What is CrossFit?
CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. It was designed specifically to improve health & fitness.
All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these movements rare made up of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and more.
These movements move the largest loads the longest distances, so they are ideal for maximizing the amount of work done in the shortest time. By keeping intensity high you can preform more work in less time this combined with a constantly varied approach will help to lead to dramatic gains in fitness.
CrossFit is designed for all, and all workouts are scalable to suit the level of the participant.
Team Equip
Who We Are
Johnny
Head Coach/Affiliate Owner
Johnny is the head coach and affiliate owner of Equip CrossFit.
He started CrossFit in 2012 in an effort to be come stronger and fitter for rugby, little did he know he would eventually give up rugby and focus just on CrossFit. Open workout 12.1 was his first ever WOD.... 7 minutes of burpees and somehow after that he was hooked.
Johnny has been working as a personal trainer for over 10 years and is currently S&C coach for the NI Women's football team and Belfast Met Rugby & Football Academy’s.
His qualifications include - BSc Health & Leisure Studies, CrossFit® Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1), CrossFit® Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2), CrossFit Football, CrossFit Gymnastics, NASM Certified Personal trainer, NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist, NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist and Level 3 Nutrition.
Karl
Coach
With an athletics, football and bodybuilding background, Karl has over 20 years experience and training within the fitness industry, with physical performance having always been a passion.
This combined with decades of working across youth, family, faith and community sectors, working in many fields including learning disability, youth justice, mental health, substance misuse, drug education, suicide and self harm, Karl is a huge advocate for the benefits of good movement for mind, body and soul.
Karl has had his CrossFit®️ Level 1 since September 2021 and has experience of working with several boxes throughout the province and loves how CrossFit offers so many transferable skills to learn, lift and use in every other aspect of your life.
Caragh
Coach
Caragh’s sporting background is mainly in football, playing semi professionally for a number of years and representing the Northern Ireland national team from the age of 15. She discovered CrossFit when fellow coach Johnny Pedlow introduced her to it. Caragh immediately became addicted and quickly moved to competing in the sport of CrossFit.
She gained her CrossFit Level 1 in February 2018 to pursue coaching in order to help people become healthier and achieve goals beyond what they thought they were capable of.
Laura
Coach
Laura has been coaching CrossFit since 2019 having a background in sports and fitness from a young age, and most notably competing in badminton fro Down and Ulster.
After working as a Personal Trainer and manager in commercial fitness for many years, Laura was initially drawn to CrossFit for the more varied approach to exercise, the challenge of learning new movements and the friendly community in Equip CrossFit.
She now uses her years of experience and knowledge to create a safe, enjoyable experience for members of all abilities.
Matt
Coach
Matt started using CrossFit workouts late in 2012 as a way to vary training and in the pursuit of becoming a more well-rounded athlete. After stopping competitive sprinting he needed something that would fill the void of hard work and competitiveness. As former national level 400m sprinter Nancy seemed like a good place to start- 5 Rounds for time- 400m & 15 Overhead Squats 42.5kg. Little did he know that his successful sprinting career wouldn’t really help him out in this one. Matt has never looked back since.
He has worked as a Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer since 2010. With almost 10 years of knowledge and experience he has a passion for improving the health and quality of life for everyone.
Qualifications- Level 2 Active IQ for Fitness Instructing, Level 3 Active IQ Personal Training, Crossfit Level 1 trainer, certificate in UKSA Olympic Weightlifting, Level 1 IFA Coaching Qualification, BTEC Double award Diploma in Sport.
Rachel
Coach
Rachel started CrossFit in 2014 after Head Coach and brother Johnny convinced her it was a good idea.
Rachel enjoys playing hockey and her favourite movement is the Deadlift. Rachel had a gym background in fitness instructing before finding CrossFit. In October 2017 Rachel completed her Level 1.
Her qualifications include BSc Health & Leisure Studies, CrossFit® Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1) and OCR Level 2 Fitness Instructor
Conor
Coach
Conor's main sporting experience prior to CrossFit was football, playing at an amateur level up until 2014.
Conor dabbled in commercial gyms before starting CrossFit in 2015 and has tried a few local competitions over the years.
Conor completed his CL-L1 in 2019 and has enjoyed coaching members ever since.
Recently Conor has been mostly focussing on the Equip Barbell class and has really enjoyed seeing member's progress
John
Coach
John has been an avid CrossFit enthusiast since 2014 and gained his CF-L1 in September 2020. He has an infectious passion for the sport and is committed to helping others reach their fitness goals. John's approach to training is centred around the idea that you're only competing with yourself, and that fitness should be enjoyable and fulfilling. He prioritises having fun and staying motivated while striving towards his clients' goals.
John is a trainer who takes the time to understand each individual's unique needs and challenges. As part of the CrossFit community, John loves seeing his clients' progress and finds it incredibly rewarding to witness them unlocking new skills or achieving personal bests, regardless of whether they are seasoned athletes or just starting out.
Tara
Coach
Tara comes from a background of hockey, running and horse riding. She started CrossFit by complete accident entering the ‘Titanic Games’ in 2012 thinking it was ‘just a fitness comp’. She’s been hooked ever since!
Tara completed her CrossFit L1 in 2020 and since then has been coaching in Equip. Her main focus is the Equip Kids, Teens and Gymnastics speciality classes.
Her qualifications include - BA Sports Studies, CrossFit L1 Trainer, CrossFit Kids, CrossFit Gymnastics and CrossFit Weightlifting.