CARING | HONEST | DRVEN
These are the core values we hold as a team. We are so fortunate to have such highly skilled & passionate Coaches at The Hill.
Part 2 of our “Getting to Know the Coach” Blog Series
We can only assume that Coach Blue’s calm, caring demeanor stems from his glorious beard and love of cats. You’ll find Blue throwing down good vibes weekdays at 7:00pm and throwing down daily in his own training. We’re grateful for Blue’s adaptability, care for his athletes, and – of course – his annual speedo appearance.
Name: Eric Blue
Where did you grow up? South Bend, Indiana.
Fill in the blank: I wanted to be a __ when I grew up. A veterinarian or a gym teacher. So basically two complete opposite things.
Favorite class or activity in high school? Biology.
Voted in high school most likely to… Be in the Olympics. I was a State Champion Swimmer!
Most interesting part time job? Competitive swimmer from the age of 6 to 22.
I can quote… Both Home Alone movies and Ms. Jackson by Outkast.
Got any hidden talents? I have an encyclopedic knowledge of useless information (movie quotes, sports facts, etc.).
What do you like about KC? BBQ (obviously), the music scene, being a part of a city that is trying to grow and progress, all the great people I have met since moving here.
Coaching:
Your Job Title at The Hill: Trainer
Certification: Crossfit Level 1
How & when did you get connected to The Hill? My friend Mitch Stout was one of the original owners/coaches here. He and his wife moved to Columbia (where I used to live) and when I was getting ready to move to KC they said I should check out the Hill.
How long have you been coaching? Three years since January! My first year or so was at Crossfit Fringe in Columbia and the last two or so years have been here at the Hill.
Why Coach? – what motivates you personally? Helping people to improve daily. Not just being able to do a pull up and snatch better but also creating the right mindset about daunting workouts, lifts, or movements.
What do you love about your job? Interacting with people. My other job is fairly individualized so it’s nice to be able to come into the gym everyday and interact with like minded people and just have fun.
What continuing ed are you planning or currently doing? There are a few seminars and courses I would like to attend but the stars haven’t aligned recently. I am hoping to attend gymnastics and weightlifting related courses in the near future.
How would you describe your coaching style? Laid back.
What’s something you wish everyone knew about health and fitness? Not that this is some sort of secret, but it is important to be consistent and flexible. If you have a day where you aren’t motivated, just getting up and moving is worthwhile. You don’t always have to throw heavy weights overhead or collapse onto the ground in exhaustion after a workout to make that day “count”.
What is something you are working on improving as an athlete personally? Taking care of myself through good, consistent nutrition; getting an adequate amount of rest everyday; being focused in the gym at the task on hand and not what is coming up or what happened in the past.
What are you looking forward to in 2018? The Open!
