Proudly announcing the city with the newest Invictus location…Washington, DC!
Invictus Washington, DC will be led by two incredibly inspiring individuals and OG members of the Invictus CrossFit Community – Mike & Vickie.
Mike Paesano is retiring from the Federal Government and wants to give back to the community by helping people achieve their health and fitness goals. Invictus is all about helping the community build better versions of themselves, so it was the perfect time for him to bring Invictus to Washington, DC. Vickie, his wife and co-owner, brings with her the entrepreneur expertise as she already owns a successful line of pharmacies on the East Coast and excited to continue her pursuit in the health industry but as preventative “medicine”.
We did a quick Q&A with Mike to get to know him a little better as well as his vision for Invictus Washington, DC.
What made you want to open an Invictus location?
“As I transition to my new chapter in life i.e retirement from the Federal Government, I want to give back to the community by helping people achieve their health and fitness goals. Invictus is all about helping the community build better versions of themselves so when the opportunity presented itself to bring the Invictus to Washington, DC, it was an easy decision.”
What is your coaching philosophy?
“To provide the knowledge and resources to help athletes achieve their fitness goals. I strive to build all athletes’ confidence in movement, motion and mindset.”
What makes you most excited about this transition in your life?
“Helping others achieve a better version of themselves.”
One year from now, how do you envision your DC community looking and feeling?
“Close knit, committed to their journey to be the best version of themselves and a ton of successful health and fitness success stories to tell.”
What has been your fitness journey since the 100% Mike article published back in 2018?
“Adversity, adversity and a little more adversity…I’ve had to deal with a bunch of injuries over the past few years which in the end actually made me a better athlete as it forced me to work on my weaknesses. I also was diagnosed with TBI from past experiences which causes vertigo that will last for months at a time. Learning to workout and move when not being at 100 percent has been mentally rewarding. I’ve still managed to stay in great shape and improve despite the setbacks…a big shout out to Invictus Athlete Coach, Tino Marini, for that!!”
What makes the physical location of the gym so special?
“The coolest thing about the location is what you see the moment you go on your 400 meter run. We are blocks away from the most iconic images in Washington, DC.”
Memorial Day Murph
“We will be hosting an open house event that will include doing MURPH, getting a tour of the gym and learning about what we’ll be offering. We’ll be grilling burgers and have merchandise for sale. The overall theme for the weekend its to introduce the community to Invictus and us to the community. Everyone is invited and we’d love to see you there!”
Invictus Washington, DC
Washington, DC is the newest location in the line of Invictus gyms and it’s located in the heart of the city at the Navy Yard which is just south of the U.S. Capitol. This vibrant neighborhood on the Anacostia River is home to Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals, watery diversions like kayaking and a booming restaurant scene. The physical address is 1525 Half St. SW.
CrossFit Invictus Locations
Check out this awesome video highlighting all of our current locations!
Invictus San Diego
Since 2009 – This is our flagship location!
@crossfitinvictus
@invictus_sandiego
Invictus Boston
Since 2018 – Boasts 3 locations – Fenway, Back Bay, and South End.
@invictusboston
Invictus Seattle
Since 2020 – Co-owned by a CrossFit Masters champion and another who once weighed over 400 pounds, proving that they can support any goal.
@invictusseattle
Invictus Washington, DC
Since 2022 – Our newest location co-owned by 2, OG members of the Sea of Green.
@invictuswashingtondc
DC!! Congratulations to the Invictus family and all of your success and accomplishments! I remember joining back in 2008 at the San Diego downtown location and even the colors were black and red. I was a member for about eight years until professional life grew and changed. While I am a home garage gym rat now, I still to this day follow the Invictus programming. The coaches and people in this community are some of the best grouping of people and I look forward to seeing all the big things you will accomplish.
Again, congratulations!!
-Nick
Nick! Great to hear from you, friend! We miss our OG members who have moved away. Where are you these days?
Hey Michelle! Yes, great to hear from you as well! I am actually on active duty for the last year and a half, will do two years at USTRANSCOM at Scott AFB in Illinois. Being a maritime dude, I am definitely a fish out of water so far inland. But the job is awesome.