We dive into:
Caring | Honest | Driven
These are the values we hold as a team.
Jay exemplifies “Caring, Honest & Driven” with authenticity and grace.
Jay started coaching at The Hill in May and he couldn’t be a better fit for our team. He opens the doors for our 6am crew and makes sure to have them ready to take on the day. Jay loves yoga, a good dance party and his rambunctious puppy. We are so lucky to have Jay coaching at The Hill!
Let’s get to know Coach Jay a little better…
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Olympic speed skater, but I probably should have learned how to skate to make that one happen.
Where did you grow up? Overland Park, KS
Favorite class or activity in high school? Broadcasting.
Voted in high school most likely to..? Most likely to change the world (high expectations, I know…).
Most interesting part time job? I worked as a camp counselor in northern Wisconsin one summer in college.
Got any hidden talents? I took a hip hop dance class in college, so I’ve got a few moves I can pull out if the right song comes on. And I can rap all the words to Baby Got Back and HeadBands, and probably most other 2000’s hip hop.
What do you like about KC? BBQ, Boulevard, and the people that call it home!
Coaching: Your Job Title at The Hill. 6am Group Coach
How & when did you get connected to The Hill? When I moved back to KC after college in May of 2018 I knew I wanted to keep coaching and I instantly felt at home with the community at The Hill so here we are!
How long have you been coaching? Since May of 2017.
Why Coach? – what motivates you personally? CrossFit was the first thing that made me think I’m strong, and the physical and mental benefits of that realization have changed my life.
What do you love about your job? First and foremost, the people that I get to work for and with. Seeing people wake up early to work hard in the gym inspires me to be the best coach I can be for them that day. Also, I get to dance and listen to music during work, so that’s pretty awesome too.
What certifications do you hold and which are you most proud of? BS in Kinesiology, CF – L1 and RYT 200. Probably should say I’m proudest of the degree since it cost by far the most!
What continuing ed are you planning or currently doing? Currently completing my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at KU Med, and aiming to get my CrossFit Level-2 by the end of 2019.
How would you describe your coaching style? Laid-back, personal, and encouraging.
What’s something you wish everyone knew about health and fitness? I wish everyone knew that you don’t have to be the fastest or the strongest to fit in at the gym. No one is judging you because we’re all just trying to become the best versions of ourselves, and even just showing up proves that you’re already a badass.
What is something you are working on improving as an athlete personally? Focusing on weightlifting currently, and having a positive mindset going into every workout and lift.
Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family? I’m a new dog dad to a black lab, so if you have any tips on how to get him to stop chewing on everything please let me know.
Coachable | Hardworking | Positive
These are the attributes that we look for in our athletes. Each month we like to Feature an athlete who exemplifies these core values.
Shannon is super consistent, up for anything and very coachable. She supports others and is fun to have in class. When we asked the coaches who should be featured athlete this month, both Jay and Brianna nominated her. She’s strong. Chill. And just plain cool. We are glad to have you in the #fitfam Shannon!
Shannon’s Interview:
When did you start working out at The Hill? Two years come next April.
What is your favorite color? Fall Leaves.
What would your spirit animal be? And if you could have one superpower, what would it be? My spirit animal might be a Wolf. My superpower would be to control the elements; earth, air, fire, water, sounds like it would come in handy.
Row, Bike or Run? & Why? Bike! I never planned on liking the Assault Bike so much, it’s a bad romance. Rowing is cool, Running and I aren’t friends, yet?
What is your favorite CrossFit Movement? Any Squat movements, and fun warm ups.
Favorite Cheat Meal? My favorite cheat meal is pizza – pepperoni & olives. Or swap that with a good margarita.
What were some of the emotional or physical challenges you were having before you started at CrossFit Memorial Hill? Before I started at The Hill I was super lazy. It was not great! I was previously active, used to skate/play roller derby, and in my post derby days I basically gave up on myself. I gained lots of weight and wasn’t very happy, generally speaking.
Describe some of the frustrations you had as you tried to solve those challenges on your own? The frustration I felt was in the process of figuring out what would work for me, to change my fitness and become healthier. You want to find what’s worth your time, and that can be a daunting process, with more failures than successes.
What does life looks like now? Since joining I have found what works for me! It’s pretty exciting. They have offered practical solutions for long term changes, it’s less complicated than I thought it would be. It’s a magical thing. My life looks like more vegetables in the fridge, water bottles everywhere I go, and lots of protein, when I’m doing it right.
How is The Hill different than other gyms you’ve been to? It’s different in so many ways because it feels very personal. It’s more comprehensive, promoting self-care, inside and outside of the gym. It’s a part of my life that I don’t see changing anytime soon.
What keeps you coming back? And where do you find your motivation when the workout looks difficult? Lots and lots of things. A few highlights are the coaches, hello!, the programming and inclusivity. Not to mention how the gym gives back to different communities and causes, it’s very inspiring. When a workout looks difficult I try to make a plan for my weakness in the movements, so I can keep working even if I’m struggling. You know, keep moving even though your brain is like wtf?!
How do you make working out fit into your busy schedule? Luckily I have two choices, before or after work. If I oversleep for 6am class I can still catch an evening class. Just another great thing about The Hill, lots of class times to get the work in, and find less excuses to skip.
What would you say to someone thinking about starting CrossFit? I would say yes, try it out! It’s not boring, you’ll learn so many things and meet so many people. Small changes can lead to big things.
What are some of your goals in or out of the gym? Personal Records or achievements that your proud of? I’m always working on my patience in learning movements, and in seeing physical changes over time. I’m proud to have earned the 150 Class badge recently, The Hill makes it easy though ;). I guess climbing rope would be pretty cool, one of these days!
What would your dream workout be? I once thought Deadlifts and the Assault Bike would be lots of fun, then it happened and it was so harsh! I would do it again though. Let’s do some squat cleans, front squats, tire flips, or farmers carries.
Anything else you would like to share with our #fitfam? I’m lucky to be part of this #fitfam, it’s an experience like none other.
