CrossFit Coach

CrossFit Coach

CrossFit Coach

NYC, NY

Male, 37

I opened CrossFit Hell's Kitchen NYC in September 2010 and since have coached thousands of CrossFitters. I have had athletes make it to the CrossFit Regionals as well as place in many local competitions. Prior to CrossFit, I ran a Kettlebell club at a gym in midtown Manhattan while I worked as a personal trainer. I am a licensed massage therapist who worked on Randy Johnson "The Big Unit" during his pitching days with the NY Yankees.

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Last Answer on April 21, 2017

Best Rated

How much do those giant tires cost? And are those things manufactured specifically for gyms, or were they actually part of a huge vehicle at some point?

Asked by XDrewX almost 12 years ago

The tires used are actually from some huge vehicle! Most to the time they can be found at junk yards and usually are free, since taking them relieves the junk yards from having to recycle them. One of the problems associated with the used tires though, is the lack of standards in weight and/or size. Despite them weighing the same at manufacture, the use of the tire over it's lifetime wears away an amount of rubber, leaving no two tires the same weight. One ingenious way to create a standard in tire flipping practice is this device: http://www.milofit.com/the-flipper/ While it may be a bit more expensive than the tires, it allows for many different weights to be trained with and can be done so in a much smaller space and without the need for several different sized tires. It is one of the next things on CrossFit Hell's Kitchen's wish list!

How did Crossfit achieve such broad appeal with women? I gave up on getting my girlfriend to use free weights (typical girl fear of getting "too big"), and then she comes home one day saying she wants to try Crossfit. How'd they crack that code?

Asked by Ravi S. almost 12 years ago

I believe that CrossFit, through its ability to use weightlifting, power lifting, kettlebells, plyometrics, body weight exercises, gymnastics, running, rowing, strongman movements as well as a variety of other disciplines as a means to get people in shape has gained widespread appeal. Women coming into CrossFit usually do so after friends of theirs have and have had no issues with "bulking up". Since women are seeing other women get in great shape, lean, strong and "toned", any fear they have had is alleviated. The "code" has been cracked because it works, plain and simple. Women want to be lean, strong and in shape, and CrossFit does this!

Can you usually tell right away which clients are going to stick with the program vs. those who will bail quickly?

Asked by heynowwww almost 12 years ago

I never expect people to bail out on the CrossFit program. There is such great benefit, so much variety from the different workouts daily and the fact it is really a lot of fun with a great community I am always surprised when people don't stay.

When I see male trainers w/female clients at gyms, there seems to be a lot of sexual tension. Suggestive assisted stretches, hands everywhere, etc (and the women don't seem to mind). Do trainers do this on purpose?

Asked by always wanted to know... almost 12 years ago

I would hope this isn't the case at all, and if it is, it is a sad statement on the quality of trainers. ANYONE who is professional at what they do would NEVER do anything like this. Trainers are SUPPOSED to be professional in what they do and I personally find it disgusting that a trainer would be so predatory as to do something like this. There is a power differential between trainer and client and a level of trust is given to the trainer. When a trainer violates this trust, the trainer should be fired from the facility immediately. It gives the gym a bad reputation and potentially could cause sexual harassment lawsuits. The manager or fitness director at the facility should be notified or made aware of this behavior and should take take action. If they do not, it is a statement on how the facility does business and should be avoided.

Is CrossFit recommended for extremely overweight people? Would you suggest it ?

Asked by Katherine over 11 years ago

CrossFit is ideal for people who overweight, provided they are free of medical conditions that inhibit their ability to work out and have been cleared by their doctor. CrossFit is infinitely scalable and therefore can be a great workout regimen. One of the benefits of CrossFit (not just for overweight people, but for everyone) is that it is great at positive reinforcement. While people may temporarily plateau in weight loss, and become discouraged, they will still get new personal records on lifts and WODs. The ability to still have goals met will provide the necessary positive reinforcement to have someone stick with an exercise program, which ultimately will lead to better health, a more positive outlook and the ability to believe that one can achieve things never accomplished before, even massive amounts of weight loss if they haven't been able to do so before.

What are the most common injuries you see at CrossFit? How do you protect against them with new clients whose strength and weaknesses you're not yet familiar with?

Asked by Dedlift McGee almost 12 years ago

We don't see many injuries at CrossFit Hell's Kitchen. I attribute it to our focus on quality before quantity. We coach every member, in every class, on every movement. It is something we pride ourselves on, quality in coaching. If ever a member has a tweak or a pain, I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and Active Release Technique provider and have treated numerous injuries, so quick intervention and treatment is key. I am also fortunate enough to have on staff a medical scientist from a very well known orthopedic hospital and a great physical therapist who is a member. So, even in the rare occurrence of someone having an issue, we have it covered.

Do you get hit on a lot by clients? Ever date any?

Asked by anon over 11 years ago

No, actually never. Never hit on by any, never dated either. One thing that a professional should be is just that, professional. I take great pride in the CrossFit Gym I have built and would never jeopardize the professional reputation I have worked hard to build. When I am on the floor at CrossFit Hell's Kitchen, I am there in a professional manner, as a coach and mentor. My athletes trust me, and I would never dream of doing anything to violate that trust. Plus, the love of my life, and my fiance runs the place with me, and everyone there knows we are together, so there is never an issue or even a question.