just about PRs and better performance—it’s about nurturing wellbeing, self-efficacy and building confidence that extends far beyond the gym walls. Over the years, I’ve explored how movement, especially lifting weights, can be a tool for healing. Did you know that certain neurophysiological activations during strength training can actually help with trauma recovery? It’s fascinating stuff, and it adds so much depth to my work with clients. I also collaborate closely with CrossFit coaches.

Coaching isn’t just about teaching the moves

It’s about creating an environment where people can thrive. My work focuses on understanding how the brain responds to interactions, feedback, and the learning environment coaches create. Brain activation patterns can significantly influence how effectively someone learns and grows, and a coach’s approach can make or break that process.

I help coaches refine their communication and feedback strategies, overcome insecurities, and build classes that foster mental health, growth, and community. One of my

most rewarding projects is a collaboration with a coach who runs a CrossFit initiative for young people. This program uses fitness as a medium to teach life and behavioral skills. While it is her program, we’re working together to expand its impact, with plans to bring it to schools and other organizations.

In my private practice, I take a big-picture approach. I use a bio-psycho-social framework, which means I view the person as a whole. Emotions, behaviors, thoughts, and even what’s happening physically are all connected. Ignoring any one of those pieces just wouldn’t make sense.

I focus closely on mental health in chronic health conditions. Growing up in a family of medical professionals, I’ve always been passionate about understanding the person behind the diagnosis. This perspective, combined with the mindset I’ve developed through CrossFit, has helped me support clients in embracing their strengths and living empowered, connected lives, no matter their challenges.

And then there’s Virtuoso Gang.

My partner and I founded this company a year ago to combine his incredible coaching knowledge - programming, technique, and all things physical - with my expertise in

psychology.

Together, we aim to provide support for both athletes and coaches, addressing their needs

from a 360-degree perspective. It’s about bringing together the mental and physical sides of fitness in a way that creates lasting change and supports personal and professional growth.

Looking forward:

I hope to continue bridging the worlds of mental health and physical fitness. The

potential to use fitness as a transformative tool is enormous, and I want to bring that to as many people as possible.

If I could leave you with one piece of advice, it would be this:

Show up for yourself. No matter where you are in life or what you’re facing, the simple act of committing to yourself can open doors you never even imagined.