Coach Kelly has a big heart, and a strong desire to impart each gym member with great technique. We love how she is able to, in very few words, give effective cues to help guide our members toward their own “a-ha!” moments. Her experience and knowledge of the Olympic lifts and CrossFit movements have given her the ability to guide many toward milestones and PR’s that were seemingly out of reach. Her Intro to Barbell classes have given many of our members a solid, foundational understanding of the very technical movements of the Clean & Jerk and Snatch. Coach Kelly is able to effectively explain their complexities with simple to understand sentences and cues. We love the way that Kelly creates a positive, fun environment where you will also learn every single class.
Outside of the gym, Coach Kelly loves the beach, anything Star Wars related, and great music. She’s an excellent axe thrower, random trivia knowledge enthusiast, and a damn fine Galaga player!
Whether it’s honing your push jerk, or proper form for kettlebell swings (hint – keep your heels on the floor!), anyone who leaves her class feels a little happier, a little prouder of themselves, and a lot more tired than when they came in. Thanks Coach Kelly – for making all of your classes one of the best hours of our day.
Tell us a little about yourself!: Hmm… I’m a licensed social worker and I currently work as a Federal Probation/Supervised Release Officer, which a lot of people don’t know what that is or means, lol. I deal with a lot of bad people, but also a lot of misunderstood people that lacked guidance, which is where I try to help… I love sports, games, the beach, the ocean, anything outdoors.
Favorite CrossFit movement/workout: My favorite movement is an Olympic lift, it’s the snatch. It’s probably one of the most technically challenging movements ever and completely gets in my head, but I continue to respect it and continue to work at being proficient.
My favorite workouts are typically always “chippers,” I love working through long workouts chipping away at the movements (slowly) LOL.
What’s it like being a woman coaching men? I’ve never really put any thought into it. I feel like if we have a mutual respect (man or woman), then it’s all good. What I look for in an athlete is their willingness to be coached (again man or woman).
Do the coaches ever feel bad about what they put us through? Or do they see an up-coming workout and laugh about how much we will hate it?: I laugh… I typically laugh really hard, unless I do it…then I’m not laughing anymore, lol.
Do you have siblings? I have a brother, Louis, who is 9 years younger than me.
Which Bellum member is your favorite? Roy! He’s an all around great dude!
Do you feel pressure to be able to master every CrossFit, look fit and eat right because you’re a coach?: When I first started coaching, I definitely felt a pressure to be proficient at each of the movements…but over time, I’ve trusted in my ability as a coach that even if I cannot perform the movement, I do have the knowledge/know how to successfully coach an athlete through it. I have been able to coach many of our athletes on movements that I cannot, nor ever will do.
Do I feel the need to look a certain way? Yes, but those are my own personal struggles, not a CrossFit/coach issue…. A great aspect of CrossFit/Weightlifting is that one size does NOT fit all. There are so many different body types that these sports celebrate, which is inspiring.
Where would you travel if you had no budget?: Literally everywhere! At 37 years old, I finally just got my passport, so like hit me up! LOL!!
What is your spirit animal?: I’m a wolf through and through.
What was the happiest/proudest moment of your own personal CrossFit (or weight lifting)career?: I won’t bore you with the details, but finally after years of dealing with a broken wrist and finally having the correct surgery, the first time I was able to pick up a barbell (which was empty) and snatch/clean and jerk, was hands down my happiest moment. Thinking for so long that you may never be able to do something you love again is painful and terrifying. I cannot lift nearly as much weight as I used to, but I am so damn proud that I am able to lift period.
Steak or seafood?: Ok, all together everyone, If it’s from the sea…….. LOL!!! STEAK
What is your favorite sport after CrossFit?: Soccer
What’s your favorite part about coaching?: As cliché as it sounds, watching each of our athletes crush their goals. Every first for you guys/gals, is a first for us too. Watching you get your first pull up, push up, handstand, muscle up…whatever it is, I love being a part of it. I love being the voice in the back of your head that motivates you not to quit (let’s be honest, my voice is not in the back of your head, it’s literally screaming in your face…. Not sorry).
Why CrossFit? What brought you to this and why coaching it?: A friend introduced me to CrossFit in late 2010/early 2011 and I’ve never looked back. I’ve met some of the greatest people in my life through this community and I wouldn’t trade that for the world. I wish CrossFit/Weightlifting/Strength Training like this was available when I was playing sports in middle and high school because it would’ve made me a better well-rounded athlete.
If you could go back to when you started CrossFit with what you know now, what is one piece of advice you’d give yourself?: I like what Ann said… I know right…. LOL. I would build a stronger foundation and really dedicate time to movements, skills, and extra credit work that I really avoided or didn’t like. Also, I would stretch more….like A LOT more!!
You only get ONE cheat meal for the rest of your life. What is it? French fries!!