Our Team

Erik, Owner/Trainer

Contact: Erik@CrossFitSanElijo.com

CrossFit HQ Trainer, CrossFit Level 1/Level 2 , Agatsu Kettlebell Instructor, CrossFit Kettlebell Instructor, CrossFit Olympic Lifting, CrossFit Nutrition 2.0 , CrossFit Movement and Mobility, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)* CrossFit Kids HQ Seminar Lecturer/Coach

"I consider sacred the bond of trust that develops over time with our athletes, forged by sound direction, collaboration, and real, lasting results. CrossFit facilitates this process like no other.

My earliest experience with fitness that I can remember had to be as a kid, having boundless energy, not wanting to come home for dinner, pumping away on my bmx bike after a healthy round of dirt clod fights with my friends.

I grew up in the Desert area south of Palm Springs, and skated in pools, went to Big Bear during the cold weather, was on the swim team, little league, and AYSO soccer league. Playing tight end in football through the high school years gave me my real first taste to what conditioning looked and felt like, and I developed a taste for racquetball, being sponsored by Ektelon as a doubles player before joining the Marines—a journey into what CrossFit likes to call, "The Combat Athlete."

My first taste of what CrossFit had to offer came on a early morning when I entered a group workout with two homemakers, who, after the first rest period were chatting lightly, while I was outside coming back to earth—in that moment, I knew it was for me. I cancelled my gym membership the same day, and have never looked back. It's hard to believe that was about 5 years ago!

As a CrossFit HQ Trainer, I have the unbelievable honor and privilege of being part of teams that introduce the concepts, techniques, and applications of CrossFit to legions of athletes around the world.

Day in and Day Out, I am constantly "wow'd" by the ties that bind each of our athletes together—truly, at CrossFit San Elijo, athletes come for the workouts, but stay for the community.

Favorite Training Maxim: "It's not about my Fran time, it's about my Client's Fran Time."

CrossFit San Elijo Trainer: "Kraig"

Contact: kraig@crossfitsanelijo.com
CrossFit Trainer, Gymanastics Trainer, CrossFit Competitive Athlete

Although I enjoyed each of these sports I found that my fitness was tested most in training and competing competitively in gymnastics. I devoted many years to the sport and became a California state champion. During my competitive gymnastics years I learned the limits of the body and the power of the mental aspects of fitness. On top of achieving my own fitness goals I also had the opportunity to coach a wide range of gymnasts ranging from the young gymnasts in the mommy and me classes all the way up to coaching the elite.

After a gymnastics injury I found myself in a fitness low. I continued to run frequently and occasionally lifted weights, but I no longer felt fit or liked the way I looked.

It was in October of 2008 when I found my way into the Crossfit community. I was preparing for a career in law enforcement and needed to regain peak physical fitness. After 14 rounds of ‘Cindy’ and meeting “Mr. Pukie” I was hooked. I was at the box every day for the next 10 days straight. I had never been so sore, and yet so satisfied, in my life. I was not only meeting my fitness goals, I was crushing them. After just 30 days of participating in Crossfit I was in the best shape of my life.

It was in late June 2012 when I found my way to Crossfit San Elijo. I met Coach Erik and I was impressed. CFSE is filled with so many athletes positively encouraging each other in every WOD. I feel right at home. Everyone is so friendly and accepting, it is awesome! After joining such an awesome Crossfit community I wanted more, so I completed my Crossfit Level 1 certification.

I bring my strong athletic and gymnastics background, along with a firm understanding of the human body and the mental aspects of fitness to Crossfit San Elijo. My aim is to make every man and every woman who enters our community feel like they belong- because they do.
"Growing up in a family with three active boys provided me with an early exposure to sports and competition. I played every sport I could get my parents to sign me up for: baseball, swimming, water polo, soccer, cross-country running, and gymnastics.

CrossFit San Elijo Trainer: Robyn

CrossFit Level 1, Intro to CrossFit Classes, Movement and Mobility, Competitive CrossFit Athlete

Contact: robyn@crossfitsanelijo.com

"I discovered CrossFit like many people do...by word of mouth. I didn't grow up playing sports and definitely did not consider myself an athlete of any kind. I was running a bit for fun and decided to explore some new options for strength training to improve my endurance game. I went to the CrossFit mainsite and read Greg Glassman's "What Is Fitness" article, literally covered it with notes and highlighted all over it, then immediately called my local affiliate, CrossFit San Elijo, for my first assessment. I walked into the CFSE box on March 18th, 2010 and it changed my life forever, in more ways than one.

The biggest challenge I faced came unexpectedly in May 2010, when my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a wake up call for me to ensure I didn’t waste time THINKING about doing what I wanted, rather start DOING IT…and using my Mom’s strength and perseverance as my fuel. I heard about Barbells for Boobs and immediately contacted the founder of this incredible breast cancer non-profit to get involved. The CFSE community rallied for our first “Amazing Grace” event and I knew this community was like no other.

Now, two years later, I’m honored to wake up everyday to work for the Barbells for Boobs organization – it’s truly not my “job”, it’s my passion and commitment to help women and men in need of screening services and spread the word about early detection and proactive breast health care in the fight against breast cancer.

My #1 priority in life is being the proud Mom of an amazingly fun-spirited and very active 8-year-old boy - definitely a Firebreather in training – he’s my greatest joy and daily inspiration! I’m an experimental paleo cook and nutrition geek with a passion for food and clean eating, especially bacon and green smoothies. I love cheering on new athletes, learning from experienced athletes, and raising the bar for myself to see what’s possible with hard work, dedication and a positive attitude. I can’t imagine my life without CrossFit and the rich community of people at CrossFit San Elijo!"

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Crossfit San Elijo Trainer: Steffen

CrossFit Level 1, Intro to CrossFit Classes, Competitive CrossFit Athlete

"My introduction to the CrossFit lifestyle began in January of 2011. As the common story goes, I came from the globo gym world where I had some time under my belt as a fitness trainer in the military and in the civilian world. Having played sports in high school and college along with serving in the Marines, I’ve always been into fitness. Throughout my life, I have always had some kind of regular exercise regime going on in the pursuit of being fit. Looking back over the years, I wish I had the breadth of training and knowledge around nutrition that I have now thanks to the all-encompassing perspective of CrossFit.

The moment I started down the path of CrossFit, my life has been enhanced in so many ways I can’t begin to count them all. From the friends I’ve made, to the overall improvement in health and strength it has brought to my family. Becoming a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and stepping into the role of coaching is my way of giving back to the community. As a trainer, I look forward to sharing the passion I have for CrossFit and helping others reach their goals in the journey to getting fit."

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CrossFit San Elijo Trainer: Bart

Bart@CrossFitSanElijo.com
CrossFit Level 1

"I grew up in Northern California splitting my time between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. I spent all my time outside running around, skiing, snowboarding, wake boarding, and just about any other activity that I could find that would keep me outdoors.
Like many others my first taste of conditioning came in high school while I was on the wrestling team. The workouts that left me unable to lift my arms to knock on my own door were always my favorite. I have always enjoyed pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and pushing the limits of what I should be able to do.
After high school I joined the Marine Corps and again found a place that would constantly push my limits. After I got out I spent time doing the normal gym routine that quickly became boring. I was asked by a friend to try CrossFit and the first workout was Fight Gone Bad. I knew that it had been far too long since I had been pushed that hard and I needed more. I found Cross Fit San Elijo and have enjoyed not only the workouts but the community that it has created."

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CrossFit San Elijo Trainer: Doug

Doug@CrossFitSanElijo.com

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CrossFit Kettlebell
CrossFit Endurance
CrossFit Coaches’ Prep Course
Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor - Black Belt, 1st Degree
ISSA Master Trainer Program (in progress)

"I first heard about CrossFit about 5 or 6 years ago - As a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor, I was HUGE into MMA for several years. At one point it seemed like every Marine I knew had joined a Thai Boxing or Jiu-Jitsu gym, so it wasn’t long before I was doing the same - and that’s when I discovered Combat Conditioning and “Functional Fitness.” I went to a CrossFit gym, and I saw guys flipping tires, swinging Kettlebells, and slamming REALLY heavy barbells - I couldn't wait to try it. Here I was, thinking I was pretty badass because I was a U.S. Marine who could bench 225 for reps and run a 19 minute 5k... and these guys absolutely wiped the floor with me! It was harder than anything I’d ever experienced! I was instantly hooked and haven't looked back since.

CrossFit has completely changed my life - Not only am I the fittest & strongest I have ever been, but it has brought me into an amazing community of people who all seem to share the same interests and passions I have. Most importantly, being a CrossFit trainer has given me the opportunity to help change the lives of others!"