Brighton Ambassadors
JOIN THE TEAM
Our Ambassadors
At CrossFit Brighton we have an amazing community of people that accomplish extraordinary achievements every day.
CFB Ambassadors are made up of a small number of members from the CFB community who are great role models of our gym. They embody everything we strive for at CrossFit Brighton.
Our ambassador program is a key component of the positive and supportive culture at CFB.
- Welcome new members into the classes
- Help organize community events
- Give feedback with programs
- Apparel design
- Continue to help build a positive and supportive community where members feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves.
MEET OUR
Amazing Team
Jan B
The biggest change since starting CrossFit is more muscle tone, which is really important as we get a little older.
Also an attitude of “I can do this” which has transferred to my daily life outside of the gym.
My favorite CrossFit moments are many after 10 years but I have to say the friendships and caring about each other…..
ABOUT JAN B
Hometown is Port Huron, MI
( but lived in Brighton for 32 years)
Outside of Crossfit I am married to Mark (comes to the early classes) and mom of two girls (adults!), Hanna and Erin.
I started Crossfit just over 10 years ago at age 50. My husband’s idea!
I had been a runner all my life, running the same miles at the same pace. Also attempted many triathlons and hikes.
The biggest change since starting Crossfit is more muscle tone, which is really important as we get a little older.
Also an attitude of “I can do this” which has transferred to my daily life outside of the gym.
My favorite Crossfit moments are many after 10 years but I have to say the friendships and caring about each other.
We have celebrated graduations and milestone birthdays as well as supporting each other through tougher chapters in our lives.
My current goal is Nutrition. The Nutrition Challenge was eye opening (without going into detail just as important as exercise)
If you are new to Crossfit my advice would be to learn correct form for the movements before challenging yourself with adding weight,
and there is always a modification if a movement is not yet possible!
JIM Z
I’m a US Army Infantry Paratrooper Veteran 1985-1988, and currently a Criminal Investigator Deputy U.S. Marshal of 30 years in AnnArbor/TASER Instructor/Firearms Instructor /Group Fitness Coordinator/Less Lethal Instructor …oh yeah, a dad of 3 and uhhhh, the other person in my wife’s marriage of 28 years….
ABOUT JIM Z
Hometown?
South Lyon
Who are you outside CFB?
I’m a US Army Infantry Paratrooper Veteran 1985-1988, and currently a Criminal Investigator Deputy U.S. Marshal of 30 years in AnnArbor/TASER Instructor/Firearms Instructor /Group Fitness Coordinator/Less Lethal Instructor …oh yeah, a dad of 3 and uhhhh, the other person in my wife’s marriage of 28 years….
When did you first start training at CrossFit Brighton?
I believe March of 2014
What is your sports & fitness background?
Played HS Baseball and Basketball and my FItness programming has been with the US Army and US Marshals Fitness Programs
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?
Well, a great question that really can’t be answered briefly, but when I first started I weighed 230lbs…and now I weigh (give or take ) 192lbs…it was not only weight loss that has taken place but my physical fitness level has transcended from March of 2014 till now and the knowledge of Nutrition as shared via CFB Nutrition Coaches,(macros/micros/portions, etc.) and it’s all attributed to not only myself but, the CFB Coaches and the CFB Community.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit Brighton moments?
LOL, There are many, getting off the bands from pull-ups, first double under, first HSPU, first rope climb in many years, first time i could write on the White Board “RX”,..just all the firsts throughout the years that actually continues today….but, a top favorite, I love to have breakfast with my fellow CFB Peeps after a WOD..nothing beats that fellowship….
What goal are you currently working towards?
Continue Minimizing my risk of Injury, to be honest, but, without circumventing my fitness level, if that makes sense…”Choose your weight smartly as the CFB Coaches say”
Any advice for people just getting started or new to CrossFit?
Every CFB Person has started from the beginning of foundations and started their CFB journey as only known to them…my advice that I can share, I was in my late 40s and was “sick and tired of being sick and tired” ..but I saw a note on the CFB website that said, “STOP THINKING ABOUT IT AND JUST DO IT”..so I did, and joined (true story) and have never looked back since. To those that are thinking about it right now reading this….CFB is Honestly a Great Community of Coaches and Members, that’s my reason I (we) continue our Fitness and Nutrition Journey, when you hear, “It’s the Best Hour of your Day”…you will understand what CFB all means….
Russell R
Being born and raised in Australia, Australian rules football was my team sport played up
until age 18, I later became an umpire (referee) and performed at the highest level of Aussie rules. I
ran the field, making decisions on rules, etc. It was and remains such an athletic sport
that kept you on the move for 120 minutes.
ABOUT RUSSELL R
Hometown?
Commerce Township
Who are you outside CFB?
I am a husband and father to three children. My wife Paola and I have been married for 22 years. I was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, and moved to Michigan with my company for a one-year assignment in 1989. Today I remain working for the same company with its HQ in Wixom. The company manufactures CNC Tool and Cutter Grinders, in Australia and ships them all around the World.. Our Wixom office is the North and South American sales and service office. I am in Sales and Management.
When did you first start training at CrossFit Brighton?
Approx. 2010 after short stints at the YMCA and other brand gyms. I wish I found CF earlier.
What is your sports and fitness background?
Being born and raised in Australia, Australian rules football was my team sport played up until age 18, and then when I realized, or I think I was told, I wasn’t that good at football. I later became an umpire (referee) and performed at the highest level of Aussie rules. I ran the field, making decisions on rules, etc. It was and remains such an athletic sport that kept you on the move for 120 minutes. I am famous (in my own right) for doing many televised games, this ended in 1989 when I moved to the USA.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since
starting CF (before/after)?
Hmm,
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit Brighton moments
When I first joined CFB I went to the back of the gym (still there today) to “hide”. Little did I know that there are many others wanting this position for similar reasons. On this one day, the WOD included Wall Balls. The WOD began, and I was next to this guy whom I didn’t know. During the Wall Ball count I noticed out of the corner of my eye that guy let go of the ball and it went at best 2 feet up the wall, I said out loud “You’re not going to count that one are you” he responded “It leaves my hands I am counting it”, today we both continue at CFB and become friends outside of CFB.
What goal are you currently working towards?
To still be attending CFB when I get to “Al,s” age and be as good as he is and committed.
Any advice for people just getting started or new to CrossFit?
The best hour of your day is truly when you walk into CFB door; it doesn’t matter the level of your fitness is; people at CFB don’t judge you, they in fact motivate you and are your best support. Monitor your performance on how you feel and the clock, don’t worry at about other members that may finish before you, enjoy the WOD and remember it’s a better option than the couch. And if you plan on coming to the 6 am class, stay away from the back left-hand corner, also known as Corrigan Corner.
Kelly K
Who are you outside CFB? I have 2 children and a husband all with weird Bulgarian names. I work for Michigan Medicine. I hate running but I signed up for races. I love laughing with fun people and having one more beer.
ABOUT KELLY K
Owosso, Mi.
Who are you outside CFB?
I have 2 children and a husband all with weird Bulgarian names. I work for Michigan Medicine. I hate running but I signed up for races. I love laughing with fun people and having one more beer.
When did you first start at CFB?
2018!
What is your sports and fitness background?
I was a star swimmer on my high school varsity team, specializing in the doggy paddle. I now live on a lake in Howell, Mi and I doggy paddle a few laps 0-7 days per week.
What sort of changes have you seen in your health, body and fitness since starting at CFB?
I’m in the best shape of my life and I’m strong enough now to where I think I can beat everybody at arm wrestling. Even if they’ve already bested me, I still think I can beat them the next time. It’s quite mad
really.
Please share with us your favorite CrossFit Brighton moments.
Anytime I lift something heavy. I love lifting heavy shit. My worst moments are every time I split the ass of my pants squatting.
What goals are you currently working towards?
Getting stronger, avoiding injury and living forever.
Any advice for people just getting started or new to CrossFit?
Regardless of what ails you, the day is always better after the gym.
Annie
I was here from the start and remember when the first shipment of equipment was dropped off. I obviously had to mark my territory, which didn’t make my human happy. Not sure why…
ABOUT ANNIE
My duties have included greeting all members and making sure they pat my head and give me a quick scratch. I feel this helps them get ready for whatever they do in the big space. I then go in the office for my nap. After a loud beep, I run out to the gym. The humans have an interesting new smell, they seem happier and more relaxed (I’m sure because I came in), then we take a group photo with me out front. I finish the day by checking out all the interesting smells in the gym.
I have passed on some of my duties to my pup, Cece. She is happy to take over my duties and you may see her a bit more than me. I’m enjoying my part-time retirement and will occasionally come to the gym to make sure everyone is doing well.