Meet Monika

Featured in the Poznań Daily Spring Paper Edition, Rebel Nature CrossFit in Jeżyce isn’t your typical fitness space. It’s not about mirrors, aesthetics, or ego-driven workouts — it’s about mindset, discipline, and community built from the ground up.

We sat down with founder Monika to talk about what “Rebel” really means, how the gym was built, and why transformation here goes far beyond physical fitness.

“Rebel Nature” sounds like a statement — what were you actually rebelling against when you started this?

When I think back to the moment the idea for the gym was born, I remember a kind of rebellion against the roles society assigns to women. Against what we “should” do and who we “should” be.

I wanted to create a space where nobody is pushed into stereotypes. Nobody tells women they should be polished but not too bold, ambitious but always self-sacrificing, fit but not too strong or too confident. This place is about removing those limits.

How did fitness actually enter your life? Was it love at first workout or something that came later?

Sport has always been part of my life. I started with dance, then came running, cycling, triathlon. I enjoyed all of it, but after a few years I always felt a bit of monotony.

CrossFit changed that completely. Every day is different. There’s no routine in the negative sense. And yes — it was love at first training.

You’re clearly in great shape — how long did that take, and what don’t people see behind it?

Thank you, but this is years of work, not months.

People see the result, but they don’t see the process: consistency, repetition, frustration when things don’t go as planned, and all the less “instagrammable” training sessions that are actually necessary.

Be honest — were you always “the fit one” or did you have a chaotic phase too?

I have two children, so I know exactly what chaos is.

Motherhood completely shifts your life and your relationship with your body. Suddenly you don’t even have time for basic things, let alone training. But these are phases. Over time, you rebuild balance and find your rhythm again.

What was the turning point when you realized this is more than just a hobby?

There wasn’t one single moment. It was a process.

At some point you just realize it’s no longer an addition to your life — it is your life. And building a community around the gym makes that even stronger, because people become more than just clients.

You built this gym from scratch — what almost made you quit before it worked?

One of the hardest moments was separating from my business partner. There were very few members at the time, so it was difficult to even cover basic costs.

I also had doubts about whether I could succeed in an environment dominated by men. What helped me most was the support of the people around me. That’s what carried me through.

CrossFit can be very ego-driven — how do you stop that energy from taking over?

In CrossFit there’s a saying: leave your ego at the door — and for me, that’s not just a slogan.

From the beginning I made it clear this is a space for self-development, not comparison. If someone comes here to prove something to others, they quickly realize it’s not the right place.

We focus on movement quality, consistency, and mutual respect. Our coaches play a huge role in building that safe and supportive atmosphere.

Who walks in and instantly doesn’t fit the vibe?

People who aren’t ready to work on themselves or change. Especially those who believe they already know everything or constantly need to prove their value.

And the opposite — who do you love seeing walk through the door?

I love seeing transformation. Someone comes in nervous, unsure, trying something new… and after a few months you see a completely different person.

Not just physically stronger, but more confident, open, and ready to act. That’s the most rewarding part.

What’s more satisfying for you — physical transformation or mindset change?

Physical transformation matters, but mindset change is what really stands out.

When someone starts thinking differently about themselves and carries that into other areas of life — that’s the real value.

What’s the biggest excuse people hide behind when it comes to fitness?

“I don’t have time.”

But most of the time, it actually means it’s not a priority — or there’s fear of change. Fear is normal. The most important thing is to take the first step anyway.

Is there one workout that breaks people mentally?

I don’t see training as something that “breaks” people.

There are hard moments, of course, but those are the moments that build resilience. Most people leave stronger — mentally and physically.

Do you still train like an athlete yourself?

Yes, I still train. It’s very important to me. A coach should be part of the process, not just an observer.

What does your daily routine look like when no one is watching?

It’s a mix of roles — coach, gym owner, entrepreneur, and mother.

There’s nothing glamorous about it. Just a very structured, intense everyday life.

Final question. How important is community to Rebel Nature?

Community is the foundation of everything.

People come for training, but they stay for relationships, atmosphere, and a sense of belonging. That’s what gives REBEL meaning — and why people keep coming back.