Coaches

I come from a little town in the North-East of England called Hartlepool and have spent most of my adult life serving as a Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Navy.  My CrossFit journey, like most, started with an introduction from a friend.  I was hanging out in our gymnasium office one morning when he came in and asked if anybody was looking to workout at lunch time?  I was thinking “cool some chest/bi’s will do nicely” so I agreed…  So I walk in the gym and notice this huge yellow rig sitting in the middle of the room with olympic rings hanging from it, I thought ok lets go with it.  First of all, the coach explained that this was gonna be tough and not to stop and rest unless you really needed too, now for a PTI its always about finishing first so as you can imagine the rest of us started to get excited and pumped up. What followed, I would later learn was “Elizabeth” a CrossFit benchmark WOD of 21-15-9 Cleans & Ring dips for time… This was my intro to CrossFit and from that day I was hooked!!

Certifications:

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
CrossFit Coaches Prep
CrossFit Mobility Trainer
CrossFit Kids Trainer
CrossFit Olympic lifting Trainer
Personal Training Diploma
KBT Strength & Conditioning Level 2
KBT Advanced Olympic Lifting
Full ABAE Boxing Coach
Adventure Training Instructor
Spinning Instrutor
SAQ Trainer
Tag Rugby community coach
Level 4 PTTLS
First Aid / De-Fib Trained
Currently Studying for a BA (Hons) Business Degree

I started off my working life as a HGV mechanic. After working in the trade for 10 years, I realised that health and fitness was my vocation. Being a dedicated fitness enthusiast for many years, I enjoyed researching and trialing the latest fitness advances. I was first introduced to CrossFit around four years ago. The training methods helped me to progress within my beloved sport, rugby.

As the CrossFit trend was just taking off in the UK, there was no box in my local area, so it was in fields and local gyms that I started my CrossFit life. A box finally opened, I joined and loved every second! It soon became my place of work, as it seemed like natural progression for me to become a fitness instructor. Finally, I was doing something that I loved and was passionate about for a living. I was able to help others whilst learning about the sport, as well as studying to attain my various qualifications. I find the opportunity to meet and help so many people reach their personal goals very humbling.

My first workout was ‘Fight Gone Bad’… I still love that workout now! For me the best thing about CrossFit is that, as a coach or athlete you can always be better, there is always room for improvement and progression. This is something that drives and motivates me, as well as the CrossFit community.

I moved from the UK to Qatar with my wife in August 2014 and CrossFit Oryx has been like a second home to us. There is such a welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of community between the members and coaches. It is something that we both feel truly fortunate to be apart of.

Certifications:

Crossfit Level 2 Trainer
CrossFit Strongman Seminar
CrossFit Judge 2015
Higher National Diploma in Personal Training and Business Management
Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach
British Weightlifting Association (BWA) Level 1 coach

My name is Simone and I have been an expat for 18 years in the middle east. I started CrossFit 3 years ago and thought I wasn’t fast enough or strong enough but I gave it a try and I have not put down the barbell ever since! It is never too late to change the way you think about fitness, health and nutrition, no matter how old you are. If you want it you can do it and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve! If I can do it, then anyone can.

Certifications:

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CrossFit Weightlifting
CrossFit Gymnastics
CrossFit Kids
Sports and Exercise Nutrition Certified (Precision Nutrition)
First Aid for Sports Injuries
First Aid for Children and CPR

Rugby, netball and equestrian have been my dominant sports for the past 8 years, but then I got introduced to Crossfit. I have been been participating in Crossfit for 18 months now and loving every minute of it! When I was given the opportunity to become a coach I went for it all guns blazing. Following my CF-L1 I interned at Oryx for 5 months and from that day I’ve loved every minute of it. Having Sports Therapy as a background allows me to help both, athletes and coaches with any injuries and suggest any rehabilitative movements/stretches that will help quicken their recovery. So I look forward to seeing you throwing down in the gym!

Certifications:

CrossFit Level 1

My journey into the fitness industry started 16 years ago at the tender age of 15. After becoming a fitness instructor and then progressing on to become a Level 3 Personal Trainer and CrossFit coach. Aside from CrossFit one of my passions is Muay Thai Boxing, In my 7 year fight career I had 24 professional bouts winning 2 British and 1 commonwealth title. I was introduced to Crossfit 3 years ago as a way to improve fitness for upcoming fights and got totally hooked on it. I knew from the first WOD that CrossFit was going to play a big part in my life. Being part of the coaching team at CrossFit Oryx has been an amazing experience so far, my passion for helping others achieve their potential leaves me with a genuine feeling of “I love my job ” If you see me in the box please come and say hello 😉

Certifications:

CrossFit Level 1

CrossFit Striking

Personal Trainer L3