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Gym Fitness center Physical fitness programAbout the Club
Growing up he was active, played sports and that lead him to serve four years in the U. S. Air Force. For the next several years Ben worked hard, but denied his health. At the age of 35, Ben went to the doctor and weighed in at 304 lbs, 48% body fat and pre-diabetic. Ben attended a boot camp at the YMCA and that is where the journey began. Ben owned a fitness studio in Greensboro, NC for a few years. He then took an opportunity with a startup company that offered corporate wellness here in Raleigh.
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Reviews
Brittany McKinney
★ 5
I’ve been going to this gym for about a month now and the coaches and community are some of the kindest, most supportive people I’ve met. I was completely new to Crossfit and a group fitness setting and every workout here feels welcoming, no matter your fitness level. I leave each session feeling stronger and more encouraged than the last!
Source: Google
Mikayla Selepec
★ 5
Tobacco Road is more than a gym, it’s a community. A community that surrounds you with encouragement, confidence, and endless support!
My fiancé has been coming to the gym for almost three years. When I FINALLY started almost a year ago, with no experience in CrossFit, Coach Ben has been by my side since day one. Guiding me through movements, listening without judgement and meeting me where I am at to help me perform as an athlete.
The coaches at Tobacco Road are awesome!
They all add their own spin to classes but shared mindsets and a sense of belonging is at the heart of our gym!
The community is unmatched. Literally, I cannot say that enough! They encourage you on movements you’re working on, and when you hit a milestone, everyone is cheering you on!
I wish I had started two years earlier! So proud to be apart of this community Ben has built at Tobacco Road!
Source: Google
Paige Nemec
★ 5
Tobacco Road CrossFit is not your typical gym. It is a place for community and lifestyle changes. The strong support system makes it easy to want to come back, day after day. Coach Ben is extremely knowledgeable in both CrossFit movements and nutrition. The focus is on proper movement, nutrition and consistency. I highly recommend this gym if you want to work hard and get fit, all while having a blast! 💪
Source: Google
Ethan Biamonte
★ 5
This is a fantastic gym! We have been coming here for over a year. I did my own programming and lifted weights at local gyms like the YMCA and O2 for years, but CrossFit is definitely a game changer and took my fitness to the next level. The community is great and the coaches and members here are all very encouraging and helpful. I would definitely recommend Tobacco Road CrossFit if you are looking at changing up your routine!
Source: Google
Chad Lloyd
★ 5
TRCF is a wonderful place. The coaches are inviting and very helpful with your fitness journey. Do not be intimidated by CrossFit, everything can be adjusted to your fitness and skill level, Coach Ben is there to assist you with your fitness journey every step of the way.
Everyone there is very welcoming! If you could give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
Source: Google
Jason Davis
★ 5
Tobacco Road CrossFit is so much more than just a gym—it’s a place with heart. From the moment you walk through the doors, you feel a genuine sense of welcome, no matter your fitness level, background, or experience. I’ve been to other gyms before, but many of them felt impersonal, overly competitive, or cliquish. This is different. This is family.
What makes Tobacco Road truly stand out is the community. It’s not just about getting stronger physically—though that absolutely happens—it’s about supporting your overall wellbeing. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, you’ll find encouragement, inclusivity, and support every step of the way.
Coach Ben, the owner, is the heartbeat of it all. He’s not only an incredible coach, but also a mentor, motivator, and pillar of the community. His knowledge of fitness and nutrition is exceptional, and he goes above and beyond to help each member succeed. Every day, he shows up with words of encouragement that make you believe in yourself and push a little harder—not just in workouts, but in life.
The environment is family-friendly, uplifting, and real. It’s a space where you’re not just working out; you’re growing, healing, and becoming the best version of yourself. I’m so grateful to have found this place—it’s changed my life for the better.
If you’re looking for a gym that cares about more than just numbers on a board, but about people, growth, and authentic community, Tobacco Road CrossFit is it.
Source: Google
Jamie Gale
★ 5
Starting my fitness journey in my 40s was intimidating. Walking into a CrossFit gym for the first time—knowing almost nothing about the program and not a single person there—was even more daunting. But I can honestly say I have zero regrets. Taking that first step was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
That’s all thanks to Coach Ben and the incredible community he’s built. From the moment I walked through the doors, I felt welcomed and at ease. Coach Ben genuinely cares—not just about how you're doing in class, but also how you're doing outside of it. He checks in, encourages, and supports you every step of the way.
The other members are just as amazing—welcoming, inspiring, and always encouraging. Initially, I told myself I’d go two or three times a week. But after my very first class, I was hooked. Since then, I’ve rarely missed a day and now attend six days a week. I’m seeing real, tangible improvements in my health and I love every minute of it.
If you’re thinking, “I can’t do CrossFit”—trust me, you can. Coach Ben will meet you where you are, scale movements to your ability, and help you grow stronger and more confident with every class.
Whether you’re brand new to fitness or already on your path, Tobacco Road CrossFit is the place to be.
Source: Google
Sara
★ 5
After our CrossFit gym in town closed its doors after five years, my husband and I started looking for a new gym. Friends had recommended Tobacco Road CrossFit. We initially thought the 40-minute drive would be a temporary solution. However, the incredible coaching and supportive community quickly won us over!
The community is great and it’s fun to join people from all walks of life come together, united by their commitment to bettering themselves through fitness. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, you’ll feel welcomed and encouraged every step of the way.
Source: Google
Griffin Fulk
★ 5
Came for the fitness, stayed for the community
Coach Ben goes out of his way to make every person that walks through the door feel at home and comfortable, whether they are seasoned pros or it’s their first time working out. The community at TRCF is full of people from all walks of life and all the coaches make you feel welcome!
If you are looking for a gym that will give you more than just a place to workout, come to Tobacco Road CrossFit!
Source: Google
Emilee Fulk
★ 5
Our family loves TRCF! We’ve been members for about two years now and can’t speak highly enough of Ben and how much he cares for each member and helping people be the healthiest they can be! All the coaches and members are great and help answer any questions!
Source: Google
Sean S
★ 5
I’ve been going to this gym for 2 years now and I can’t believe the difference it’s made in my fitness and my life. All fitness levels are welcomed and supported, anywhere from “never touched a barbell before” to Games competitor. I’ve dropped in at other gyms and they’re just not the same. I would give it 6 stars if I could!
Source: Google
Mark Jarrard Jr
★ 5
I recently stopped into Tobacco Road CrossFit while in town for a conference, and all the reviews I read about how welcoming this place is were spot on. I can definitely attest to the fantastic experience I had. The coaches and group at the 6 a.m. class were absolutely amazing—super fun, highly supportive, and they made sure to work with everyone at their own level. The workouts were exactly what I needed to balance out the long conference days. If you ever find yourself in the RDU area, I highly recommend checking out Tobacco Road CrossFit.
Source: Google
Stephanie Bergeron
★ 5
I frequent RDU area for work and needed to find a home-away-from-home gym. THIS is it. Owner is amazing. The community is so welcoming. If you are in Raleigh for a day or a lifetime you need to check out this gym.
Source: Google
Josh Lopez
★ 4
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Brandon Thomas
★ 5
Coaches are amazing. Coach makes sure that you maximize your potential at every workout. They are always ready with modifications and supports to help all members feel success in every workout. Beginner to advanced athletes are in every class and the amazing community supports all as you push through the workouts.
Source: Google
Julius Jones
★ 5
I dropped into this gym for half a week and they treated me so well. Great coaches, a healthy and fun community, solid programming. Whenever I'm back in town I will certainly be returning here.
Source: Google
Todd Fincher
★ 5
Ben is taller on the website!
Source: Google
bernadette mccormick
★ 5
Ben is great.
Source: Google
Andrew Regan
★ 5
I dropped in last minute and Ben took me in like I had been working out there forever. Great hospitality from all members and great workout. I would highly recommend and I will be returning.
Source: Google
Jeremiah Jones
★ 5
My wife and I dropped in for a Saturday class and the community was so welcoming. The coaching was fantastic and we got a great workout!
Source: Google
ryndulaney
★ 5
This is the place to train if you’re in the Brier Creek area! I’ve had the pleasure of being coached by head Coach Ben in two locations and he is a huge advocate for your health and pushing you to get better. No matter if you’re a newbie or a seasoned member he will give you pointers to keep advancing your progress. Give this place a try if you’re looking for a new box vs a welcoming place to drop in while traveling.
Source: Google
Jeremy Pittsenberger
★ 5
Best community there is. Ben is awesome, he’s always pushing you to get better and push yourself. He adjusts to everyone’s capabilities and is great at helping with your form. This gym has the best community, everyone is welcoming the day you walk in. Been here about a year now and couldn’t ask for a better gym, and the people that are involved with it.
Source: Google
Daniela Fernandez
★ 5
Best Crossfit all around, great comunitty, coaches and training programs. From beginners to elite, this is the place to go!!!
Source: Google
Lauryl Redfern
★ 5
Ben is an amazing coach and person! I am only in town for a few weeks unfortunately for stays at Duke hospital with my husband who was recently diagnosed with cancer, but Ben welcomed me in with open arms working with me and allowing me to come workout on the weeks we are in town. I'm super thankful for a gym away from home and amazing people to help me get through this time!
Source: Google
Harley the human
★ 5
I absolutely love this gym. The people and the community are wonderful. Ben is a great coach and is very knowledgeable. As an adaptive athlete I have never felt uncomfortable or looked at any differently than anyone else which to me is a huge plus.
Source: Google
Chelsea Kendall
★ 5
I love this gym. I can't say that about any other gym I've been to. The people here feel like family. It's never a dull day- I'm always laughing and having a good time while getting my fitness in.
Source: Google
Samantha Dorsey
★ 5
TRCF is an amazing gym with the best community and coaches. You feel welcomed as soon as you walk in the door no matter your skill level. It’s a place you can come to meet friends, get stronger, challenge yourself, and overall improve your health and well being. Coach Ben is awesome and will welcome you with open arms and teach you all you need to know about Crossfit, his dedication and expertise show tremendously.
Source: Google
Jamie Brewer
★ 5
It's a great atmosphere. The coaches are very knowledgeable.
Source: Google
Julie Thompson
★ 5
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A.J. Trevillian
★ 5
Source: Google
Jessica Elizabeth Howe
★ 5
TRCF is a welcoming, community oriented CrossFit gym. I’ve met some of my best friends here and grown as an athlete. Tobacco Road welcomes folks with a variety level of skill levels and experience ranging from their first day at a CrossFit gym (or any gym) and all the way to competitive athletes. We have a lot of fun and sometimes we even go to Lonerider brewing for a beer, live music, and food trucks after!
Source: Google
Leanna Redfern
★ 5
The best gym if you want to challenge your comfort zone, get stronger, and be a part of an amazing community!
Source: Google
Nicollette Hemmer
★ 5
After a long search for a box in the Raleigh area, I am so glad I found Tobacco Road CrossFit! From my first day in, coach Ben was very welcoming and passionate. I felt a great sense of comradery and connection with the community he has developed at his box. I noticed results right away with his programming and am continuing to enhance and develop new skills. I would recommend this box to anyone trying to find a good community and skill development in the Raleigh area!
Source: Google
Tyler Dickinson
★ 5
Great Crossfit gym and the best coaching in the area. Great for both beginners and experienced athletes looking for a supportive and fun fitness community.
Source: Google
Jennifer Trevillian
★ 5
What a great community and environment to stay healthy and keep moving. Coach Ben is an experienced and great coach and welcomes all levels and types of athletes. Come by for a drop in to check out Tobacco Road Crossfit!
Source: Google
Mike Fiorella
★ 5
I’m no longer a member as my schedule with the military didn’t align with classes but I still rock my TRCF gym shirt. This place is that dope.
Knowledgeable coach, friendly members, great mix of all fitness levels in the class. Everyone is super supportive.
I was new to CrossFit and Ben took the time to make sure I understood the movements and had great form before progressing with any weight - safety first. All WODs were modifiable to the individual as needed.
10/10 would highly recommend this box to everyone - from established CrossFit athletes to those new to the sport and looking to get back in shape.
Source: Google
Billy Guen
★ 5
Great place to workout... Coaches are great. Great community.
Source: Google
Thomas Lanigan II
★ 5
Great gym with a great coach and community. When I moved to NC, Ben was one of the first people I met. His friendship, dedication to his trade and humbleness has helped me grow personally, professionally and in my fitness. “Just turn your hands over”!
Source: Google
David Drummer
★ 5
You wont find a warmer welcome or better community. Ben (head coach) is an expert at his craft and his coaching team is top notch and well experienced. You wont regret signing up or dropping in!
Source: Google
Ricardo Hernandez
★ 5
It was a great experience. Coach Ben is the best coach, Always pushing me to do better
Source: Google
Amy Blackwelder
★ 5
Very welcoming and fun community with athletes of all levels. Great coaches, too!
Source: Google
Stefan Kendall
★ 5
Source: Google
Inés Ortea
★ 5
Amazing experience! Great environment, everyone was really nice and welcoming. 100% recommend. Thank you so much for having me!
Source: Google
Charles Hooks
★ 5
Ben is an awesome coach. They are great with all levels from beginner to expert.
Source: Google
Wesley Jordan
★ 5
Good community and coaching
Source: Google
Steven Kane
★ 5
Ben (owner and head coach) is a warm, encouraging, extremely knowledgeable coach who was able to meet me and within 10 minutes of beginning class take me through the basics of CrossFit at a level I could understand while still pushing me to give it my all (still pretty new to CrossFit). I should say—a lot of the people there were at a very high level, deadlifting over 400 for the met con. All that to say, this is a high level gym. Highly recommend.
Source: Google
Amber Kozak
★ 5
Coach Ben is the absolute best! The atmosphere at TRCF is fun and everyone is super encouraging and motivating. As someone who is new to CrossFit and knew so little going in I have seen myself grow and get stronger just 4 months in. I actually look forward to going into the gym every day.
Source: Google
Stefan Kendall
★ 5
Source: Google