Coaches & Staff

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2005

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

I first found CrossFit in 2005 while deployed as a contractor in Iraq. Like many people, prior to CrossFit, I subscribed to the traditional gym methodology of doing 45-60 minutes of cardio 4-5 times per week mixed in with mild strength training. I led a pretty active life style playing Soccer and Rugby or Running while in school. I thought I was fit, I soon realized I was not. Nothing provided the physical results and mental challenge that I was able to find so quickly in CrossFit. It was one of the hardest things I had ever tried, and I was hooked from the start.

Why did you become a trainer?

I believe I was put on this earth to help others. Throughout the years I have had the pleasure of helping people find their true enjoyment in fitness again through teaching CrossFit. There is nothing more rewarding than watching the people we train turn into healthier, stronger, leaner, happier and more confident people. My goal is to help the families in our community get off the couch and come together through fitness and activity. Nothing brightens my day more than watching a child look at their parent with awe and admiration as they push themselves mentally and physically through a tough workout.

The most wonderful thing I have found in doing this is that it also helps me to be at my best. We are all human and we can’t tackle all the curve-balls that life may throw at us on our own, we need to work as a team. CrossFit Kingstowne is a continuation of what we started at CrossFit Liberation and I want to personally welcome you to join our amazing family. The strong community that CrossFit Kingstowne has built amongst its members is a big part of what you may have been missing in your fitness program. All with the same goals, together we challenge, compete, motivate, and cheer each other on every day.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

I actually love Thrusters! But a close second would be the Clean.

What is your favorite cheat food?

Pizza for the Chicago girl in me…and a close second would be Margaritas!

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Wonder Woman…I mean that outfit speaks for itself! Who doesn’t love a tiara and indestructible bracelets? But she also embodies super human strength, agility, and endurance…and it doesn’t hurt she can fly.

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• USAW Weightlifting Level I Trainer
• CrossFit Kettlebell Trainer
• CrossFit Endurance Trainer
• CrossFit Power Lifting Trainer
• CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Trainer
• CrossFit Kids Trainer
• CrossFit Movement and Mobility Trainer
• Carl Paoli Freestyle Connection Movement Seminar
• Wilkes Olympic Seminar
• CH Fitness and Performance Olympic Lifting Mini-Camp
• CH Fitness and Performance Coaches Academy

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2013

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

I am an exercise physiologist and work in Cardiac Rehab at Mount Vernon Hospital. I enjoy helping others make lifestyle changes in both fitness and nutrition. Working with all fitness levels keeps my job interesting because every day is different. I started teaching group fitness 10 years ago and started coaching CrossFit 5 years ago. Teaching others proper exercise habits is my passion. I hope I can share my love for fitness with CFK and help as many people as possible.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement or WOD?

My favorite WOD is Diane and my favorite movement is the Squat

What is your favorite cheat meal/food?

Sweet Potatoes and Peanut Butter

When you are not coaching or training, you are doing what? 

Shopping at Nike!

What are your non-CrossFit related hobbies or interests? 

I love dogs and spending time with family.

What is your favorite genre of music? 

Country

What is your favorite CrossFit shoe? 

Nike Metcons

What is the one CrossFit item or gear you cannot live without? 

I need my shoes to match my outfit.

What is one weird fact about you? 

I was born and raised in Alexandria, VA and have only left for undergrad/graduate school at JMU.

What makes CrossFit Kingstowne unique? 

CrossFit Kingstowne welcomes all ages and fitness levels. Our coaches are knowledgeable and experienced in the field. The members treat each other like family. I am proud to be a part of such an awesome community!

Qualifications:

• M.S. Clinical Exercise Physiology
• B.S. Health Science/Pre-Physical Therapy
• CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• USAW Weightlifting Level 1 Trainer
• CrossFit Endurance Trainer
• CrossFit Kids Trainer
• HKC Kettlebell Trainer
• Mobility WOD Movement & Mobility
• NASCM Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor
• Les Mills Body Pump/CX Worx Instructor
• Tabata Bootcamp Instructor

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2013

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

Growing up in Rochester, NY, I was a multi-sport athlete dabbling in soccer, basketball, and golf. After assessing my talents (not coordinated or tall enough for basketball, career peaked too soon for golf) I decided to shift my focus to soccer. I played on travel / club teams and for my high school year round. Realizing I wasn’t going to be the next Pele I needed to figure out how to make a career for myself. I attended The Pennsylvania State University, left my soccer dreams behind, and pursued dual-title masters in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research.During my time in college I continued to work out (I stopped playing soccer) and spent a lot of time in the gym lifting and staring at myself in the mirror. My first exposure to CrossFit was from the movie 300. Wanting to look like a Spartan, I researched what the actors did to get in shape and found out it was a combination of CrossFit and diet. It took a few years for me to adopt this CrossFit lifestyle as my primary training method. My focus now is more on function and having fun with the community at CFK than what I see in the mirror which makes training a more enjoyable, sustainable experience.

Why did you become a trainer?

I have been “CrossFit-ing” for over a year and half and it has been nothing but a positive influence in my life. After college I became physically, mentally, and emotionally unhealthy and CrossFit (the sport and the community at CFK) is something that has helped me work through all of my issues. I decided to become a coach because I know my experience is not unique and I want to do everything I can to help those that are struggling with the same things I once was.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

Any movement that I can do better than Ruben (i.e., all of them).

What is your favorite cheat food?

Garbage Plate: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Tahou_Hots

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

My favorite Superhero is either my mom, my dad, or Buzz Lightyear. Pretty much a three way tie between them for obvious reasons.

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer 

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2011

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

I started CrossFit Foundations in January 2011. I was in need of a change and wanted something different. I started to see results and loved the variety and intensity. The biggest part of it for me is the community support.

Why did you become a trainer?

After a few years of being a member, I realized that I wanted to help people so I went for my certification in January 2013. I started coaching and really enjoyed helping members learn the basics and focus on improving form first. I find satisfaction as a coach when a member gets the “Ah ha” moment from listening and learning. I also find it very rewarding to learn from other members and coaches.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

Anything barbell related.

What is your favorite cheat food?

Anything chocolate…especially dark chocolate!

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

I will say the classic superman. I remember watching the movies over and over again as a kid. I like the idea that he always wanted to help people and do the right thing.

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• Wilkes Olympic Weightlifting Seminar
• Naka Athletics Gymnastics Seminar
• CrossFit Movement and Mobility Trainer
• CH Fitness and Performance Olympic Lifting Technique
• Olympic Weightlifting Mini Camp – Cara Heads Slaughter/Ursula Garza Papandrea

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2011

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

I got into CrossFit to better myself and build self confidence.

Why did you become a trainer?

I became a trainer because I wanted to give back to a community that has given me so much. I wanted to help people each their full potential in fitness and life.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

The snatch

What is your favorite cheat food?

Beer and pizza

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Superman. He is willing to defend a world that is not his own when he can easily just watch as the world destroys itself.

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• USA Swimming Level 2

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
• CrossFit Gymnastics Trainer

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

What year did you start CrossFitting?

2010

Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?

I love to try new types of fitness and to keep it varied and fun. I fell into CrossFit unintentionally but I am so happy for the circumstances that made that happen because it has been life changing. I love the way there is always something to push for and that it is accessible to everyone. Also the community element is amazing.

Why did you become a trainer?

I was asked to by someone I respected very much. Also I am in education and coaching allows me to combine my love of fitness with my passion for teaching.

What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?

Cleans, DUs, deadlifts, HsPU

What is your favorite cheat food?

Ice cream and cereal

What’s your favorite Superhero and why?

Wonder Woman

Qualifications:

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• CrossFit Powerlifting Trainer Course
• Wilkes Weightlifting Oly Lifting Seminar