About Us

I joined CrossFit Elk River in August 2017. Lisa had joined a few months prior and loved it so much that I had to get in on the action. I quickly found my crew at the 6 am class and even turned Lisa into a reluctant morning CrossFitter too. I have always had a passion for sports and fitness and even started my college career with plans to be an athletic trainer. I eventually switched gears and went into corrections and my day job since 2001 has been in youth and adult corrections. I got my L1 trainer's certificate in November 2019 and began coaching at CrossFit Elk River. That is what I call my fun job and I love helping people with their health and fitness journeys.

Certifications:

• CrossFit L2
• CrossFit Dumbbell
• CrossFit Judges Course
• CrossFit Nutrition 1

In 2016 I was working on finishing up my Master’s degree, working three jobs, and realized how out of shape I was. I also needed an outlet to relieve some stress. This is when I began my search for something in fitness that was a good fit for me. I found Crossfit Elk River, and my life was forever changed. Never in a million years did I think I would have any interest in participating in group fitness, nor want to lead others in it. I was certainly wrong! Starting Crossfit was the best decision I could have made; I absolutely love it. I appreciate the variability in the training and functional applicability of it. The challenge of always trying to perfect a skill or conquer a new one continues to drive me. Crossfit gives me the ability to excel in other areas of my active life. Additionally, I have met so many wonderful people through the sport. In January 2018 I obtained my CF-L1 certification and began coaching classes. The experience thus far has been beyond rewarding; I strive to help members reach their goals both in and outside of the gym. Success is defined in so many different ways by each individual person, and facilitating one’s journey towards it is gratifying.

Certifications:

• CrossFit L1
• CrossFit Gymnastics

What's Playing on Pandora while I Coach:

• Dubstep Strength Training Radio (this would be on 100% of the time if anyone actually let me play it ever)
• Rap Strength Training Radio
• Hard Rock Strength Radio

I first saw CrossFit on ESPN and thought it could be fun. In high school I was a competitive swimmer and had been missing that feeling of being in shape and an athlete. My real first CrossFit experience was when a friend of mine brought me to a class with a 15-minute workout. I was hooked; the next day I was searching for a CrossFit gym/box to join and found CFER. I really enjoy the variable nature of CrossFit programming; I appreciate that there are many different skills to work on. Working out is so much better when you get to work out with your friends and community at the box. Since becoming a coach I hope to help people achieve their fitness goals.

Certifications:

• CrossFit L1

My CrossFit journey started in 2015 when a family member mentioned they had been doing it for some time. It took me a while, but I decided to check it out. I remember to this day my first on-ramp test of doing a half "Cindy" and I thought to myself wow! I am out of shape! Six months in to CrossFit I was asked to do a competition. I can't remember how amazing it was to see so many athletes with all different skill levels competing in challenging themselves, it was at that moment I knew I was hooked. My passion for CrossFit has grown over the last few years, and in 2021 I decided to get my CrossFit level one certificate and start coaching others. Now as a coach I am dedicated to helping others reach their fitness goals. In my spare time I enjoy bowhunting, mountain biking and Golf to name a few. I also stay active in local CrossFit competitions. I find the challenge to be rewarding. My goal as a CrossFit coach is to help CrossFit Elk River members take their athletic abilities to the next level and to see those members constantly improving. When I'm not coaching or working out you can usually find me hanging out with my two kids, Trey and Keira, as well as trying to keep up with my CrossFit wife Ashley.

Certifications:

• CrossFit L1