Rachel Goodman, Coach

Email: rachel@atlascrossfit.com

Rachel and her husband Jay, were inseparable workout friends… until Jay found Atlas and began to spend his mornings grunting, lifting Oly weights and coming home bruised. It scared Rachel, so she kept to her own gym routine of bootcamps, spin, kickboxing and free weight classes. Secretly, Rachel was growing bored with trying to find new goals to focus her athletic energy towards. She would program workouts for herself at the gym, compete in triathlons, running races and adventure races- really do anything to stay active. But she was loosing steam.
Jay kept coming home happy and energized, as Rachel grew more lonely. Rachel was reluctant to try CrossFit because she thought it was for “elite” level athletes (something she did not consider herself to be, or capable of becoming). She also was concerned she would get too bulky. Eventually, Rachel caved and decided to try CrossFit. She shook from nerves her first several times at the box, and nearly puked because she pushed herself so hard. But the weird thing was, she actually LOVED the workouts! She saw other women at Atlas who were moving fast, and powerfully, and she was inspired to follow in their footsteps.
Rachel loves the empowerment CrossFit gives individuals, specifically women. She is attracted to the intensity and encouragement of the community, as well as the lifestyle of overall health and well being. Everyday, she gets to try something new, and witnesses others making great strides in their lives. Olympic lifting is her favorite because she never thought she could do something that cool… ever!

Best accomplishments: Pullups, ring dips, rope climbs

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting, TRX

Dr. Roy Settergren

Email: midwestsportandspine@gmail.com

Dr. Settergren is a former NCAA division 1 pole-vaulter who has gone one to work with the University of Illinois at Chicago athletic program. He also has a private practice treating athletes from the NFL, NBA, Olympics, and Ironman competitions. Dr. Settergren not only has a Master’s degree is exercise physiology, but is also certified as a strength and conditioning specialist, as a correctional exercise specialist, and as a performance enhancement specialist.  He is uniquely specialized to help CrossFitters not only recover from the aches and pains of CrossFit training, but to also counsel them on biomechanics and injury prevention. Dr. Roy is the resident Atlas ART (Active Release Technique) provider and can be reached by email at Rdsettergren@gmail.com for appointments and consultations.

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

Master’s of Science in Exercise physiology, Doctor of Chiropractic, NSCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist, NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist and Performance Enhancement Specialist, Certified Active Release Technique

Tim Morrison, Coach

Email: tfdm55@gmail.com

Tim comes to Atlas as a Level 2 certified CrossFit coach with the unique background as a career US swim coach.
He attended and coached at Ohio State University, graduating with a degree in exercise physiology. He coached some of the dominant teams in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, earning Coach of the Year honors. For the past ten years, Tim has owned and operated a fitness business in Chicago, utilizing CrossFit-style intensity to enhance the performance of his master swimmers and triathletes. In addition to coaching, Tim also authored one of the first swimming articles for the CrossFit Journal, which included 20 swim workouts. Tim has a passion for CrossFit training and has used its methodologies in his swim training and coaching throughout the years.

Tim is available for private swim coaching, please contact us if you would like more information about his sessions, both private and group. **

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

CrossFit Level 2

Jennifer Gizzi, Coach

Email: jennifer@atlascrossfit.com

An athlete since a very young age, Jennifer grew up in South Texas and has been constantly pursuing her passion for health and fitness in a variety of fitness fields.  Jennifer served as an officer in the United States Air Force after graduating from the Air Force Academy in 2001. Jennifer found CrossFit in 2008 while training for a 1/2 Ironman and hasn’t looked back since.  She believes CrossFit holds the key to every aspect of overall fitness and it has made her an overall better athlete in a daily fun and competitive environment.  Jennifer holds several CrossFit certifications including:

 Level 1, Olympic LIfting, Nutrition, Football, Endurance, and CrossFit Kids.  She also holds certifications under ACE guidelines as well as Pilates Mat Level 1 and TRX.

Jennifer is an avid endurance enthusiast and has competed in numerous half marathons, marathons, and 1/2 Ironman distance triathlons. Her background also consisted of several years as a NPC Figure Competitor.  Jennifer has a strong recognition for nutrition as being the essential building block to any successful fitness program and is available for nutrition consultations as well as individualized meal and diet planning.

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

CrossFit Football, CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Endurance, NSCA - CPT, NPTI, USAW level 1, Kettlebell Athletic, CrossFit Kids, TRX

Jessica Kuist, Coach

Email: Jessica@atlascrossfit.com

Jessica was one of the first members of Atlas CrossFit, starting with WODs at the track back in June of 2009.  As a former Division 1 track and cross-country athlete, Jessica never found anything as physically and mentally challenging or rewarding as running……until she found CrossFit.   She quickly learned that running a respectable 5k didn’t equate to overall fitness and was immediately inspired to leave her comfort zone and push through new mental and physical barriers with CrossFit.  Results were immediate and CrossFit’s varied workouts kept her from revisiting reoccurring running injuries and even helped her get over her fear of lifting weights (a car accident left her with a rod in place of her left femur which deterred her from attempting lifting, squatting, and lunging for fear of irritating something which would prevent her from running).
In June of 2010 Jessica was ACF’s Athlete of the Month.  Seven months later Jessica started in the coaching internship program.  Jessica is CrossFit Level 1 certified and looks forward to obtaining additional certifications as well as growing as a coach and athlete.  Jessica competed in Fight Gone Bad V, 2011 Ann Arbor Winter Challenge, 2011 CF Games North Central Sectional and was a part of the Atlas CrossFit Affiliate Team for the 2011 North Central CrossFit Games Regional Qualifier.
In addition to CrossFit, Jessica is an Associate and the Corporate Marketing Director for an Architectural/Engineering firm.  She spends her summers boating, wakeboarding and stand up jetskiing and on her snowboard in the winter months.   She feels so lucky to have found the CrossFit community and the Atlas family.

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

CrossFit Level 1

Emily Oby, Coach

Email: emily@atlascrossfit.com

Emily O’s CrossFit adventure began with the goal of a pull-up in 2008.  Over that summer, her pursuit of pull-ups turned into a broader pursuit of fitness. Ultimately that  lead to Emily embracing the training, competitions, nutrition and community that CrossFit embodies. Emily enjoys sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm as a L1 trainer.

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

CrossFit Level 1

Patrick Doyle, Coach

Email: patrick@atlascrossfit.com

After a remarkably sedentary 4 years spent attending college in New Orleans, Patrick entered the workforce determined to make fitness a priority and not get crushed by the Penske File. For a few years he bounced between several workout routines and MMA programs, but nothing held his interest long enough to stick. After stumbling around the gym aimlessly like a jabroni, Patrick stumbled across CrossFit.com in October 2008. It only took a few months before he was hook and converted to CrossFit full time.  With a focus on powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and mobility, Patrick hopes to help people constantly hit new PR’s and have fun while doing it.

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Nutrition Certification, USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach

Matt Goldstick, Coach

Email: matt@atlascrossfit.com

Matt was first introduced to CrossFit by his high school football coach shortly after he graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2007. After giving it a full commitment during the summer of 2008 while at the University of Virginia getting his Master’s in accounting, he was hooked. While his perils of being a public accountant limit his CrossFitting during the months of January, February, and March, he looks forward to kicking it into gear come April. When Matt’s not CrossFitting, you’ll likely find him out on the basketball court or softball field enjoying Chicago summers or on the slopes in Colorado during the winter. Matt hopes to bring his athletic experience and hard work mentality to Atlas CrossFit, while having as much fun as possible!

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

CrossFit Level 1

John Guilford, Coach

Email: john@atlascrossfit.com

While growing up, John pretty much played any sport he could get into, but never put too much emphasis on weightlifting until he and CrossFit bumped into each other.  After attending Michigan State University, John moved to Southern California and during the summer of 2009, was introduced to CrossFit by a friend.  After his first WOD, he was sweating, panting and laying on his back trying to make sense of why the workout was so much harder than any other he had been a part of.  Needless to say, he was immediately hooked.  John loves the challenge and community that CrossFit breeds and can see how it helps people in life everyday.  During his free time, he enjoys snowboarding, bodysurfing and being a part of any adventure that will keep him on his toes.

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

Crossfit Level 1

Mark Waller, Coach

Email: mark@atlascrossfit.com

Mark stumbled upon Crossfit on his way to the dry cleaners in the fall of 2009 and has never looked back since.  He loves Crossfit not just for the physical challenge and fitness aspect but for the friends and fun it brings him outside of his everyday life.  Since starting CrossFit, Mark became certified in CrossFit Level 1 and CrossFit Endurance.

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Endurance

Zack Strange, Coach

Email: zack@atlascrossfit.com

Growing up in Chicago, athletics played an integral part in Zack’s development. Honing his skills throughout his youth, Zack took his passion for Sport to the collegiate level where he played linebacker for the University of Redlands. After graduating in 2007 with a degree in Economics, Zack sought several outlets including endurance running, triathlons and weight-lifting to try and fill the void of competitive athletics. It was in this search that Zack stumbled upon Crossfit as a more efficient avenue to train and stay fit. After Crossfitting on his own for over a year, Zack discovered that the gains that he made in the competitive world of CrossfFt far exceeded any of the strength, speed and agility specific training he had done to date and completely redesigned his idea of fitness behind CrossFit’s General Physical Preparedness philosophy.
With a passion for athletics and for helping people get the most out of their bodies, Zack is dedicated to providing a motivating and effective training atmosphere.

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

CrossFit Level 1

Brendan Ziegler, Coach

Email: brendan@atlascrossfit.com

Brendan was first introduced to CrossFit while in college through a friend. His first WOD was the 3oo workout, and his desire for that level of intensity was sparked. It wasn’t until 2 years later that Brendan actually started working out in a CrossFit box. Once introduced to the full scale of CrossFit, a new obsession began, and he has been enthralled with CrossFit ever since.  Brendan decided to get into coaching in June after changing career focus from corporate america to CrossFit coach/personal trainer/group fitness instructor. Brendan’s favorite aspect of CrossFit is the community, competitiveness, intensity and constant variety of the workouts. Even as a DIII collegiate athlete (basketball),  no prior training had Brendan in the physical condition he is now, and he can’t wait to start to compete in upcoming CrossFit events.

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

AFAA group Fitness Certified, Kettlebell Athletics Level 1 Certified Coach, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, CrossFit Level 1

Vance Denning, TRX Coach

Email: vance@atlascrossfit.com

Originally from North Carolina, Vance has been training and coaching tennis performance athletes off and on for years. Vance loves being able to work with individuals and see the changes and improvements in the quality of life that they experience with a more active lifestyle. Her various training interests help athletes to be as well rounded as possible.

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

Crossfit Level 1, TRX Group Suspension Training

Kristin Seubold, Stretching Coach

Email: kristin.seubold@gmail.com

Kristin was first introduced to yoga during her college years at Northwestern University.
Prior to her introduction to yoga, she was a ballet dancer studying at the American
Ballet Theatre and as a member of The Civic Ballet of Chicago. It probably comes as no
surprise that she was drawn to the physical parallels between yoga and dance.

Kristin began Moksha Yoga Center’s Teacher Training Program with Daren Friesen in
September 2009 and is now a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT). She had the good fortune of
studying with many master teachers including Gabriel Halpern, Daren Friesen, and Tias
Little.

In each of her stretching classes, Kristin incorporates the knowledge gained from her
yoga training as well as her understanding of CrossFit movements (you can usually
find her at the box during the week at 6 AM). She addresses not only what inhibits the
movements, but also what may be affected after a challenging CrossFit WOD. Her class
is a welcome complement to the rigors of a CrossFit WOD and helps you create and
maintain your flexibility, which is a key component to your muscles’ strength and health.

Qualifications/Accomplishments:

Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT)