About Us
WE ARE MORE THAN A GYM
CrossFit Brighton
We opened our gym in 2008. We were the 3rd affiliate in Michigan and 1st in Livingston County. We have built a culture and community of people that are goal-oriented and motivated. We are privileged to build a fit community in Brighton and Livingston county.
Accountability & Motivation
CrossFit group classes are great because you don’t have to figure out what you are going to do when you walk into the gym. We handle that for you! Each day we have a different workout. Together, we go through a warm-up, skill session, and complete the Workout of the Day. We’ve seen members help each other in the gym, share healthy recipes, and meet outside of the gym. Our coaches provide instruction with proper form, accountability, and motivation.
Efficacy & Integrity
Our program is built on efficacy and integrity. Movements are infinitely scalable, which means that we can modify any movement to your skill and fitness level. Can’t do a push-up? Don’t worry! We can help you find an appropriate movement to replace it. Not ready for pull-ups? That’s okay! We can replace that movement with something else. We are here to help you succeed in reaching your goals!
MAKE THIS THE BEST HOUR OF YOUR DAY
Our Mission
Our mission is to make your time at CrossFit Brighton the best hour of your day. We want you to leave your worries at the door, be greeted by a friendly coach, have a conversation with a friend, turn the music up, break a sweat, and blow off some steam.
We are a community of amazing, positive people in a supportive environment. We welcome anyone of any background that is dedicated to making themselves better every day through functional movements, variance, and relative intensity. We believe that stronger is better and you will discover your strength.
Our philosophy is based on relative intensity training. We believe that you should define your intensity, work out according to your abilities and your current fitness level while striving to get a little better every day. We believe that you can do what you never thought possible.
We believe that proper nutrition is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle and combining that with a strength and conditioning program will lead to optimal fitness. We believe that good or easy will not suffice. You will raise your “average” and become a better version of yourself.
What we offer is simple: quality, world-class coaching, and accountability in fitness and nutrition with awesome people.
MEET OUR
Fully Qualified Instructors
Chris Tamer
Chris is the owner and general manager at CrossFit Brighton. A husband and father of three, Chris is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he played varsity hockey.
ABOUT CHRIS
After graduating from U of M, he played professional hockey for the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers and Atlanta Thrashers over a period of twelve years. He credits off-ice strength training as a key factor for maintaining the high level of fitness required of him to play professionally for so many years.
“I’ve always loved using the off-season for strength and conditioning training. My goal was to train harder than the hardest game or practice I would encounter during the season. I still and always will enjoy working out. CrossFit’s training methodology has opened my mind to a challenging and effective training program. Two great aspects of my work are working with the great people in our community and helping members increase their fitness levels. Every person in the gym is dedicated, hard working. It is a great pleasure to see such positive results in OUR gym.”
Certifications/Education:
- University of Michigan Alumni
- NHLPA Association Member
- Detroit Red Wing Alumni
- USA Sports Performance Coach
- USA Hockey Level 4 Coach
- CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
- CrossFit Kettlebell Certified Instructor
- CrossFit Barbell Certified Instructor
What would the members in your class say about you?
I think what most people would say about me is, “I don’t know if he is serious or joking.”
John Tamer
John is the general manager and head coach of CrossFit Brighton. He joined CrossFit Brighton in March 2008 after years of being on the road selling medical devices.
ABOUT JOHN
Through his training, he saw remarkable improvements in his athletic performance in a short period of time and was sold on the benefits and programming style of CrossFit. John played elite-level hockey his whole life and spent three years in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League), so it was natural for him to be involved in a high-intensity fitness program. He started coaching at CFB soon after.
“When I played competitive hockey, I pushed myself to be a better, stronger athlete every day. Now, my drive comes from coaching our members and seeing improvements in their performance and overall health.”
John also runs the CrossFit Kids program and is heavily involved in the recruitment, programming and development of local high school athletes and teams. He’s well-known around CFB for his ability to encourage and motivate our members no matter their level of experience.
He has three grown children, a grandson and was recently married. He lives in Brighton with his wife, so he can be as close as possible to the “box.”
Certifications/Education:
- CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
- CrossFit Mobility certification
- CrossFit Olympic Lifting certification
- CrossFit Kids certification
Jodi Laakso
Jodi found CrossFit soon after she graduated from Minnesota State University with a degree in Interior Design and a 4-year D–1 women’s college hockey experience.
ABOUT JODI
She’s now married with two young children and lives in Howell.
Jodi has been an athlete her entire life and shortly after joining Crossfit Brighton she was able to fill the “missing void” of being a competitive athlete. Jodi started competing as a CrossFit athlete. She competed in numerous local competitions and earned a spot to compete on a team at the 2011 Crossfit Games. Since then she has had two children so she has shifted to being a stay at home mom and uses CrossFit to stay in shape to keep up with the kids.
“It seems backwards to me that I am in the best shape of my life now rather than when I was a competitive hockey player and college athlete. I step on the ice now and I’ve never felt as strong or as fast. The versatility of the training program at CrossFit Brighton is amazing. The family atmosphere and commitment level of each and every member to come to the gym and push themselves beyond limits is very inspiring. It doesn’t matter who you are or what kind of shape you’re in, this program can accommodate. I truly believe in it.”
Certifications/Education:
- USA Hockey Level 3 coach
- 2011 Crossfit Games competitor
- College team captain 2006-2008
- Most Valuable Player award 05-06 hockey season
- Minnesota State University alumni
- WCHA Scholar Athlete-4 years
- Crossfit Olympic lifting certification
- Crossfit level 1 certification
What’s your CrossFit Superpower?
I really like barbell WODs 🙂
Jill Donovan
Jill has been a CFB member since November of 2009. Since then CrossFit has become more than just her workout, but rather a lifestyle adaptation.
ABOUT JILL
“CrossFit gives you a formula to achieve your highest level of physical fitness. It prescribes form, loads, reps, stretching, nutrition and lends a chance for growth in integrity and character.”
Jill graduated from U of M, teaching English and history and coaching Cross Country to jr. high students. As a high school athlete, she ran cross-country and track, and played softball. Married and a mother of two sons, Jill values the importance of functional, full range of motion movement and the drive and endurance to keep up with her family. When you improve as an athlete at CrossFit, you will find that it instantly carries over into your life outside the gym.
“The best part of being a trainer at CFB is seeing our members succeed. I love to see the hard work and effort and the gains made by our athletes. It’s a great community here within our gym and every day I look forward to walking through the door. I am thankful for the abilities and experiences CrossFit has given me and look forward to sharing my passion with our members.”
Certifications/Education:
- CrossFit Level 1 Certification
- CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
- CrossFit Olympic Lifting Certification
- CPR Certified
- University of Michigan Alumni
- University of Michigan Angell Scholar
What got you interested in CrossFit in the first place?
I tried CFB due to some coaxing from my husband, who was a member a year before I was. I was very intimidated and nervous at first (still get nervous, sometimes) but I was so empowered with the sense of getting in better shape and learning all these new “things” that I became very dedicated to showing up. I love the efficiency of what CFB can pack into an hour.
Darin Spencer
Darin grew up as a naturally competitive person who likes physical activity, playing soccer and volleyball through high school, and earning her black belt…
ABOUT DARIN
Darin grew up as a naturally competitive person who likes physical activity, playing soccer and volleyball through high school and earning her black belt certification in Tae Kwon Do. So in 2011 as a stay at home mom, the “regular” gym wasn’t cutting it. She found CrossFit Brighton and the minute she got her hands on a barbell she was hooked.
She needs a challenge to keep her interested and likes that it’s hard to perfect CrossFit, because there’s always room for growth and improvement with form and function.
With a background in project management in the mortgage/credit industry for nearly 20 years, coaching was a natural progression for her.
“I enjoy the CFB community as much as the sport. Our athletes are my friends that I (many times) spend more time with them than family. Who doesn’t want to help their friends succeed and improve? I’ve always considered myself to have a decent eye for movement and a realistic way to translate that to normal English. Form and function in a sport can be complicated to explain, so I wanted to be able to help the athletes that can’t always translate that language to movement.”
Certifications/Education:
- CrossFit Level 1 certification
What’s your go-to WOD playlist?
My favorite wod music is definitely 90’s/2000’s pop/rap and members will always catch me dancing around the room! I just have fun being at the gym and watching our members grinning ear-to-ear when they reach a PR or correctly perform a movement. Sometimes that means I have to bust out a song.
Darcie Donaldson
With a background as a flight attendant and in recreational programming, Darcie has been a part of CrossFit Brighton since the Fall of 2011.
ABOUT DARCIE
After starting a family with her husband Jason, she coached basketball and soccer with her kids Jackson and Josephine) and got in involved with triathlons. After competing in the Steelhead Half Ironman in 2009 she searched for a fun way to stay fit and active. She signed up to compete in a Tough Mudder race and was worried about rope climbs, monkey bars and obstacles to do with upper body strength. It led her to CrossFit Brighton.
“I remember being so sore for the first two months, but I still kept coming back. Everywhere I looked there were strong, powerful men and women doing real pull ups, toes to bar, muscle ups and lifting an incredible amount of weight over their heads. It was humbling but inspiring. Now, I’ve formed a bond with those people through the laughs, sweat and motivation to push each other further. I truly found my family here.”
Certifications/Education:
- CrossFit Level 1 certification
- CrossFit Kids certification
- Precision Nutrition Certification
- Healthy Steps Nutrition Course Certification
Nels Helminen
By day, Nels is a handyman who works for his family business. After work, Nels can be found coaching or training at CrossFit Brighton.
ABOUT NELS
“Nels definitely practices what he preaches. He works hard and is always working on improving himself.”
He has always been active and enjoys playing hockey. Nels enjoys time with his dog, likes to travel and reads books.
Jennifer Taiariol
Jen has been a part of the CrossFit Brighton community for 10 years and is our longest-serving member. She has three sons, Jake, Nick, and Joey…
ABOUT JENNIFER
She has three sons, Jake, Nick and Joey who all have been a part of CFB at one time or another as well as her husband Dino who just joined this year. During her tenure at CFB, she earned her Doctorate degree in Educational Psychology and utilized CFB for its stress management benefits. She also plays hockey at Kensington Valley on a women’s team.
“I love the CrossFit community and the impact it has had on my entire family. The health benefits and the sense of family and community are the reasons why I’ve been here for so long. I also enjoy the time working with new members to ease their transition into the CFB family.”
Larry Getz
I have been a part of the Crossfit community for a number of years and I have grown to appreciate the effect that Crossfit has…
ABOUT LARRY
I have been a part of the Crossfit community for a number of years and I have grown to appreciate the effect that Crossfit has, not only, on our individual health, but also the connection to our community. Crossfit has changed millions of lives for the better. I have been passionate about fitness, athletics, and teaching my whole life and in concert with my career in the military, I recognize that Crossfit can strengthen us both physically and mentally. I have served in the Navy for almost 30 years and have commanded both squadrons and ships. I have flown in combat and been a part of high performing teams in unforgiving environments. I consider myself blessed to have worked on these missions with great Americans. The Crossfit community has had a similar impact on my life. Working together with great people on a purposeful mission of fitness, health and mindset is also a blessing.
Chris and John have given me the opportunity to coach and improve lives, and I take this duty very seriously. I am honored to be a part of Crossfit Brighton and a part of this family. My goal here is to be a value to CFB and its members and make this a place people want to be.
Certifications/Education:
University of San Diego
National War College
CF-L1
All-Navy Baseball
Michelle Brant
Michelle is a graduate of Michigan State University and resides in Brighton with her husband
Andrew, a CrossFit Brighton member, and two children.
ABOUT MICHELLE
In High School, Michelle competed in both Cross County and Track and coached Youth Soccer.
As her kids started school, she realized how much she missed team sports and looked to fill that
void.
“When joining the box in 2018, I started with one day a week and soon after, upped my
membership to unlimited. This sport has provided me with a competitive outlet and continually
challenges me each time I walk in the door. That, coupled with the supportive team
atmosphere, motivated me to pursue coaching and a nutrition certification 2021.”
Michelle serves as a CrossFit Kids Coach and Nutrition Coach.
Education and Certificates:
Michigan State University Bachelor of Arts, Political Science- Prelaw
Michigan Political Leadership Program Fellow, Michigan State University
Women Are Not Small Men Course Certification
Healthy Steps Nutrition Course Certification
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Favorite Type of CrossFit Workout:
Anything with running, pull-ups or burpees and loud hair band music!
Favorite CrossFit Moment:
Completing Murph in 2021 with unassisted pull-ups.
Sam
Sam spent her undergraduate school years at Eastern Michigan University playing D1 volleyball. She then earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Michigan.
ABOUT SAM
“Movement is medicine”
Sam spent her undergraduate school years at Eastern Michigan University playing D1 volleyball. She then earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Michigan. She currently works in her hometown as a PT utilizing movement to help improve an individuals quality of life. If you see someone randomly doing handstand walks after class, it’s most likely Sam.
“CrossFit is the best part of my day. It promotes lifelong functional fitness and has made me stronger mentally and physically. After retiring from collegiate sports, I really missed having a team environment. Here at CFB, I have found my new favorite team!”
Certifications/Education:
•CrossFit Level 1 Certification
•Doctorate of Physical Therapy – University of Michigan
•B.S. Kinesiology – Eastern Michigan University
•Licensed Physical Therapist
•Dry Needling Certification
Melissa
Melissa has been a member of CFB since 2018. She has a background in healthcare and loves being in the gym.
ABOUT MELISSA
Annie
Annie has been the gym dog for the first 10 years of CrossFit Brighton’s existence. She has been there since the start and always enjoyed jumping…
ABOUT ANNIE
Annie has been the gym dog for the first 10 years of CrossFit Brighton’s existence. She has been there since the start and always enjoyed jumping in the truck to go to the gym. She now chooses her dog bed at home for morning naps but occasionally will come to the gym. She is handing off her “dog duties” to her daughter Cece. Cece is always excited to run around the gym chasing her ball, greet members when they walk in and pose for an occasional group picture.