AKP CROSSFIT

MEET OUR COACHES

Amelia

I first found CrossFit in 2009 terribly overweight and losing control of my life. I could no longer keep up with my kids and it was affecting my daily life, health and self confidence. CrossFit not only taught me how to regain my health, but also helped me to grow mentally and emotionally. It taught me how to push myself harder than I thought I was able. I learned I can do things that scare me. When I saw how it impacted not only my life, but those of the people around me, I knew this was something I wanted to share. We have been blessed to own AKP since 2012 and be part of this amazing community changing lives every day.

Kerry

I was introduced to CrossFit in 2009 when my wife, Amelia, signed up with a local affiliate. She convinced me to start my own fitness journey when I wanted to encourage her. Much of my early experience with CrossFit was shaped by the advent of the Reebok CrossFit Games and involvement in judging world class athletes at all levels. By the Spring of 2012 we had recently moved to the Fairborn/Huber Heights area and decided to open AKP CrossFit in order to make life-changing functional fitness accessible to all, including people who may feel left out in some settings. We made it a point to focus on the fact that every person has untapped potential that we could help them access.

I was naturally gifted in gymnastic elements from the start of my CrossFit journey, however, the Olympic lifts challenged me- especially the Snatch. I struggled to find the same fluidity and grace many lifters have in that movement so I made it a goal to learn the movement well enough that even if I did not lift big weights, I would at least look like I knew what I was doing. One thing I love about CrossFit is the fact that every day is different and it is nearly impossible to be bored as the classes, workouts and routines are so varied and constantly changing. However, my absolute favorite thing about CrossFit is the community and camaraderie. In no other gym setting have I ever experienced the level of social involvement that I find in CrossFit. To me, AKP is my local family. In turn, AKP is a part of a larger global community of people who are passionate about their own fitness and health journey, and are equally passionate about sharing that journey with everyone.

Fallon

As a kid, I grew up all over the United States, and graduated from Northmont High School as a three sport varsity athlete. I was an intercollegiate athlete at Wittenberg University, and later attended Valparaiso University, where I graduated with a Master of Science in Sports Administration.

After college, I found myself out of shape and needing a structured fitness community to encourage myself to lose weight. I found AKP CrossFit and discovered the competitive community atmosphere that I missed as a collegiate athlete. After losing weight, I started competing in local and state CrossFit competitions, as well as Olympic Weightlifting. This passion for fitness pushed me to get my L1 CrossFit Certification and I started coaching in 2017. I have now been coaching for almost 5 years. My favorite CrossFit workout is Holleyman.

I spend my free time with my wife, Heidi, and my four pets. I love the Michigan Wolverines and I am a lifelong Seattle Seahawks fan. My favorite part of coaching is seeing athletes surprise themselves with what they are capable of achieving. CrossFit is for everyone, and I believe in what it can do for people, both physically and mentally. My best advice for a new athlete is to trust the process and invest in yourself.

Zach

I joined CrossFit for the first time in December 2019 and found something that I was having fun with and stuck with. Two years later I started working with the kids coach, starting my path to become one. Few months with them drove it home that I wanted to become a coach not just with them but to coach adults as well. Then after getting certified and working with Amelia as an intern I officially started as a coach in the summer of 2021.

I would have to say that one of my favorite work outs would be one of the first I did that I can remember. Shortly after I started the Open had started and Open workout 19.1 was an intro into the competitive scene. Not only was it the first I remember but it has two of my favorite movements of rowing and wall balls.

For anyone that is new, my advice is just enjoy the journey and not rush it. This becomes more fun when we aren’t rushing for results and measuring every day!

Mandy

I first came to AKP CrossFit in 2018 after my family moved to Dayton from Seoul, South Korea where my husband was stationed with the Air Force. I actually first tried CrossFit in 2011/12, but it wasn’t the most positive experience. I dabbled in the sport on and off until 2016, when I made the full commitment to the sport, and began coaching a year later. I love this sport because I can challenge myself, on my own terms, while be surrounded by a team of awesome and supportive people. I had been a competitive gymnast most of my childhood, so I have a deep drive for pushing myself to see what I am capable of. CrossFit continues to push me every day, keeping me strong in both body and mind. I love the encouragement, support and camaraderie of the AKP family, which is why I’m so blessed to be able to be a part of this team even after my husband’s job moved us to Miami, Florida. I love coaching CrossFit for athletes of ALL ages, helping athletes with their nutrition goals, and encouraging others to live a life of deep health.

My favorite WOD is Mary, because handstand push-ups, pistols and pull-ups are my favorite movements. I also love a good chipper.

I don’t remember my first WOD, but I do know that that first movement I ever did in CrossFit was a Turkish Get-up.

I would love to tell all new athletes that the sport of CrossFit will help you realize your potential and you just have to get after it. The family of AKP will be there to support you all the way, no matter what your goals are.

Certifications: CFL1, CFL2, Precision Nutrition L1, NASM CPT, BrandX PYCC, Adaptive CrossFit

Steve

I was first introduced to CrossFit movements in 2013, while in the Air Force. My friend introduced some basic movements into our weekly PT sessions. I also worked out with him in his garage and took a liking to CrossFit. In 2014, I retired from the AF and stopped working out in the gym. Fast forward to August 2020. I wasn’t in the best of shape, and I needed a change. I reached out to my friend, we talked about CrossFit and I asked him his thoughts on AKP. After a review of the website, he called me back and said, “Steve, this is the box for you.” I went to my first fundamentals class on September 4th, 2020 and have been hooked ever since. I love my AKP family and coaches. We have such a diverse gym, and everyone (athletes and coaches) are so supportive. So supportive in fact that Fallon said to me one day, “Steve, I think you’d make a good coach.” At the time, I didn’t really think I could do this. But I took the leap and got my CF-L1 in March 2022. I am so grateful Amelia has the faith in me to be a part of this family, and I want to give back any way I can.

Favorite WOD: MURPH; for the reason we do it, and the movements involved.

My first workout at AKP was DORK. All I remember is how hot it was in the gym, and contemplating the meaning of life afterwards. However, I also remember feeling pretty good about myself for showing up and coming back. For new athletes, I think the hardest part is showing up and walking through the door. Once you do that, everything else is gravy. Just remember, and I will steal this quote from Amelia, “Slow movement is better than no movement.” Wherever you are in your fitness journey, AKP will help you reach your goals.

Kim

I first came to AKP CrossFit in January of 2016. I was terrified to walk through the door but found myself welcomed with open arms and I fell in love with the sport! CrossFit has changed my life in ways I could never imagine. The self-confidence and mental toughness I have gained leaks into all other areas of my life. I Love the challenge of a tough workout shared with all my AKP family.

My favorite workout is anything with a barbell such at “DT” or “Painstorm”. Longer workouts that are chipper style are also a favorite of mine.

I don’t remember my first WOD, but I will never forget the way I felt when it was over. I was super proud of myself for getting in there and getting the work done!

A piece of advice I would give to new athletes is to trust the process and allow yourself to develop at your pace. Do not compare yourself to others. We are all running our own race. AKP CrossFit is a very welcoming place. You just have to make it through the door and the coaches and other athletes will support you as you work towards your personal goals.

Shannon

I began my CrossFit journey as an overweight, shy, timid woman and now I would call myself an in shape athlete that has reached my personal goals. I am more confident and willing to take on new challenges. AKP not only is a place to workout but it has become my family. Everyone truly cares about everyone and is eager to help you achieve your goals.

My favorite WOD would be an endurance workout that combines both running and barbell work. These WODs appeal to me because I like to see how far I can push myself. Pushing to prove, to myself, that I am capable of doing more than I think I can makes me more confident and stronger both physically and more important mentally. If I could tell anyone who is beginning their CrossFit journey it would be to give yourself time and understanding while learning the movements. This process will not happen overnight and it will take time. There will be good days and bad days. Do not dwell on the bad days and be proud of yourself for the work you put in. Once you get out of your own head you will be amazed at what your body is able to accomplish.

I never imagined myself being able to be a part of the CrossFit community because I thought, like many others, that CrossFit was too intense and I wouldn’t be able to “keep up” with everyone else. I didn’t understand the true meaning of doing CrossFit because now I know that ANYONE can do it no matter your athletic ability or your age. This is what I love because the coaches will adapt every workout to fit where you are at in your fitness journey.

Heidi

I first found CrossFit in 2012 and was immediately hooked! I love that the workouts are always different, targeting all muscle groups, and ensuring that you get an opportunity to work on your strengths AND weaknesses. I also love how CrossFit caters to those of all ages and, no matter your skill level or fitness background, there’s a place for you. I think that’s what drew me to help build and coach AKP’s youth programs. I enjoy teaching our kids the basic foundations of CrossFit, providing them with valuable health, wellness and nutrition information and seeing them develop a “fitness for life” mentality. They learn that exercise can be beneficial and fun…especially with teammates and friends! Finally, I love the diverse group of clientele that AKP has. AKP is in a unique geographic location where we have members from our surrounding neighborhoods, military from the Air Force base and college students from the local universities. It is the most amazing opportunity I’ve ever experienced to meet people from all over the world and to meet people who have travelled and lived all over the world. Each member brings their own experiences and outlook to our classes, community outreach and creates a close-knit environment where we can lean on each other like family. AKP is a very accepting, safe place to workout no matter if you are a beginner or competitive athlete and I’m very happy to be part of our AKP coaching staff.

Favorite WOD: anything where I can do deadlifts as fast as I can

I remember my first workout had a long KB walk and dips on the box…don’t remember what else. I remember being so shy and nervous, but the coaches quickly made me feel comfortable and I felt successful when I left.

I would tell new athletes that it’s okay to feel nervous, but it’s also okay to start where you are. Everyone starts from a different place and everyone’s journey is different. It’s okay to start and build from where you are. Be patient. Gains are coming!

Taylor

I joined AKP shortly after graduating college. I was new to the area, didn’t have many connections, and really longed to meet good people that enjoyed working out with moxie and were well-rounded. When I was introduced to AKP, I knew I had found my place; I found somewhere that felt like a healthy family. They celebrated my victories and embraced my growing pains and failures- allowing me to develop into the man and coach that I am supposed to be and not what tradition or stereotypes want me to be. Additionally, I found coaches and a program that actually partnered with me to accomplish my goals both in and outside of the gym.

I feel like a piece to their puzzle that fits perfectly regardless of shape, size, ability, etc. I feel like I belong, and together we are all tenaciously striving to be our best self .

My favorite WOD is Jesus WOD

One piece of advice for new athletes is to be willing to challenge your comfort zone and own tradition!

Jon

I started doing CrossFit with some friends at the base gym in 2017. At this time I weighed 245 lbs, I was struggling to pass my Air Force PT test, and I was unhappy with the way I looked and felt. Much to my surprise I fell in love with CrossFit, it was all I could think about. Not only was it new and challenging, but I was losing weight, my body composition was changing and I felt healthier! By 2019 I had met my goal weight and I was looking to join a CrossFit gym. I did a quick Google search for gyms near me and AKP was the first gym that popped up. I stopped in for a workout that Mandy was coaching and when she blew me away, I knew I had found my gym. Not much longer after joining AKP I joined the weightlifting club. From the very beginning of my CrossFit journey, I was obsessed with the snatch and the clean and jerk. Initially I only joined to improve the lifts for CrossFit, but after competing one time I knew I wanted to shift my focus to being a competitive weightlifter. Since then I have competed at the local, national, and international level and hold 2 masters state records. In 2021, I got my USA Weightlifting Level 1 coaching certification and became the assistant weightlifting coach at AKP.

Some of my favorite WODs are Diane, Isabel, and Grace

One piece of advice for a new athlete is take the time to learn proper movement patterns. This will help prevent injury and make learning new skills/movements easier in the future!

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