August Athlete of the Month: Brian Jackson

Congratulations Brian, you are the August Athlete of the Month!

Brian and Brandy have been a part of our NoCoast community for 4 and a half years. They have grown with us and into leaders within our community. They have really stepped up and started coaching some classes this year, which has been awesome and helpful all around. We’ve heard a lot of great feedback from our community and we are pleased to announce that Brian will be coaching on a more permanent basis; Thursday evenings. We appreciated all of Brian’s help coaching over the past several months and his willingness to learn, and become a better coach.

Brian’s dedication to the gym has really shown over the past few years. His hard work in the gym and at home has paid off in his health and fitness . . . and, now, coaching. Thank you for being a part of our team and community!! We are looking forward to you taking this next step with us!

Quotes from Brian:

“I owe so much to Brandy and her commitment to improving her nutrition during COVID. I had started intermittent fasting and cutting back on drinking and was seeing some results but her shift in cooking healthy meals accelerated our fitness. We aren’t strict in our diet but we know what’s good and bad for us and at the end of the day, our desire to feel good is driven by making smart choices with our nutrition.”

“CrossFit is a pillar of my physical and mental well being that continues to help shape my life for the better. Each class is an opportunity to test my limits, relieve stress, invest in myself and others, and ultimately give me a greater ability to do everything else in life.”

Age: 35

Athletic/Sports history/highlights:

I played Lacrosse at the University of Pennsylvania and continue to play in rec leagues and tournaments in Denver, Vail, Breck and Aspen.

How long have you been CrossFitting?

I started CrossFit in 2017 at CrossFit Beat in Boulder, CO.

How did you get into CrossFit?

Brandy and I were going to a big box gym and were trying to avoid the mundane feeling of going in and doing the same thing over and over. We started varying the movements but didn’t have any experience in programming. Lucky for us, we had a CrossFit gym within walking distance of our apartment and decided to try it out. The owner and coach was incredible at teaching technique, giving meaningful feedback, and creating a family based culture which made us fall in love with CrossFit.

What is your favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?

Easy answer - Anything with muscle ups, snatches, burpee over anything and box jumps.

Truth - I really enjoy getting better at the things I’m not good at. “Love the things you hate” is always on my mind when I’m in a workout and struggling.

What is your least favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?

Movements where my mobility and strength limits me. Pistols are difficult because of my poor ankle mobility and old injuries that weakened my right leg.

What is your most memorable CrossFit moment?

Brandy’s work gave us the opportunity to go to the 2022 CrossFit Games which was an unforgettable experience. The Women’s sandbag lift was one of the most electric sporting events I’ve ever been to. We came away from the Games feeling inspired and motivated to push harder in the gym and focus more on our nutrition.

What is it about coaching that captivates you? What draws you to this role?

I love investing in others. I know everyone who comes to the gym has a different history, ability, and goals. Whatever their ambitions are, I want to be a positive part of that journey and seeing someone make any progress is incredibly fulfilling. I coach lacrosse as well and in that role, I spend most of my time working with individuals or small groups breaking things down, giving the ‘Why?’, and doing my best to inspire them to be better. In the gym or on the field, I just love helping people get better.

How does nutrition play a role in your fitness and recovery?

I owe so much to Brandy and her commitment to improving her nutrition during COVID. I had started intermittent fasting and cutting back on drinking and was seeing some results but her shift in cooking healthy meals accelerated our fitness. We aren’t strict in our diet but we know what’s good and bad for us and at the end of the day, our desire to feel good is driven by making smart choices with our nutrition.

How has CrossFit improved your overall wellness?

CrossFit is a pillar of my physical and mental well being that continues to help shape my life for the better. Each class is an opportunity to test my limits, relieve stress, invest in myself and others, and ultimately give me a greater ability to do everything else in life.

How has CrossFit changed your family?

It’s become a part of our identity in the best way. We are happier, healthier, and stronger than ever.

Advice to new people:

Try to make going to class a habit. Four or Five days a week at 80% is better than two days at 100%. If you are sore, tired, or injured, come to class and a coach will modify the workout or provide separate programming. I never regret coming to class, even if it’s one of Dan’s maniacal workouts.