Our coaches are pretty awesome, but don’t take our word for it!
If you’ve wanted to get to know them better, you’re in luck! Every month we’ll be introducing (and re-introducing!) you to the people who keep LOCO in MOTION. We recently sat down with Coach Stephen and asked him some burning questions in an effort to get to know him better.
Enjoy!
Describe yourself in five words or less. And, go!
Extroverted introvert. Helper. Motivator. Dad-joker.
Tell us a little bit about your partner/family?
I am so incredibly lucky to have the support system that I do. Everything I do in life is done to make my mother and two sisters proud. I like to think I’ve done a great job of that so far!
My husband, Daniel, is my rock and my best friend. We’ve been together for 5 years, married for just over a year now. He’s opened my eyes to many things, one of which being the thrill of traveling. In our time together, we’ve been to 2 continents, 4 countries, and 10+ new states together- and hoping to add a new country to the list in 2021!
Did you choose the coaching life or did the coaching life choose you? Explain.
The coaching life chose me. My adulthood started with a career in finance- working for a credit union, then a large investment company, and finally landing in a CPA firm. It wasn’t even until 2019 that I had the courage to ATTEND a gym- that gym being Locomotion Fitness. My knack for finance and love for training were apparent enough that I seemed like a good fit to help things from the business-side. I actually declined the first offer, but came running back a few months later when I realized it’s where I wanted to be. BEST DECISION EVER.
What inspires and motivates you as a coach?
Witnessing the wide range of accomplishments like hitting a new PR, seeing a technical movement finally click, the first successful box jump…I love, love, LOVE seeing someone’s face light up in these moments!
Favorite movement and why?
Handstand work. I love the gymnastics aspect of CrossFit so much. With handstands, it’s empowering to know that you have complete control of your body’s position, core, and center of balance that you can hold yourself upside down. Add in movement with the handstand, like walking or push-ups, and I’m ALL FOR IT.
What advice do you have for someone who is intimidated by group fitness?
I was once there too! I relate so much to this that I often write about my experience, and share the things that helped me out in the beginning. Check out this recent blog post I wrote for a few pieces of advice!
What were you like in high school?
Physically, I was a small, somewhat goofy-looking kid with a curly afro. Although I was very smart, I didn’t enjoy being in school, so spent most of my time in our band room, teaching myself to play other people’s instruments. I was, however, on our school’s drumline- does that earn me some swag points?
Are you a hunter or a gatherer? Why?
A gatherer- I’d consider myself very hardworking, and I tend to take on the smaller tasks that help the bigger picture to function properly. I have also never been hunting (in the literal sense), and don’t really have a desire to do so!
Favorite band/musician of all time?
ABBA- yes, the 70s Swedish pop group.
Cake or pie?
Pie
If you were a crayon in an 8-count Crayola box, which color would you be?
Green
Favorite 90s jam?
Anything by the Spice Girls.
What do you wish you were better at?
Confronting the responsibilities of adulthood, like calling to make a doctor’s appointment, or any care related to vehicles.
2020 was a tough year. How are you making 2021 better, regardless of the circumstances?
Being better with my personal goal-setting. As a coach, I’m always preaching the importance of setting goals, but have somewhat struggled with keeping up my own. A true “do as I say, not as I do” scenario. 2021 will be the year that I stay true to the standards I set for myself. Hoping that I can tap in on the success that I find from doing so, and use it to empower others to do the same!
Do you have any hidden talents?
After being considered a band geek (going on 20 years now), I can play pretty much any instrument, and I can figure out how to play most songs on the piano simply by-ear. I mean- the song may not sound that great, but that’s beside the point!
Coffee or tea?
Tea
Favorite book?
On tape.
Favorite podcast?
MFM
Favorite travel destination?
Zermatt, Switzerland- traveled there for a leg of my honeymoon, and the landscapes/views were just absolutely incredible.
Do you have any interesting or unique hobbies?
I’ve played competitive volleyball for the past 6 years (COVID has temporarily halted that), and I LOVE to watch the sport. I follow it so closely that I know half the names on the roster for several countries!
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A veterinarian! I love animals so much, but I think that desire was halted when I realized I would also have to see animals at their worst (my heart could never).
Favorite place to eat in Charleston?
Home Team BBQ. Gimme those wings!!!
Do you have any pets?
We have a 1 year old kitty named Malmo (it’s Swedish). She is both a spastic mess and an absolutely purrfect angel.
Coach Stephen can be found whipping everyone in to shape at bootcamp or walking on his hands during CrossFit. If you’d like to learn more about him, our team, and what Loco has to offer, book your Discovery Call today!
