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| DARIN | MICHELLE | MIKE |
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| JESS | SUZANNE | SUE |
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| EILEEN | RYAN | MATT |
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| BRIAN | DAVE |
Darin Barker, Founder/Head Coach
- CrossFit Certified Level I Instructor
- CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified
- CrossFit Certified Kettlebell Instructor
- ISCA Certified Boxing and Kickboxing Instructor
- American Red Cross first aid, CPR and AED Certified
Before pursuing a career in the fitness industry, Darin Barker was a Senior Vice President of Sales at a New York Brokerage firm, and had been on Wall Street for over 15 years. Following 9/11, during which family and friends found themselves in the middle of that terrifying event, Darin realized the measure of life was more than how much money is in your bank account. Instead, it is about your quality of life, the ability to have a healthy life, and being able to spend it with family and friends. He decided to follow his passions for health and fitness, and redirected his career towards improving the health and physical fitness of others. Darin grew up in Southern California where he played sports at a young age, from basketball, volleyball, cycling, surfing, boxing and pretty much everything in between. After spending years in traditional gyms with disappointing results, Darin discovered CrossFit and has never looked back. His goal is simple -- encourage everyone with whom he comes in contact to make fitness an integral part of daily living. Darin has the expertise and knowledge necessary to guide clients in that direction. His goal is to make each CrossFit workout as productive as possible, while giving his clients the tools and knowledge needed for a lasting healthy lifestyle.
“I love what I do! I absolutely love the fact that I am able to help people transform their lives. I enjoy helping my clients feel better, get stronger and reach, even exceed, their goals. Personally, as one of the owners of CrossFit Inspire, I have two goals. First is to help as many people as possible improve their quality of life, and secondly to make as many lifelong friends as possible. I can proudly say with confidence that my clients are so much more, I consider them friends…family. I feel fortunate to be here, doing what I love to do…and I am having a blast!”
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-Crossfit Certified Level I Instructor
-Crossfit Certified Kids Instructor
-Master of Science, Sports Management
Michelle has coached a variety of ages in several sports for over a decade. Being a former Division I softball player, Michelle has been using her experience to give private and group instruction to local softball players. She also spent four years as the Youth Sports Director at a local YMCA and through that has learned a lot about coaching different types of sports and people. Michelle says that her experience in youth sports has helped train her for coaching youth and adults in Crossfit:
"There are so many different ways that people learn how to do things. As a coach, it's our job to find out how to teach and motivate everyone on an individual level. Kids and adults are so much alike when learning something new or when trying to practice something that frustrates them. I love my job! I love helping people learn new things and watching them improve their health and well-being."
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- CrossFit Certified Level I Instructor
- MPT
- Cert. MDT
- American Red Cross first aid, CPR and AED Certified
As a member of CrossFit, Sue has reaped the significant benefits of CrossFit training and is excited to spread the enthusiasm and power of CrossFit to other members. Sue also brings with her 15 years of outpatient orthopedic experience as a physical therapist, as well as a love for health and sports. Sue graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science in 1995 with a Master’s in Physical Therapy. She received her Certification of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy from the McKenzie Institute for specialized treatment of spinal disorders in 1997. Sue’s primary areas of specialty include the spine, shoulder, knee and other joint dysfunctions.
In 1992 Sue graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a BS in Biology, while she participated on both the field hockey and softball teams. As the starting freshman goalkeeper in field hockey, Sue earned Regional All American honors. By the end of her 4 years as the starting goalkeeper, she collected National All American honors, 2 Mid-Atlantic Conference Championships, two NCAA tournament appearances, MVP, All Star Honors, Athlete of the Year, and Hall of Fame Inductee for LVC, with five college records still intact! Susan was also inducted into the Delaware County Hall of Fame for field hockey.
"CrossFit has become a life changing event for me. Seven months ago I walked into CrossFit Inspire's "box" and I walked out that same night with a new passion. My life until then consisted of existing for my children (I'm a single mom) and for my boss. Being a physical therapist, I have spent my entire professional career taking care of others, making sure their quality of life and health improved. However, "me" was at the very bottom of a very long list of responsibilities and duties. Because of this I had lost any desire to take care of myself and I added 40 pounds to my frame in 2 years. However, that night...life literally was breathed back into my soul. Darin and Matt inspired me to challenge and push myself to physical and mental limits that I never thought possible. Now, 30 pounds lighter with the ability to deadlift 280#, their passion continues into me and through me. The CrossFit Inspire community inspires me everyday...everyday I am amazed by the sheer determination, drive and accomplishment that is generated by the members of Inspire."
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- CrossFit Certified Level I Instructor
- American Red Cross first aid, CPR and AED Certified
Eileen’s addiction to CrossFit started more than 2 years ago after spending countless years participating in group fitness classes, lifting colored dumbbells and running endless miles on treadmills. Eileen is a pharmaceutical marketing strategy consultant by day, but after receiving her CrossFit Level 1 Certification in October 2009 she is spending more and more time coaching at CrossFit Inspire. Eileen has competed in 5Ks, sprint triathlons and a half marathon, she also plays competitive USTA tennis and participates in long distance charity biking events for fun.
“I am a total believer in CrossFit! I have my own personal results that I attribute 100% to CrossFit….. I used to be a slightly overweight 40ish female in mediocre physical shape. While I haven’t figured out a way of changing my age, I am in absolutely the best shape of my life. I attribute this amazing improvement in my overall health and fitness to CrossFit. My focus is on “inspiring” others to achieve their own personal results through a strong commitment to CrossFit.”
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Below is a brief biographical sketch on his accomplishments.
Education:
- Associates Degree, Physical Conditioning
- Crisis, Prevention and Intervention, Certified Trainer (Devereux Foundation)
- Associates Degree, Psychology
- BA, Financial Management
Boxing Background:
- Project Together (Coatesville, Record 8W – 1L)
- West Chester Police Athletic League (Record 30W – 5L)
- West Chester University ’82 – ’84 (Record 20W – 2L)
- Collegiate regional Runner-up – East Coast ‘83
- Golden Gloves Sectional Champion ’85, ‘86
- Golden Gloves Regional Champion ‘85
- Golden Gloves State Runner Up ‘85
Notable Accomplishments:
- Undefeated, AAU ‘87
- TKO’d Collegiate National Champion (with body shots!) ‘83
- Knocked out Philadelphia Diamond Belt Champion ‘86
- Was the “sparring partner” for:
- Fernando Rodriguez (National Champion)
- Francis Childs (Ranked top 10 in the world)
- Rafael Santana (ESPN Champion, top 10 in the USA)
- Calvin Grove (USBA Champion, top 5 in the world)
“I began training when I was about 3 years old. I know it sounds funny, but “Chainsaw” Bradley (DAD), had me out hitting the punching bag since I was 3 years old! Being vertically challenged (short) and growing up in Coatesville, PA, I had to work hard and learn how to fight for just about everything. My father was my trainer back then. He believed in and practiced many of the same training philosophies 40 years ago, that we are performing at CrossFit today! Along with teaching me the art of Boxing, “Chainsaw” whipped me into shape using push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, handstand push-ups, running, sprinting and weightlifting. When I was introduced to CrossFit Inspire, I became excited beyond belief... I grew up with this stuff! I have brought my Boxing background to CrossFit Inspire to fuse it with the “CrossFit Training Philosophy” and created “Box 2 B Fit”! I often wonder now... “If I only knew then what I know today!”
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“Crossfit isn’t just challenging and intense (and fun!) workouts, it’s also a community that just doesn’t exist anywhere else in fitness. I’ve made great friends and Crossfit has been an integral part of my life since moving back to PA. I find Crossfit as mentally challenging as it is physically, and having a community to cheer you on and push you through the WOD’s when you’re exhausted and want to stop is where Crossfit excels. I’ve pushed myself more than I thought possible and I love it! Helping others push themselves to achieve their goals is why I became a coach. My only regret is that I didn’t find Crossfit sooner!”
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Christina Bair, Coach
-CrossFit Certified Level 1 Instructor
Before finding CrossFit, Christina tried every class there was, spent hours on gym machines, and tried several different programs on her own. Christina has completed several races, including one half marathon and three sprint triathalons. "CrossFit has introduced me to a newfound confidence in myself and in my appearance that I never had before. I have never felt so strong or would have ever believed that I would be able to do 1 pull up, let alone some of the other workouts that we do everyday. I completed my third triathalon 30 minutes faster on the same course, thanks to swim training and CrossFit! Through CrossFit, I am learning to never say 'I cant'. This confidence has translated to all other aspects of my life. I have found a community of friends that have redefined what being in shape and healthy really is."
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Kristen Smith, Yoga Instructor
-Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Lynchburg College
- Master of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania
- 200 Hour YTC, Seva Power Yoga, West Chester PA
- American Red Cross CPR and AED Certified
Kristen Smith came to her mat in 2009 after a friend had suggested she take yoga. She had always attended step aerobics, pilates, and strength training classes, but something had been missing. She discovered that yoga was not only for strengthening and stretching the body, but a life long journey of self discovery. “The mat provides limitless space to grow. Each time I step onto the mat, I gain insight-about a pose, about myself, and about the world. Yoga has brought me greater insight to the mind body connection and has transformed me in ways I had not imagined.” Kristen found that yoga enriched her connection to her surroundings and those in it and wanted to gain more insight into her practice. She enrolled and attended a 200 Hour Teacher Training program in the Fall 2011. Kristen is certified to teach Power Vinyasa Flow and Stationary Series, and she brings her passion for the practice to each class. She believes that the inner peace and the outer strength that one can accomplish from yoga will enhance one’s life in many ways. She feels teaching yoga is incredibly rewarding and will bring her focus not only in correct alignment, but the steadiness of mind, body, and breath.
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-CrossFit Certified Level 1 Instructor
-CrossFit Certified Kids Instructor
Suzanne is living proof that there is an athlete hidden inside all of us. Suzanne was neither fit nor athletic when she walked into CrossFit Inspire, but with hard work, perseverance, and time, she started to realize her fitness goals. Shortly after moving to the area, Suzanne tried her first WOD at Inspire and quickly became an avid CrossFitter. The good-natured and welcoming atmosphere of the box shaped by the dedicated coaches and friendly members leaves every athlete wanting to come back for more. The successes athletes experience while CrossFitting are unequaled in life. “As the mother of two young children, I struggled to find time for myself. I had few hobbies, and I was never into sports—not even growing up. My husband introduced me to CrossFit as a way to do something for myself. As my children (ages 7 and 9) watched me become stronger, develop athletic skills, and gain confidence in myself, I came to understand the importance of the example we as parents set for our children. When I was presented the opportunity to take part in the CrossFit Kids program, I jumped at the chance to not only introduce my children to CrossFit at Inspire but to be one of the coaches! We love being an active, CrossFit family, and I feel genuinely lucky to share my love of CrossFit with my children and all of the children in the program.”
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Nicole H. Anderson MS, RD, LDN
Nicole Anderson has been working as a Registered Dietitian and Health Coach for the past decade. She specializes in weight management and behavior change.
Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Arizona State University in 2002. 2004, completed her Dietetic Internship and nutrition program at Central Washington University. Moving back to Phoenix in 2004, she worked with the Arizona Department of Education in the Health and Nutrition Department. There she implemented the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and created programs to bring awareness to childhood obesity and child nutrition.
In 2006 she decided to open a private practice to provide nutrition counseling and coaching to children and adults in the community. This practice specializes in behavior change and helped clients achieve a healthy lifestyle through goal setting and education. In 2007, she decided to switch to the local level for the NSLP to work for Southwest Foodservice Excellence. There, she created and managed the Health and Nutrition Department, which focused on prevention and education of childhood obesity in K-12 school districts throughout the country.
In 2010, she completed a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from Arizona State University focusing on obesity prevention and the selection of healthy foods. In 2011, she moved to Pennsylvania and started working with an obesity prevention and management program.
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Brian Walker, Coach
Crossfit Certified Level 1 Instructor
Crossfit Endurance Certified
Education: BS in Finance - Villanova University
I have always been active and loved being outside playing soccer, football, basketball, baseball and skateboarding.
Over the years I have worked out at gyms and was in decent shape but never made the progress I was looking for.
During that time I also got into running and ran many races from 5ks, to 10ks to half marathons always looking for the next challenge. I decided to step up and started running marathons.
My marathon times got better over the years but then I plateaued and my times were not improving no matter how hard I trained. I needed to change my routine to add more strength and conditioning which is when I was introduced to Crossfit.
With the intensity of Crossfit and learning the correct running technique through Crossfit Endurance I have never been in better shape.
It has been tons of fun and I always look forward to helping others have similar experiences, reach their goals and push their limits.
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Crossfit Certified Level 1 Instructor: June 2012
Girls on the Run Coach: 2011-Present
American Red Cross CPR Certified
BBA Marketing Information Systems: James Madison University
MA: Educational Leadership: Immaculata University
Working towards MA: Reading Specialist: West Chester University
Jess’s introduction to Crossfit began in December 2009, and since then she has been “hooked”. Previous to joining Crossfit Inspire, Jess was an avid long distance runner, as well as sprint triathlete. She completed three full marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2009. She also competed in several sprint triathlons, half marathons, and 10 miles races. After joining Inspire for one year, she reduced her 10-mile personal best by eight minutes, and set a personal 5k record time. The rigorous and varied programming, as well as the support of the Crossfit community is what Jess accredits to her personal successes.
“The thought of not having Crossfit in my life is one that I can’t imagine. Crossfit has taught me how self-determination, mental preparedness, and community support result in physical triumphs. Being able to help people actually reach those goals is what makes being a Crossfit coach such a rewarding experience. In being a First Grade teacher by day, motivating people is part of who I am. Therefore it is my aim to continuously provide members with the tools and advice they need to live a healthy and productive lifestyle, and proudly represent the Crossfit name.”
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Crossfit Level 1 Instructor
American Heart Association CPR and AED certified instructor
Widener University, B.S. Business Management and Marketing
Growing up in the Philadelphia area Brian attended high school at Episcopal Academy where he was a standout athlete in both wrestling and lacrosse. He continued his track record of success at Widener University where he was consistently among the national leaders in goals and goals per game, as well as, earning all-conference honors all four years and voted team captain during his senior season. After graduating in 2005 Brian searched for the next challenge and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2006. He began his training as an Infantryman at Ft. Benning, GA where he also attended Airborne School. From that point Brian launched his military career. He completed two overseas tours to the Republic of Korea and Afghanistan serving as a squad leader. Brian completed over 100 combat patrols resulting in a drastic improvement to the stabilization efforts in Southern Afghanistan, while also conducting drug interdiction efforts. During his career Brian also graduated from The Air Assault School at Ft. Campbell Ky., became a certified level two Modern Army Combatives instructor, and received Non-Commission Officer of the Year Honors for Camp Casey, Korea in 2009. Brian concluded his active duty tour as a Staff Sergeant at Ft. Campbell, Ky. in December 2011 and moved home to be closer to his family. Shortly after returning Brian walked into Crossfit Inspire and hasn’t looked back.
“Crossfit Inspire has changed my life. For me it’s all about the people. The relationships we build with each other, the encouragement, and the competition. My transition home has been challenging at times but Crossfit and the community at Crossfit Inspire has made all the difference. And on top of that I can get fit and be in the best shape of my life. I couldn’t ask for anything more!”
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Dave grew up on the Main Line and attended Conestoga High School. After graduating from “The U” (University of Miami) with a B.A. he moved back to the area. Always involved in outdoor activities, Dave was also the consummate gym rat. Regularly weight training at the gym and home for years Dave trained the same boring routines…Biceps, triceps, chest, shoulders and back…Legs?, that was covered by his runs. Dave was introduced to CrossFit three years ago through his daughter’s involvement with the Great Valley Field Hockey team. “From day 1 I was hooked, not only with the CrossFit philosophy of constantly varied, functional movements at a high intensity but also the community and support system that goes with it. After swallowing my pride and enduring the first few humbling WODs, I dusted myself off, realized I had found a lifestyle that would constantly help me improve not just my strength but weaknesses as well and haven’t looked back since.”
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer – February 2013
Tae Kwon Do 1st degree black belt
NRA Certified Instructor
