Owner & Coach — Iron Battalion CrossFit | General Manager — Gym Love

I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing combined gym community. After building Iron Battalion CrossFit in Los Angeles in 2014, I traded city hustle for mountain muscle and fell in love with Tahoe’s breathtaking scenery. Now I’m here to bring energy, expertise, and a whole lot of fun to your workouts.

My mission is simple: to change lives through movement and help people discover how incredible it feels to improve their energy, mobility, and overall quality of life. Expect more laughs than lunges and more high energy than a triple espresso — paired with coaching that delivers real results.

Certifications & Experience

• CrossFit Level 1
• CrossFit Level 2
• CrossFit Kids
• NASM — Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
• TRX Group/Force Suspension Training Course — Level 1 & Level 2
• CPR Certified — EMS Safety Services / American Red Cross
• Level 1 Snowboard Instructor — PSIA-AASI Certified, Heavenly, Lake Tahoe
• Ski Instructor — Heavenly, Lake Tahoe

Fun Facts

• Favorite Lifts: Cleans! Power, hang power, or squat — as long as it’s a clean 
• Cheat Meal: German chocolate (some might say this isn’t a surprise  )

Todd Worden is a fit and driven 55-year-old with over 30 years in the fitness industry. A lifelong athlete and certified CrossFit coach, he has spent the last seven years leading both personal training and group classes.

After relocating from Los Angeles/Ventura to South Lake Tahoe, Todd brings with him a wealth of experience: coaching with Iron Battalion in Woodland Hills (2020–2022), serving as Operations Manager and Lead Coach at Persistence Culture Ventura (2022–2025), and now returning to work with Iron Battalion South Lake Tahoe and Gym Love.

He recently earned his CrossFit Level 2 Training Certification, further sharpening his skills to help clients push past limits and reach new levels of strength, endurance, and confidence. Passionate, experienced, and community-minded, Todd is excited to continue inspiring athletes of all ages and backgrounds in the Tahoe region.

Favorite lift : Squat Clean 

Cheat Meal : PIZZA

My passion for fitness was ignited during my time at Cal Poly Humboldt, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Community Health and Recreation while competing on the Track and Field team. The weight room quickly became my sanctuary – a place of growth, community, self-discovery, and FUN.

Today, I'm lucky enough to call Tahoe my home and share my love for fitness with others, with strong passions in hypertrophy training, functional fitness, strength and conditioning, powerlifting, and running, agility, and speed work. I believe in the power of the mind-muscle connection and strive to create an inclusive and empowering environment for all fitness levels!!

My goal is to empower others to live a vibrant and active life, enabling people to enjoy all that our beautiful Lake Tahoe surroundings have to offer. In my opinion no matter your experience, the gym is for everyone!

Certifications:
*ACE Certified Personal Trainer
*TRX Qualified Coach
*Function-First Pain Free Movement Specialist

Favorite lifts: Bench press!! Hang cleans, RDLs, front squats, lateral raises 

Favorite cheat meals: Um.. everything? SUSHI!

Coach Chris is a seasoned firefighter with an impressive 27 years of service, including over a decade as a Captain in a large urban fire department in California. His journey into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu began at age 35, inspired by his oldest son, Charlie. What started as support turned into a passion, driven by the sport’s physical and mental challenges.

Now with over 12 years of BJJ experience, all earned under Coach Derek Dimanno, Chris has become a dedicated instructor and mentor. Beyond the mats, he’s a homeschooling father to five kids—four boys and one girl—all of whom train in BJJ, making it a true family affair.

Chris’s motivation to open a gym was rooted in ensuring his children had access to top-quality instruction, and that same passion now drives his commitment to every student he coaches. Known for his resilience, problem-solving under pressure, and unwavering dedication, Coach Chris brings energy, experience, and heart to every session.

We’re proud to have him leading at South Tahoe Jiu Jitsu. Come train with Coach Chris and experience firsthand the drive and dedication that defines his every move—on and off the mats.

Coach Chris began his martial arts journey 16 years ago, training in MMA, Muay Thai, and Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW) at an Erik Paulson affiliate in Salt Lake City. After earning his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, he chose to focus solely on grappling, training under Professor Gustavo Rodrigues, who awarded him his purple, brown, and in 2020, his black belt.

With over a decade of experience coaching kids and adults in swimming, Chris continues to study skill development and motor learning. He combines this knowledge with his Jiu Jitsu expertise to create a fun, effective learning environment for students of all levels.

My name is Lucas Bowser and I’m here for the energy, community, and the kind of workouts that leave you feeling healthy and alive. When I’m not at the gym, you’ll find me out in the trails biking, snowboarding, or finding any excuse to be in the mountains. I may not be here coaching, but I’m always around to help, connect, and keep things moving!

Favorite dessert: Strawberries and peanut butter with ice cream

I love being a Gym Love staff member where my passion for fitness and amazing community come together! I will always choose the power clean as my favorite movement, but wall balls have a special place in my heart. Outside of the gym, I love to keep active playing spikeball and pickleball. I love snowboarding and surfing and am always looking for my next adventure.

My favorite cheat meal: chocolate chip cookies

Hey Im Grace and  I’m happiest with a snowboard strapped to my feet, a passport in my hand, or bringing my creative visions to life. I guarantee you will find me grabbing the first chair on pow days, planning my next international trip or covered in an assortment of paint, glue, and other craft supplies!  

Favorite cheat meal : PIZZA