WellnessLiving Helps Natural Selection CrossFit Thrive as a Functional Fitness Hub
Last Updated on 30 September, 2025
When Leo Barillas transitioned from a successful military career to owning and managing Natural Selection CrossFit, he faced a steep learning curve. Running a functional fitness gym required a completely different skill set compared to his military background.
Thanks to WellnessLiving’s all-in-one business management software, Leo was able to streamline operations, regain control of his time, and focus on expanding his gym while continuing his personal health journey.
Today, Natural Selection CrossFit thrives as a community hub for fitness enthusiasts, and Leo is setting his sights on future growth.
Ready to see how we can help take your functional fitness gym to the next level, too? Book a demo with WellnessLiving today!
From Combat Instructor to Functional Fitness Business Owner
Leo’s journey into functional fitness began during his time in the Marines, where he served as a combat instructor.
“I found CrossFit in the Marines. I was kind of thrown into it by the military in my off time,” Leo explains. His early experiences included training with the original equipment from Greg Glassman’s CrossFit Santa Cruz.
A difficult time in his personal life solidified Leo’s commitment to health and fitness. “My health journey began when my dad passed away from coronary disease. We thought we were living a healthy life, but after his passing, we realized we weren’t.”
This experience ignited his passion for helping others live healthier lives through functional fitness.
The Challenges of Running a Functional Fitness Gym
After retiring from the military in 2010, Leo co-founded Natural Selection CrossFit and later became its sole proprietor. While rewarding, managing a functional fitness gym has come with its own set of challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced Leo to prioritize the gym’s survival, even at the expense of his personal health. “The biggest thing I had to do was treat my business like a business. Many people in the industry don’t see how much it takes to run one,” he says.
Drawing on his military leadership training, Leo established clear rules and boundaries to navigate the complexities of running a fitness business. Despite the challenges, he persevered and emerged stronger, ready to focus on growth.
How WellnessLiving Streamlined Operations for Natural Selection CrossFit
To simplify daily operations at his functional fitness gym, Leo turned to WellnessLiving.
“WellnessLiving has simplified things for me. The layout works really, really well,” he notes. Leo emphasizes the platform’s intuitive design and ease of use. “WellnessLiving is much easier to use than Mindbody,” he adds, highlighting its efficiency and user-friendly interface.
Responsive Customer Support
Another standout feature of WellnessLiving for Leo has been its responsive customer support.
“When I called customer support, they walked me through the fix step by step. They made it so easy,” he recalls, praising the hands-on assistance that helped him resolve challenges quickly and confidently.
Future Plans for Growth
Looking ahead, Leo has big plans for Natural Selection CrossFit.
“My future vision is to purchase a new building and grow to 15,000 sq ft so I can add new modalities like chiropractors, massage therapists, cryotherapy, and more,” he shares. By broadening the gym’s offerings, Leo aims to create a full-service wellness center that caters to a wide range of client needs.
With the support of WellnessLiving’s business management tools, Leo is confident in his ability to grow his gym while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Take Your Functional Fitness Gym to New Heights with WellnessLiving
Leo Barillas’ success story demonstrates the importance of perseverance, smart business strategies, and the right tools for managing a functional fitness gym.
With WellnessLiving’s comprehensive software, he has streamlined operations, reclaimed valuable time, and focused on helping clients achieve their fitness goals.
If you own a functional fitness gym and want to simplify your business management, book a demo with WellnessLiving today to see how our platform can help you achieve your goals.
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