Evolve Your Instincts
About Us
Welcome to Zoo Ninja Gym, the ultimate training ground where the call of the wild meets the challenge of the course. Founded by American Ninja Warrior competitor Justin Andelin—the original "Zoo Ninja"—our mission is to bring the thrill of obstacle course challenges/racing to our community. Inspired by the strength and agility of the primates at the Metro Richmond Zoo, we believe finding your inner athlete starts with tapping into your primal instincts and following the lead of the true experts.
From our signature "Wild Ninja" course—a rugged, two-mile trek featuring over 41 obstacles around the zoo’s perimeter—to our focus on animal conservation, Zoo Ninja Gym is dedicated to helping you "escape extinction." Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for unique grip-strength training or a beginner ready to swing through the trees for the first time, we provide a community-focused environment that emphasizes perseverance, play, and a deep respect for the natural world. Here, we don’t just train for the course; we train for the adventure of life. Unleash your beast and run wild with us!
Welcome to the wild world of the Zoo Ninja!
Meet Justin Andelin, the man who brings a whole new meaning to "monkeying around." As the General Manager of the Metro Richmond Zoo, Justin didn’t just grow up near the animals—he grew up with them. Drawing inspiration from the power and grace of the great apes, he traded standard gym equipment for swinging from branches and training on great ape exhibits.
A three-time American Ninja Warrior competitor (Seasons 10, 11, and 14), Justin is famous for bringing his wild coworkers to the course. Whether he’s accompanied by a friendly African penguin or a whiskered screech owl, he always reminds us that nature is the ultimate training ground.
At the Zoo Ninja gym, Justin brings that same "untamed" energy to the gym. Known for his incredible agility and a background in tumbling, he’s here to help you unleash your inner beast—just watch out for the penguins, they’ve been known to get a little nippy!
Our Core Values
Wild at Heart
(Joy First)
We never forget that "monkeying around" is where the magic happens. Training should be an adventure, not a chore. We keep the energy high, the laughs frequent, and the spirit of play alive in every session.
- Motto: "Unleash your inner beast."
- The Principles:
- Athletes should leave more energized than when they arrived.
- Movement should feel like play, not pressure.
- Laughter, imagination, and curiosity are wins at any age.
We celebrate the effort of the attempt as much as the result of the run.
Primal Perseverance
At Zoo Ninja, we don’t back down from the obstacle. Just like the animals that inspire us, we adapt, evolve, and keep moving forward. Whether you fall off the pipe slider or hit a wall in training, we celebrate the "grit" it takes to get back up.
- Motto: "Fall seven times, swing eight."
- The Principles:
- Physical strength builds confidence—and confidence changes lives.
- We train functional skills: balance, grip, agility, and coordination.
- We also train internal skills: resilience, courage, and self-belief.
- Fear is a natural instinct; growth comes from facing it safely.
Protect the Troop
No one swings alone. We are a community—a troop—built on mutual respect and encouragement. We cheer for the last person to finish as loudly as the first. Every member belongs in our jungle, regardless of where they are on their journey.
- Motto: "Stronger together, wilder forever."
- The Principles:
- No athlete is "too slow," "too old," or "too different."
- Inclusive of all abilities, personalities, and backgrounds.
- Progress is personal—competition is a tool for growth, not a reason for ego.
Kindness and support are non-negotiable.
Conservation of Spirit
We are more than just a gym; we are stewards of the planet. We carry the mission of the Metro Richmond Zoo into our training, fostering a deep respect for wildlife. We train hard so we can protect the world we play in.
- Motto: "Train for the wild, protect the wild."
- The Principles:
- The zoo isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a teacher.
- We respect the animals, the staff, our fellow families, and the environment.
- Athletes learn that strength comes with the responsibility to protect others.
- Conservation is woven into our movement, not just lectured.
Vigilant Survival
In the wild, strength is nothing without awareness. We train with the "Eyes of the Hawk"—always aware of our surroundings, our equipment, and our own physical limits. We prioritize "Smart Play" over "Fast Play," ensuring that every landing is controlled and every grip is secure. A true ninja doesn’t just conquer the course; they respect the risk and live to swing another day.
Motto: "Smart is Strong."
The Principles:
- Our members trust us with their well-being—we honor that trust.
- Physical safety and emotional safety are equally important.
- Clear boundaries, expert staff, and consistent rules create the freedom to play.
- Fun never comes at the expense of safety.