Our Team
sarah ferolo
owner / coach
crossfit kids
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
I’m a stay at home mom with three kids, two cats, ten chickens, and a dog (who loves to join us at the gym). I love craziness, so another fur baby or future baby?? TBD. I love being active and don’t like to sit still. Date nights with my husband, girls night out, traveling, and sporting events, are how I like to enjoy my free time.
HOW HAS CROSSFIT EFFECTED YOUR LIFE AND WHY DO YOU THINK IT HAS SUCH A POWERFUL IMPACT ON OTHERS?
It has gotten me in the best shape of my life. I’m healthier and more active in my 30s than I was in my 20s. I think there is always something to improve on and personally, the competitive aspect (whether I’m working against my personal goals or with other athletes) keeps me addicted and looking for the next challenge.
WHAT ARE YOU FAVORITE WOD’S AND LIFTS?
I love partner workouts and long Chippers. My favorite lift is the squat snatch.
WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR LYKOS AND ITS MEMBERS?
My goal is getting members to attend class regularly and making it the best part of their day.
renato garcia
coach
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
I’m a software director during the day, weightlifting & CrossFit coach at night… a full time husband and dad to 3 future weightlifters.
HOW HAS CROSSFIT EFFECTED YOUR LIFE AND WHY DO YOU THINK IT HAS SUCH A POWERFUL IMPACT ON OTHERS?
I still remember my very first CrossFit WOD – baseline. It was 500m row + 40 air squats + 30 sit-ups + 20 pushups and 10 pull-ups. I always considered myself in “good shape”, but on my 4th pull-up, reality caught up! CrossFit has really given me an avenue to pursue functional fitness. As a coach, i get to encourage and help people enjoy their fitness journey.
WHAT ARE YOU FAVORITE WOD’S AND LIFTS?
Anything that involves a barbell, under 6mins and no burpees.
WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR LYKOS AND ITS MEMBERS?
To make each and every class be the best 1 hour of their day.
AND FINALLY, WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE CROSSFITTER?
Sara Sigmundsdottir.
amanda feo
coach
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
I have been a member at CrossFit Lykos for several years now and have truly grown to love the sport of CrossFit more and more every year. My passion for CrossFit has led me to pursue getting my CrossFit L-1 Certification. I could not be happier to have joined our amazing team of Coaches here at Lykos. Besides coaching, I am a full time Real Estate Agent with Baird & Warner in Lake Zurich. I train for marathons, enjoy spending time with my friends and family, love music, enjoy cooking and love to travel.
HOW HAS CROSSFIT EFFECTED YOUR LIFE AND WHY DO YOU THINK IT HAS SUCH A POWERFUL IMPACT ON OTHERS?
I must say, starting my journey in CrossFit has truly changed my life for the better. I was always very active throughout my childhood and into adulthood but never found that "thing" that I was really into or passionate about. CrossFit was something that challenged me every time I came to class. I enjoyed learning new movements, working out with amazing people, and pushing myself to get better and better. The impact CrossFit has had on my life is something very special to me. I love the mental and physical grind every single day. Being surrounded by other like-minded people has also been so inspiring to me. The CrossFit community is unlike any other. Not only has CrossFit helped me get in the best physical shape I've ever been in, but it has helped me so much in my personal goals. Incorporating the gym in my day-to-day life has played a huge role in how disciplined I am in my career and personal goals as well.
WHAT ARE YOU FAVORITE WOD’S AND LIFTS?
My favorite WOD would probably be just any HERO WOD. Murph might be my favorite. My favorite lift is Squat Snatch.
WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR LYKOS AND ITS MEMBERS?
I would love to continue to see the growth of Lykos and the impact it has on all of our members. It is a very special place to me, and I hope it is to our members as well!
ryan christopoulos
coach / crossfit kids
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
By day, I am an 8th grade science teacher. When I’m not teaching or at the box, I love spending time with my wife and son as well as doing renovations and projects on our home in Lake Zurich.
HOW HAS CROSSFIT EFFECTED YOUR LIFE AND WHY DO YOU THINK IT HAS SUCH A POWERFUL IMPACT ON OTHERS?
I’ve always played sports growing up through high school and college, so when I graduated and got out into the real world there was definitely a void. It’s given me the competitive and team atmosphere I’d been looking for while also keeping me in shape for the rest of my life. CrossFit has the unique ability to prepare people for the unknown and unknowable. This can be crucial for us physically and mentally in our lives.
WHAT ARE YOU FAVORITE WOD’S AND LIFTS?
Favorite Girl WOD has to be Helen. Otherwise anything with gymnastics. Favorite lifts are Deadlift and Squat Clean.
WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR LYKOS AND ITS MEMBERS?
I want our members to be able to look back on their progress and say “I never thought I would be able to do THAT!”. Additionally, I love walking into the box and see the socializing that takes place before, during, and after a workout. You don’t find that in many other gyms outside the CrossFit community.
jeff wright
coach
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
Day job, Manager of Asset Management for Zurich North America. While not at Zurich or at Lykos, I am trying to keep up with my wife (Karrie) and (3) Isabelle, Anderson, Keira talented and beautiful children, either on soccer pitch, track and field meet or outside with my youngest.
HOW HAS CROSSFIT EFFECTED YOUR LIFE AND WHY DO YOU THINK IT HAS SUCH A POWERFUL IMPACT ON OTHERS?
My journey into CrossFit, started as recommendation from my wife (Karrie), she had been going for a few weeks and really thought I would like it. Prior to attending my first CrossFit class I was finishing physical therapy from major trauma accident to my shoulder do to bike accident during Triathlon. Before Triathlon, I was into motorsports, motorcycles, wave runners, snowmobiles, boating, grew up playing soccer, tennis, volleyball, baseball, football, softball (12” and 16”).
When I think of CrossFit and Lykos I think of, super-human athletes, community, foundation, fitness, hard work, dedication, failure humility and success. While most mainstream community focus on CrossFit’s elite athletes and their accomplishments of pushing human limits. Many may not know CrossFit roots itself in functional /mental fitness, preparing people for the unknown, unknowable and readiness of life events.
WHAT ARE YOU FAVORITE WOD’S AND LIFTS?
Favorite WODs are Murph, Isabel, otherwise any chipper. Lifts: Squat Snatch or Clean and Jerk
WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR LYKOS AND ITS MEMBERS?
Most rewarding, as a coach is watching member’s meet their goals, learn a new skill(s) or look on their face when they realize they make heavy lift, or finish workout. Goal, continue to grow our within community of Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods and Long Grove and help members achieve their fitness and life goals.
kelly ryan
crossfit kids
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
II am a third-grade teacher where I also facilitate a running club and fitness club at my school. I have a son and daughter, we are a super active family and we are always on the go! I enjoy playing soccer, traveling, hiking, and seeing the world. I believe that experiences allow you to really grow as a person.
HOW HAS CROSSFIT EFFECTED YOUR LIFE AND WHY DO YOU THINK IT HAS SUCH A POWERFUL IMPACT ON OTHERS?
I was hesitant to join 10 years ago. As a collegiate athlete, I felt like I was in pretty good shape until I walked into a CrossFit gym and saw people doing pull ups, double under and snatching heavy weights. It gave me a new purpose to work for post college and still drove my competitive personality. It also surrounded me with like minded people. By doing so, not only have I become knowledgeable in CrossFit, but health in general. It has changed my life. I also love the community aspect of it. I have met some amazing friends through CrossFit.
WHAT ARE YOU FAVORITE WOD’S AND LIFTS?
Cleans are my favorite lift. I love box jumps and running too!
WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR LYKOS AND ITS MEMBERS?
My goal for our Lykos Community is for everyone to become better versions of themselves. By doing so, we know that it is the people at our gym that truly make a difference. The ones who stay to cheer you on as you complete a grueling workout you thought you never would finish. Encouraging someone getting their first double under, pull up, muscle up. Or just simply enjoying each other’s company at our Lykos nights and family friendly events..