Our Team

Our coaching team is one of the things we are most proud of. Every coach brings experience, personality, and a genuine passion for helping members improve, whether that’s building confidence, developing strength, or achieving something they once thought was out of reach.

With a strong foundation in CrossFit coaching and backgrounds across areas like mobility, gymnastics, nutrition and strength training, our team is here to guide, support, and challenge you every step of the way.

I found CrossFit relatively late in life. After being active in the Army with swimming, water polo, boxing, and rugby, it hit me hard when I prolapsed two discs in my lower back. A number of years and a few pounds added later, a few friends and I got into OCRs. We developed a love for them and started training. In a competition we entered, there was a movement called a “thruster”. We didn’t have a clue, but my best mate suggested I try this “CrossFit place, they do thrusters”. It took me 15 minutes to get from my car across the car park to walk through the door, but it’s been the best thing I did.

That was over a decade ago. During that time I got my L1, then L2, and various other courses, trying to better myself and bring more to my classes. I find the best thing about coaching is when one of my cues works or resonates with a member and they improve almost immediately. One of the worst things is probably the “unseen” stuff that every gym owner knows about.

At 58, I am not a fan of the short, sharp workouts. I prefer a slower build-up, something that also challenges the mental aspect of training. I hate Fran but love Karen, and obviously the best lift is a good overhead squat.

After going to classes at the local sports centre for a few years but finding them repetitive, I wanted more of a challenge. I found Stormbreaker and loved it. I really enjoyed CrossFit, especially the weightlifting side, and wanted to learn more about how I could improve my technique, so I booked onto the Level 1 course.

Seeing things “click” for people and watching them improve or hit a PB is one of the best parts of coaching at Stormbreaker. One of the worst is the grief we get for programming people’s least favourite movements.

I love anything with a barbell. DT is a great workout for me. I also love being upside down and wall walks, but my favourite movement has to be the Clean & Jerk. On the other side, my least favourite is knees to elbow. I can’t stand them.

Until I joined the gym after university, I had never really participated in sports. If I could go back, I would tell myself to get into weightlifting earlier.

A friend of mine had been trying to get me to tag along for about 6 months. I eventually agreed and was instantly hooked. I believe I have a calm temperament and approachable nature, and when Kate and Bill asked if I had considered coaching, I jumped at the chance.

The different levels of ability we see in each class, and the attitude from members, are some of the best parts. It’s brilliant seeing people achieve things they never thought they could. I hate it when people don’t listen or talk over you while you are trying to help.

I love Cindy and, as much as it hurts me, Murph. The snatch is probably my favourite movement, whereas burpees are my least favourite.

I completed 25 years in the Army, where I was responsible for coaching and mentoring soldiers. Seeing that translate into helping people in the gym is something I really value.

My friends who did not stop talking about CrossFit eventually got me to try a class, and I never left. I am now that person who doesn’t stop talking about it. Guilty.

I wanted to improve myself and gain a deeper understanding of movement so I could help others. Taking my Level 1 and becoming a coach felt like the natural next step, and it has improved me as both a coach and a member.

The best thing about Stormbreaker is the people. Seeing athletes finally nail a movement they have been working on for months is amazing. The cheers when someone rings the bell are one of the best sounds in the gym. The worst is when someone says “I can’t do that” without even trying.

I love the workout Morrison, and you can’t beat a good snatch. I like how complex it is. Unpopular opinion, but I don’t like deadlifts.

I have always loved sport. I played county netball and for England U16s, as well as county badminton. Later, I discovered CrossFit and completely changed my lifestyle. I have lost over 6 stone, and CrossFit has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.