I started CrossFit in August of 2017, 5 months postpartum after back-to-back kids, with no weightlifting experience. It had been a few years since I had consistently worked out and I was a new mom in a new town and needed something for myself. I longed for a community of friends and found that quickly with CrossFit. After my first CrossFit class, I was hooked. I signed up and paid for a year, and never looked back.

In the beginning, CrossFit was my 1 hour to escape each day. I knew I would never be as good as the coaches and looked up to their strength and commitment. I quickly realized that CrossFit was the best hour of each day and I longed for more. During COVID, I quit drinking and started focusing more on my overall health, mentally, emotionally, and physically. I began doing CrossFit 6 days per week and cut back on running. I slowly started to see my strength increase, both mentally and physically. I continued to do CrossFit regularly, even while traveling for work. I have dropped into CrossFit gyms all over the country and LOVE the warm welcomes I always receive.

The best thing about CrossFit is all of the incredible people I have met along my 6-year journey. I will still never forget my very first class, meeting Karla (A TCCF member), who welcomed me with open arms. I look forward to sharing my love of CrossFit with all of those who walk through the doors of Timber City. I know CrossFit has brought me forever friends, friends who are now family, and the love of my life!

Hello, my name is Chaz, short for Charles. I grew up here in the Longview/Kelso region and currently live in Rose Valley. I went to Kelso High School and played football, wrestled, and ran track but never really had much of an athletic career as a youth. I like to say I am a late bloomer! As I’ve become older I found a real passion for fitness as I began to see it as my therapy rather than something to do just to get huge and strong. I work as a firefighter and have been doing it for almost 8 years now & fitness has really become a focal point for my career as it’s a young man’s game. Not only do you have to keep your body healthy, but your mind as well. All the mistakes, lessons, and hardships in my fitness journey have led me to coaching as I want to share my knowledge and passion, and help people so they don’t have to make the same mistakes I made!

The turning point in my life is when I got hired as a professional firefighter. Prior to getting hired I was in my early 20’s, very insecure, lost, and unsure what was going to happen to me next. I was currently going to school at CWU to get into paramedic school and I told myself if I did not get hired within a year I was going to give up completely as the fire service maybe just wasn’t in the cards for me. I was at the lowest point for my self esteem, and I remember talking to my mom about it and she told me, “Well what is your alternative? If it was easy everyone would be doing it.” This really resonated with me as she was right-I couldn’t just quit. When I felt like I couldn’t feel any worse I got that phone call about a Chief’s interview with Lynnwood Fire. My life’s enemy was myself all along & at some point I lost who I was in the process. Never forget who you are and hold onto that while you enjoy the process. Always remember that you are exactly where you are supposed to be for a reason. Whether it be positive or negative that’s just how life works, and you will become stronger for it.

My main purpose for coaching is to share with you my love & passion for fitness. I know the feeling of hitting your first ring muscle up, or your first double under and I know the powerful effect it will have on you. Nothing compares to the euphoria you get knowing that your mind, body, and spirit is all in tune. Fitness is a portion of finding that tune & I promise you it will lead to many other positive aspects of your life. Seeing you hit PR’s, learning new movements, and watching your body and mind become stronger is my motivation.

I started CrossFit in 2016. The camaraderie that I saw in the CrossFit community was the closest that I have found since the military. Like the military, the person to your left and right is suffering just like you and that is a powerful tool for progress. I came into CrossFit after 11 years of chronic back pain after 3 back surgeries. I was overweight with a pre diabetic diagnosis and high cholesterol and blood pressure. I cried after my first workout and have been hooked ever since. I literally couldn’t run around the block and did push-ups on the wall. It has completely changed my life. My blood tests are normal and I’ve never felt better. I am so thankful for this community and the amazing people I have met along the way. The biggest things I’ve learned along the way is consistency equals results and you can’t out train a bad diet. CrossFit has been just as important for my mental health as much as it has physical health. I have coached many sports through the years; however encouraging people to reach their potential in this space and seeing the results has been the most gratifying.

My turning point was knowing that had to do something to get healthy both mentally and physically. The chronic pain brought depression with it. I wasn’t sure if I could do it without getting hurt but the movement modifications allowed me to work hard and gave me a goal to improve over time. The absolute decision came when I knew I was about to go shopping for size 40 jeans and ultimately that’s when I signed up. I have been consistently working out 5 days a week since then.

‍My passion is encouraging people. That might be screaming in the middle of a workout or going around to everyone after the workout to give you a fist bump because we made it until the end and gave it all we had. It doesn’t matter if you are a competition athlete or someone that walks in just like I did 7 years ago, I’m so glad you are there because it is life changing.