Our Keep Pulling Coach Spotlight is on Ben! (Insta: @movemassrunfast) He is a Keep Pulling Assistant Coach and coaches primarily out of our Tern Weightlifting club in Westchase!
☑Age/weight class:
29yo -69kg
☑Certifications, etc:
- B.A. Exercise Science with Minor in Sports Coaching
- Licensed Massage Therapist
- USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach
- CrossFit Level 1 & 2 Trainer
- CrossFit Movement & Mobility
- CrossFit Football
- CPR-AED & First Aid Certified
- Part of Clinical Athlete Network
☑Athletic background?
I grew up playing baseball and football, earned a black belt in karate, played rugby in college and even dabbled in CrossFit.
☑Fun fact about yourself?
I am an animal whisperer and I’ve rescued and rehabed abused or abandoned animals over the course of my life. From a baby robin and a Canadian goose to most recently fostering 4 kittens we found near a construction site.
☑How/when did you find Weightlifting?
While working on my strength and conditioning for rugby, I was doing power cleans regularly and some CrossFit. I started to notice how much more explosiveness I had from doing Olympic Weightlifting, so I started training with more of an emphasis towards it.
☑What is your favorite part about coaching?
Watching people bust through goals and set new ones.
☑Any advice for new Weightlifters?
Prioritize movement and build your strength gradually. Form follows function.
☑Who is your favorite Weightlifter?
Darren Barnes
☑Have you ever had a problem making weight?
Yes, haha I enjoy pizza and donuts. But, I typically stay around my weight.
☑What is your favorite lift?
Snatch, it’s not my best lift. So, I believe in focusing on my technique to help build a better base and increase my numbers.
☑What is your most memorable moment as a Weightlifter?
My first meet, everyone was so helpful and welcoming. Most sports don’t actively support one another’s success like the sport of Weightlifting. I can honestly say that’s what sold me — the fact that everyone wants to see the impossible done and it doesn’t matter who does it as long as someone is trying to exceed that.