Owner/Operator, CFL1, CFL2, CF Mobility, CF Football, CF Endurance, CPT National Exercise Strength Trainers Association

Favorite Lift: Power Clean

Favorite Benchmark: Fran

Favorite Hero WOD: Kalsu

Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle has always been a priority to me. I was actively involved in athletics throughout high school. Upon graduation from high school I remained somewhat active, but was more focused on exercising in order to create a superior physique rather than overall fitness. In 2005 I attained my certification as a Certified Personal Trainer through National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association. I began by training high school athletes during off-season. As a trainer I was introduced to a broad field of exercise regimens ranging from circuit training to plyometrics. I incorporated these types of exercise programs into my personal workouts, but was still unsatisfied with my results. I craved to reach an optimal level of overall fitness but was unable to do so until I was introduced to CrossFit. My first taste of CrossFit occurred in 2010 while I was serving in Afghanistan as a Platoon Leader. I was leaving the small tent gym when I crossed paths with the Communications Sergeant from my unit and soon after completed my first WOD (Workout of the Day) with him on a sandy concrete slab that consisted of nothing but pull-up bars, a dip station, medicine balls and a few rusty kettlebells. From that point forward I was addicted. I have been a Certified Level 1 CrossFit Instructor since May of 2010. Aside from CrossFit, I am just an ordinary guy who was born and raised in Arkansas. I grew up in Carlisle, Arkansas (Go Bison!) and am blessed to have a loving family who has taught me what discipline and hard work is. My philosophy on training can be compared to anything in life. Failure is going to happen. It is the brick an mortar of any great success. The determining factor is how many times you are willing to get back up after falling. These days we give ourselves too many excuses of why we CAN'T do something. Where has the optimism gone? I tend to always think of our Greatest Generation when something difficult arises in my path. This generation embraced the suck. They were not the greatest despite the challenges they faced, but because of them. Today many of us evade challenges and difficult pursuits, believing that the easier life is, the happier we'll be. Our grandfathers knew better. They knew that one cannot have the sweet without the bitter, and that true happiness comes from overcoming the kind of challenges that build character and refine the soul. The challenges they experienced made their joy all the more sweet because it was tinged with the gratitude of knowing how easily It could all have been taken away. If you want it then work for it relentlessly.

CFL1 

Favorite Lift: Overhead Squat

Favorite Benchmark: Grace

Favorite Hero WOD: DT

In January of 2014, I opened a new chapter of my life....I not only turned 30 years old, but I also decided to embark on this new CrossFit regimen that I had heard so much about. I have always considered myself to be physically fit. I competed in gymnastics and other sports while growing up, intramural sports in college and managed to hit the gym 5 days a week after my college days. Staying fit was important to me so I made sure that I had time to run or go to the gym. My first workout at CrossFit Cathal was a REAL eye opener. I then realized I was not as fit as I once thought I was. However, it did give me a taste of what real fitness training is and also motivated me to become better. I took each day at the Box very seriously and began to work on different areas of weaknesses that this style of training exposed me to. I knew I had a long way to go (and still do), but that is the great thing about CrossFit...you go at your own pace. It's all about becoming a better you. WODs (workout of the day) kick my tail on a daily basis, but I find myself getting a little better every day. I've "drank the kool aid" as they say. CrossFit is something I will be doing for the rest of my life. Nothing I have ever been part of has engaged my competitive side or made me as physically fit as CrossFit has. I love it. In September of 2014 I attained my CFL1 Certification and have been able to lend the knowledge I've gained to help other members become better. CrossFit is now a very important part of my life. It is part of my daily routine and I can honestly say that I'm part of the best community around. I realize that CrossFit is not everybody's desired method of training, but the great thing is that anyone can do it. Just like they say, our fitness varies by degree not type. We were all designed to run, jump, lift, squat throw, etc. Come give it a shot, show up and put forth a little effort...who knows, it may just change your life.

CFL1/CFL2

Owner-Photographer at Natalie Cox Photography

BA in Business Marketing, Arkansas State University 2008

MBA, Arkansas State University 2012

I found CrossFit in 2014 and from the moment I walked through the CFC doors I knew it would play a significant role in my life. I greatly underestimated at how large that role would be. The coaches and unparalleled programming at CFC pushed me and influenced my life in such a positive way. I very quickly knew I wanted to do the same for others. A year and a half after starting I completed my level one certification. By far my favorite thing about coaching is seeing members achieve what they once thought was impossible. It can be as simple as 10 more pounds on the barbell or one less band during pull-ups. I also love talking and getting to know our members on a personal level. The community that CFC provides is unlike any other. We are a large group of like-minded individuals cheering each other on, in and out of the box. My goal is to instill the same confidence in our athletes that I gained since CrossFit entered my life. Stop working out and start training.

CFL1/CFL2

Mechanical Engineer

I played Football at GCT until my senior year of high school, picked up soccer afterwards, played collegiate soccer at West Virginia University Institute of Technology.

I am currently a junior studying Mechanical Engineering at ASU.

After I finished playing soccer I really had no drive or motivation in the weight room or on the track, so I decided to give CrossFit a try. I had been a fan of it for a while but never had the courage to try it until March of 2015.

Since my 3rd month of CrossFit; I have enjoyed hearing about everyone's progress and getting to personally witness it is beyond what words can describe. Now I've been given the opportunity to help our members reach for goals and be a part of their journey for a healthier life. Excited does not even describe how I feel about beginning this new chapter of my life.

CFL1/CFL2

I participated in many sports growing up. I was a competitive gymnast for 4 years. I went on to coach competitive gymnastics for 6 years. I graduated from Arkansas State University in 2015 with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. I am currently attending UTHSC to obtain my Doctorate of Nursing Practice in AG-ACNP and FNP.

I decided to try CrossFit one year after watching the CrossFit Games on ESPN. I loved how the workouts were a mixture of many different sports. The difficulty of the workouts also lured me in. I enjoy coaching and helping others push through tasks that used to be difficult for them. In CrossFit it isn't just about physical strength that will get you through a killer workout; you have to be mentally strong as well or every workout will beat you.

BRITTANY MILLIGAN

CFL1/CFL2

Firefighter

I started CrossFit in August 2012 with two goals. One, I wanted lose weight so I could be more active with my kids and two, become fit enough to pass the physical fitness test to become a firefighter. Before CrossFit I had tried many fad diets and personal training at globo gyms. My last personal trainer happened to be CFC owner, Randy Vest. He would sneak us in the back corner of the gym and in the back alleyway. He discussed the CrossFit methodology with me and had me doing CrossFit style workouts. I knew instantly that I would love it. It was a year before I was able to actually join CrossFit. As they say, the rest is history. I showed up and did the WOD 3-5 days a week and started trying to follow the CrossFit diet prescription loosely for the first year. After only 3 months of CrossFit, I passed the physical fitness test for the Jonesboro Fire Department and was hired within the next year. I had my dream job and was finally able to keep up with my kids and enjoy my life. In March 2015, I got my CF-level 1 and began coaching group classes and personal training. To say CrossFit changed my life is an understatement. I am better mentally, emotionally and physically because of CrossFit. I love being able to pass that on to others and see them make positive changes in their lives. I'm so grateful to be a part of CFC, both as an athlete and a coach! 

JAMIE JORDAN

CFL1/Family Nurse Practitioner

I began my CrossFit journey in 2014. At that time, it had been almost a year since the birth of my second child, and I found myself in the worst physical condition of my life. Growing up I was always active and involved in various youth sports teams and remained active in athletics all the way through high school. Following my first year of college, my exercise regimen became very sporadic and inconsistent. In 2014 a CFC member extended the invitation for me to try CrossFit. My initial thought was, “There is no way!”

Following several conversations and observing a class, I decided to give it a try despite all my fears and

feelings of inadequacy. From the time I walked into my first foundations class, I found an environment

that was engaging, encouraging, and challenging. I loved the intentional training. CrossFit instilled a

greater purpose and pursuit of fitness than I had ever been exposed to before. The workouts are always

different enough that they don’t feel repetitive or monotonous. I have found the community at CFC to

be unmatched. The coaches and members alike are intentional about ensuring a supportive

atmosphere. This has been the key component to my longevity at CFC.

I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve CFC in the coaching capacity. My desire is to

give back what I have been given.