About Jon

 

I grew up right here in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Early on, I was taught the importance of faith and family. In a family of 5 boys, competition was developed and encouraged from a very young age. Of course, there was no better outlet for that than sports. Many nights as a family were spent at the baseball diamond, on the soccer field, as well as on the basketball court. This also continued through high school, getting plenty of opportunity to play for Fourth Baptist Christian School. This multi-athlete approach is what eventually made CrossFit so appealing. Throughout all of these athletics and competitions, there was a trait that I developed that was even more important than coordination with a ball, and that was leadership. This trait is what has led me to not only become a coach at SISU but also coach kids and athletes of all ages through various team programs as well as being a personal trainer for Lifetime Fitness.

 

Finding CrossFit

Oddly enough, I first found CrossFit while recovering from a severe knee injury suffered while playing soccer in which I tore multiple ligaments. This experience was very difficult and shaped a lot of who I became after that. In a moment, I went from being an incredibly active athlete and coach to not being able to get off the couch by myself for weeks. This had a huge impact on my mental health and that’s when I found CrossFit. I had found the infamous video of Rich Froning not being able to climb a rope at the 2011 CrossFit Games, and it resonated with me very personally. The frustration of not being able to accomplish something that should not have been a problem was something I was experiencing in my own life. From that moment, I was hooked, and during that period, I watched every single CrossFit video that I could find. I started doing CrossFit WODS after that but it wasn’t till much later that I decided to join a box and become part of a community.

 

Why I Coach

I coach because I have a desire to help people achieve their goals. I believe I have inherent God-given leadership skills and coaching was always a way for me to express that. I believe in being a servant leader and being able to give my time and energy to help others has always been a big part of who I am and how I was raised. The joy that comes with seeing someone accomplish something while you are coaching them is an incredible experience.

 

Credentials

 

• Former NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• CrossFit Level 1

 

Secret Ninja Movement/Skill

Single Arm Dumbbell Snatch

 

Nemesis Movement/Skill

Bike/Row

 

Favorite Cheat Meal

Pizza…anytime, anywhere!