Jeff Slaghter

Coach

TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.

I’ve lived in Hawthorn Woods with my wonderful wife and two boys for 17 years. I’ve worn many hats over the years – journalist, program manager, banking exec, and bar owner, among them. My current focus has brought me into the area of helping people improve their health.

HOW HAS CROSSFIT AFFECTED YOUR LIFE AND WHY DO YOU THINK IT HAS SUCH A POWERFUL IMPACT ON OTHERS?

I found CrossFit after tearing my hip labrum due to endurance running. I needed a new fitness modality, and, working with the coaches at Lykos, I was able to improve my movement patterns and strengthen my supporting musculature to not be limited by the injury. Eight years later, I’m still going strong.

But, really, what kept me coming back over the years is the community. You will simply not find a more supportive, friendly and welcoming group to help you achieve your self-improvement goals.

WHAT ARE YOU FAVORITE WOD’S AND LIFTS?

I used to love the all-out sprint WODs, but these days I really enjoy a good, long AMRAP where you can get your second, third and, heck, maybe a fourth, wind.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR LYKOS AND ITS MEMBERS?

It goes without saying that I want our members to continually improve their conditioning, strength, mobility and gymnastics skills. But that also needs to translate into an improved quality of life, which means having more energy, focus and confidence in everything they do. 

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

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..

John Moynihan

TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.

By day, I am a Physical Therapist helping those injured get back to moving and the things they love. When not working out or coaching, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé (Erin) and our fur-son (Campbell). I also enjoy traveling, trying new experiences, spending time with family and friends, and being outside.

HOW HAS CROSSFIT AFFECTED YOUR LIFE AND WHY DO YOU THINK IT HAS SUCH A POWERFUL IMPACT ON OTHERS?

I was first introduced to CrossFit while in PT school as an outlet to workout with some of my friends and forget about the business of life. As a former college athlete, working out by myself in a gym alone got old very quickly. I missed the atmosphere of working out with others and having healthy friendly competition. When I joined, it was evident that CrossFit was more than “just working out”, it was about the people you get to surround yourself with while getting better both physically and mentally. To me, CrossFit is all about the community. Everyone has the opportunity to perform some sort of fitness. But when you have the opportunity to do it around people who have the same goals and mindset as you, all while lifting each other up through health, wellness, and positivity; that is what makes CrossFit different from other training modalities.

CrossFit has also played an integral part in my treatment methods as a PT. One of my favorite sayings is that: We are all athletes in the game of life. Meaning, we have to be prepared for what life throws at us. CrossFit and functional fitness are a HUGE part of how we go about our daily lives when it comes to lifting things, carrying items, and all the other demands we put our bodies through. My passion for CrossFit and the close ties it has with physical therapy are one of the many reasons why I wanted to become a coach. 

WHAT ARE YOU FAVORITE WOD’S AND LIFTS?

Favorite WODs: Murph and 22.2 

Favorite Lifts: Deadlift and Bench

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR LYKOS AND ITS MEMBERS?

The best part about being a coach is seeing athletes as they progress. Whether it be someone's first pull-up or meeting a weight loss goal. Everyone starts somewhere different and we all get to celebrate each other's wins. I also look forward to getting to know our members more through social outings, dropping into different class times, or during community events.