Upper East Side

This month’s Coach’s Spotlight is……

Head Coach James Quigley

I did not interview myself, that would just be weird. Although I do talk to myself and the conversations are  UUUUHHHMAZING, we figured Allie would ask me a few questions. Here are my answers.

How did you get into CrossFit?
A few different paths led me to drink the Kool-Aid. I was in the fitness industry for more than 11 years before I discovered what CrossFit was. A few friends and colleagues were heavily into it and seeing the type of training I was already doing, it was a natural progression.

I was pretty curious but hesitant, then I went to see an all-female competition and was instantly hooked. I may have a slight thing for girls who lift heavy things fast. 🙂 I signed up at CrossFit Garden City and never looked back.

What can EVF members expect from you as a coach?
Consistency, patience and a whole lot of energy — hence my nickname “Rocket.”

Every time you come into my class, you can expect to get my best. I will always make sure each member is in a position to be successful and leave feeling better than when he or she walked in. I coach with slight sarcasm and humor but can get pretty intense when I need to. I will 100 percent create the atmosphere and set the tone. You may see some pretty colors along the way.

What’s your favorite CrossFit workout or exercise?
Favorite benchmarks would have to be Elizabeth or Linda. I love anything with cleans. I’m pretty good at pull-ups and can climb a mean rope.

Do you have an arch nemesis?
Overhead squats and snatches. Terrible, but I’m working on it. I predict that by 2015 these will probably be my favorites as I’m working on them multiple times per week. Strength and mobility have been a struggle for me, but I love to see the improvements I make week after week, no matter how small they are.

What makes a great coach?
So many factors. Each coach brings something different to the table, but a few things must always need to be present.
A strong knowledge base and experience are two things that just take time. My coach once told me, you can’t fake experience, so you might as well as strap in and enjoy the ride.
As Ben Bergeron said, “A great coach understands we are not in the fitness business. A great coach knows we are in the relationship business.” It’s so true. Creating real relationships with your members/students and forging strong bonds is the lifeblood of coaching. Building trust will allow your members to open up and know that the coach always has their best intentions at heart.

Who would you consider your mentor?
I have so many as I have met some awesome people who have helped me greatly throughout my journey.
Dennis and Jen Marshall of CrossFit HQ and CFGC were my original coaches and really helped instill in me some great values and teaching tools. I can never repay them for the education I received or the relationships I built while at CFGC. That is why I really take this so seriously and give it my best. I always feel I represent them in some capacity.
My parents instilled in me all of my life values. They made me into the man I am today. Work ethic, integrity and kindness were big in my household.

Where can we find you when you’re not at EVF?
That’s funny. Probably at home because I’m always at EVF. 🙂

Very important questions: favorite food, movie and band?
Steak! A good rib eye or skirt steak is a solid veteran choice.
Tough questions. My taste changes with whatever mood I’m in. I’m gonna go “Top Gun” or “Rudy.”
Music is all about my mood. I’m on a huge country kick at the moment so Zac Brown Band is heavy on my playlist, and Foo Fighters are always a go to.

I like choices in my life.

Let’s hear three random facts about you.
I proposed to Alyssa Milano as a kid. Can’t fault a guy for trying.
I lived in Nebraska during my senior year of high school. So random but a pretty cool experience.
I have an awesome 15-year-old daughter who inspires me to fight each day to be successful and the man I need to be. There really isn’t a choice; failure just really isn’t an option.

There you have it folks. A  few items about me. Something I left out was how important this community is to me. Each of you make our career choices into dream jobs. No matter what, don’t ever forget how truly special EVF has become. It’s up to each of you to keep it that way. Its not about the programming (maybe a little) its not about the equipment, its not about the training. Its’s about the people who walk in the door day after day. Don’t ever let that go.

CrossFit has given so much to me. As my coach once said, “I don’t even remember the person I was beforehand” It really has impacted my life that greatly. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next few years has in store.

Get you some Thursday folks!