The Gym on 5th Team

Heather Nunn / owner & coach

Born and raised here in Moab, I spent my childhood outdoors as a total flower child, going on long hikes and tons of adventures with my family. Moab is such a small town, we didn’t have many opportunities for things fitness related other than your typical sports. Gymnastics was available for about a year and then quickly disappeared. I played softball and was in dance until high school.

It’s wasn’t until 20 years later that I was introduced to this style of fitness by a dear friend that just kept looking more fit and happy every time I saw her. I asked her what she was doing and she said she was going to the gym where they taught you in a class how to workout. I said, “sign me up! I’ll go!” After my first class I was hooked and never looked back! The feeling of accomplishing hard things and reaping the physical and mental health benefits at the same time was a win win! This place welcomes everyone, and the community I’ve found here has truly changed my life and that is priceless. The saying, “You don’t find your passion, your passion finds you,” has never rang truer for me.

Now, having children of my own and wishing how this had been available when I was a kid, pushed me to starting the kids class and then later, to join the ranks of coaching the adult class as well, and then ultimately an owner, which has been a dream come true. I’m continually learning and seeking to gain as much knowledge as I can in order to bring my best self to this community. Come join us for a class! It just might change your life too…

Certifications: CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Level 2, CrossFit Kids

TRESSA BRYANT / Owner & coach

Living an active, healthy lifestyle has always been an important part of my life. I grew up in Moab and am a fifth generation Moabite. I have worked a wide range of jobs - from hospital dispatch to working in the mental health field for 6 years - but becoming a coach has always been a goal of mine.

I spent a year in school studying to become a fitness coach, but that became less of a priority when I decided to start a family. After having my first son I got back into fitness and back into the Gym on 5th.

I then discovered the sport of Strongman in 2021 and attended and a few competitions, ranking high in my class and concluding my summer competition season with an invitation to Nationals.

The Gym on 5th community has supported me on my Strongman journey and I am so honored to be part of the coaching team, and now an owner. It brings me joy to come into the gym and show my love for lifting and help others find joy in their strength, too.

Certifications: CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Level 2

Accomplishments: Liberty Brawl 2nd place (3rd overall in women’s division), Utah’s Strongest 2nd place, Legends of Strength 1st place, UHA 2021 Season Opener 1st place, 2022 Moab Trail Half Marathon Finisher

lauren larson / coach

I have always lived an active lifestyle, and my relationship with fitness has been all across the board. Growing up in Nebraska, my younger years were spent playing every sport I could, but specialized into soccer and cross-country by the time I was in high school. That competitiveness is something I carry with me to this day. In college, I started long distance running and participated in a number of marathons and half marathons. This fed my competitive spirit, but helped me to learn that the only person I want to be competitive with is myself.

I moved to Moab in 2016 to work at Outward Bound. While training for some local races, I found myself getting more and more injured and was fed up. I decided to try strength training in hopes to get better at running, and that is when I joined The Gym on 5th. I fell in love with the community that was at the gym and the way I felt while training. The gym quickly became a huge part of my life, and after I few years I was interested in coaching. I did not expect that coaching would become such a joy in my life, and I love watching the members achieve their goals and support one another. As a coach I love that I get to be a part of this community so frequently and am constantly evolving to be a better person to serve the members. 

 Certifications: Crossfit Level 1, Gym Jones Fundamentals, Active Life Assessment, 2021 & 2022 Moab Trail Half Marathon Finisher

Lindsey Clements / Coach

I never thought of myself as competitive. Growing up, I enjoyed competing in gymnastics but it was easy for me to leave that sport after 8 years. It wasn't until after high school that I discovered running. This is what ended up being a passion of mine for the next 15 years. Again, I wasn't very competitive except for the occasional race for fun. What I loved most was pushing myself, being uncomfortable, embracing the endless miles, the endorphins, and improving. Running became my outlet. No matter what was going on in my life, I knew I could grab my shoes, go for a run, and come back relaxed and with a clear mind. I have moved and traveled quite a bit and running was always something I could do no matter where I ended up. And this was the case when I landed back in Moab.

I was lucky enough to meet Emily (Gym on 5th Founder) shortly before the gym opened. Knowing I wanted something to mix up my running routine, I showed up to the first week of classes and I never looked back. It wasn't long before I found my competitive side and my new outlet. Not only did I have wonderful coaches and a badass community supporting me, they also challenged me to push my boundaries and comfort zones; those same things I fell in love with while running. This same support and challenge continued as I started as a coach. Now I can give back to those same people that have been by my side from the start. I am thankful everyday for this gym I still call my happy place. I know I can walk through the door as an athlete or a coach and be embraced and supported for the person I have become.

Certifications: CrossFit Level 1, Gym Jones Fundamentals, Active Life Assessment

manny alaniz / coach

Originally from Tijuana Mexico, I grew up in Sonora Mexico. I moved to Moab with my family in 2021. New to town, and to the US, I was looking to grow my community. I found the Gym on 5th one day while walking to my old job. There was some super sweaty guys outside of the gym working out pretty hard pushing themselves out of their comfort zone and I thought to myself, “I want to do that!” I made the choice and quickly became an active member. I have always had an active lifestyle, but the Gym on 5th pushed me to a new level and cemented my passion for fitness. In 2024, I started training to be a coach to share my passion with the community and the new faces who come into the gym; visitors that join us for a drop-in class or locals beginning their fitness journey. Nothing gets me excited like witnessing and supporting other people’s growth in the gym. Whether they are adding another 2.5 pound or 45 pound plate to their bar, I am energized by their commitment to getting stronger. When not at the gym, I like to explore what Moab and the western United States has to offer. You can often find me cooling off in the La Sals or enjoying a road trip with my wife, Laura and daughter, Valentina.

CrossFit Level 1 Attendee