Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.
Luminita Marineci-Velarde
After graduating from Bucharest's University of Letters, I moved to Dubai with $80 borrowed dollars in my pocket. I worked several jobs including logistics. I didn't know anyone there and started from zero.
At the age of 27 years old and having never set foot in a gym before, nor being athletic in any way, naughty Santa Clause suprised me with a one-year gym membership. The rest is history. I took to it like a duck to water. My newly found passion drove me to educate myself on anatomy, nutrition, health & wellbeing and I turned my passion into a career.
In 2012, I moved back to Romania with one purpose only: CrossFit. We started in a park, then we moved inside a traditional gym and afterwards we opened the first CrossFit Box at Piata Muncii with others. That didn't go well. The experience delivered many harsh lessons, but eventually created the best possible outcome for us. We won the battle in court, we sold our share and never looked back.
At Replay CrossFit, I get to wear many hats: coach, customer service, admin, social media & marketing strategist, photographer, part-time accountant, event planner & occasional babysitter to our members :). Not all hats fit perfectly, but I make progress every day.
If there's one thing you should know about me: I'm 100% committed to creating a great CrossFit Box for our awesome community.
Coaching Credentials:
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2) (Amsterdam)
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1) (New York)
CrossFit Gymnastics Trainer (Vienna)
CrossFit Mobility Trainer (Vienna)
CrossFit Aerobic Capacity Trainer (New Jersey)
CrossFit Speciality Course: Weightlifting (Bucharest)
CrossFit Scaling Trainer (CF Online)
CrossFit Judge (CF Online)
STOTT Pilates- Intensive Mat & Reformer Trainer (Dubai)
American Council of Exercise (Dubai)
Health Fitness and Association (HFPA) Level 1 & 2 (Dubai)
Geo Tanase
Coach Geo has a long, wonderful history with us. He began CrossFit training years ago when we first started in Romania and has stayed with us ever since the beginning. He is a shining example of true loyalty and gratitude, which - as you know- are quite rare to find these days.
One of our finest coaches, Geo excels in all of our classes, but particularly with all beginners in JumpStart by showing great empathy and patience. Overcoming one’s fear to begin CrossFit training is not an easy task, but Geo makes new members feel comfortable with his quiet, caring demeanor and appropriate exercise progressions.
In addition to having a full time job with a national environmental agency, Geo manages to run triathlons all around the country, coaches a full schedule of Replay classes and also offers Personal Training sessions to our members.
And the next time you train, look around for a moment and note how well everything is built and maintained, because Geo helped design and build our Box. He keeps everything from lights to barbells in good working order.
We are SO fortunate to have him on our Replay Team.
Coaching Credentials:
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Attnd. (CF-L1) (Barcelona)
CrossFit Specialty Course: Weightlifting Attnd. (Bucharest)
CrossFit Judge (CF Online)
Fitness Instructor, Move on Fitness Education (Bucharest)
Elena Cristea Claudia
Elena is a remarkable person in so many ways. It’s hard to know where to begin describing her. First of all, very few Boxes in the world have a front desk person to help athletes with their many questions about memberships, class schedules or even to provide a bottle of water. We're one of the lucky ones. She does it all - and more - and has the most incredibly positive attitude about her work at Replay.
You wouldn’t know that she has traveled all the way across town by Metro from another highly demanding full-time job in logistics. It can’t be easy juggling two jobs and public transportation every day, but she does it with a smile.
And she trains, too. And runs Spartan Races. And makes it look easy.
Never one to complain (almost ), Elena is tremendously loyal and hardworking and is often the first face people see when they enter our Box.
Exceptionally helpful and detail oriented, her performance shows how much she cares about our Replay Community and our Staff. She can always be relied on to get the job done with good humor and an easy smile.
And who would imagine she has a law degree, too.
I started Replay CrossFit just one year ago and I can truly say it is one of the best decisions I have made. This last year made me physically stronger and an all around better person. I will never forget my first rope climb, my first pull up or my first double-under with a jump rope. I am doing things I never thought I could do in my life. It’s not only the workouts, but also the positive environment and the great community that make it special. Replay CrossFit ~ connecting great people since 2015. They are my special “Support System” of trainers and friends and we exercise together every day. We say CrossFit is “getting your ass handed to you every single day and coming back for more!
Hi, I'm Dana and I managed to avoid the gym for about 28 years. I met a fantastic coach and true athlete named Sebi and from that point forward, I can truly say my life changed. I used to do marketing, brunch, and shopping as my cardio and now but I lift, squat, and jump!!! And if I feel like fainting, my last words will be “Please, write down my time." I love Replay CrossFit and this particular Box because the community is amazing. You have so much support to face your weakest moments (which are mainly in your own head). And also fantastic inspiration from super, great people to help you grow. In the end, it is just you against yourself. So be your best self.
Amazing community, amazing coaches; awesome workouts and challenges. Give it a shot and you'll see how much you can push your limits and exit your comfort zone. On a scale of 1 to 10 - Replay gets a big 11!
Upon arriving in Romania, I spent my days exploring Bucharest, taking language classes and trying to survive the cold winter. Since I was not ever extremely athletic, Replay Crossfit was great for me, because the coaches encouraged me in areas where I was weaker, offering me the opportunity to improve my overall fitness. I found it simply fun to come in and interact with the coaches, staff, and other members of the Replay community. Being new in the city, I have enjoyed getting to know all the folks at Replay. The one exercise I am most proud of up until now is the rope climb, because I remember being a child and going to obstacle courses and never being able to climb a rope. And now I can, so I’m very proud of that!
Love Crossfit, especially Replay, where I found new friends, great people with similar aspirations and awesome personalities, great coaches, and awesome workouts. I just love everything that Replay has to offer. I love working hard and getting stronger and stronger. I have made progress with everything there!