Chris Spealler

Sports, fitness, and adventure have always been a part of my life. Growing up in an active family I was encouraged to play sports and try new things. Training to improve those aspects simply came as a part of that as I got into high school and college. I played everything from soccer, track, lacrosse, and even a season of golf, but my true passion was wrestling. I had the chance to wrestle Division 1 at Lock Haven University and compete at Nationals being one of the top 20 ranked wrestlers in the country. Following college I lived the true ski bum life after moving to the mountains in Park City. This season of life led me to mountain biking, skiing powder any chance I could get, and a number of adventures in the mountains and desert of Utah before competing in CrossFit. After finding CrossFit in 2006 I had the privilege to grow with the "sport" side of the community competing in the CrossFit Games 7 times as an individual and 1 time as a masters. Finishing as high as 3rd place in 2010 and earning the "Spirit of the Games" award. Since retiring from competition I have come full circle, finding the joy in balancing my fitness inside the gym and adventures outside. Dirt biking, mountain biking, and skiing are some of my true passions and I'm grateful to have a training program that allows me to thrive in them.

I was often a timid kid being on the small side (which would be an understatement). This often lead to a lack of confidence and a bit of a struggle trying to fit in and find my place growing up. In 10th grade I was shown a documentary on the University of Iowa's wrestling team before a practice one afternoon. The work ethic, grit, and determination that was shown in the athletes training and competition forever changed my trajectory with my mentality in both sport and life. Despite not being the best "technician" or having the most skill I learned that work ethic and determination was irreplaceable. I have carried this with me through competitions, the challenges of running a business and being and entrepreneur, and the number of ups and downs life tosses your way.

Coaching for me is really about engaging with people and helping them to overcome the "thing" that is holding them back. Often these are much deeper than simply our performance in the gym or how we look in the mirror, but I have found over the past 2 decades that the work we do in the gym, the relationships we build, and the shared challenges we face create an amazing community where people can come together and lean on one another. Performance in and out of the gym is one thing, but watching people develop a new found confidence or capacity at everyday life makes it easy to come into work.