Gene Maccarini
I am a son, a brother, an uncle, a husband, a father, a firefighter. I am a CrossFitter! I was introduced to CrossFit by my friend and co-worker, Tyson Barela, five years ago and have been doing it since. It just made sense and it has changed my life forever! I did the workouts on my own for 4 years and thought it was absurd to join a CrossFit gym when I can do the workouts for free on the website. My wife won a free week membership to CrossFit Double Diamond in Evans and I went with her to check it out. I was amazed at the level of instruction we received, the encouragement they provided, the camaraderie with the other athletes, and how much I had to learn about the movements and the program. Both my wife and I were hooked and became members until we moved back to Fort Collins. Even my 3 year old son loved it and would ask to do a workout after we were done. He has got the best burpee form I have ever seen! That right there is what it is all about. Instilling an appreciation of fitness and health into someone’s life. Whether you are 3 years old or 100, an experienced athlete or just starting, CrossFit IS FOR YOU! The increased workload capacity, weight loss, improved health, proper fuel selection (food), is all secondary to the relationships, social interactions and fun that you will have at a CrossFit gym.
So why are we here? Jon McKeon competed at the 2009 CrossFit Rocky Mountain Regional qualifiers and came back so inspired by what he saw there that he asked me, no he insisted, that we need to open our own affiliate. I agreed and it has been a long rewarding road to opening up Evolve. The people we have met during this journey have made this a unique and gratifying experience. We are very appreciative of the help we received from CrossFit Double Diamond, the Chan family at CrossFit Verve, CrossFit Battle Ready, and most importantly our family and friends. I am a BETTER son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and firefighter because of CrossFit. My goal as a trainer is to provide to you a rewarding and fun CrossFit experience and facilitate your training to meet your health and fitness goals. Last but not least, I thank Jon for talking me into this!
Jon McKeon
I'm Jon and I've been a firefighter here in Fort Collins since 2005. I was introduced to CrossFit in 2006 by Gino while at work. At first I was unsure at how CrossFit would help me. Workouts are supposed to be predictable, be completed in 3 sets of 10 reps, and are broken down into chest and tri's, back and bi's, and shoulders and legs...or so I thought. As I saw the change in my strength and conditioning, I wanted more. I combed CrossFit.com learning all I could from articles, posts, and workout demos. I quickly learned how functional fitness related not only to my job but to everyday life. My performance on the fireground improved, and my performance in life improved. I'm an avid moutnain biker, have raced in several 12-hour adventure races, and run 2 half marathons in the past 4 years. CrossFit was the foundation of my training for all these events. In 2009 I competed in the Rocky Mountain Regional CrossFit Games. It was an experience that changed me. I had worked out on my own, earphones on, following the free workout on the website with no coaching. At the games I realized what I had been missing by not working out at an Affiliate. Not only was I missing out on coaching, I was missing out on the community that comes with working out at a CrossFit Affiliate. This was the beginning of CrossFit Evolve. My goal is to help you find a level of fitness you've never had, while fostering a supportive and encouraging CrossFit community. Come see what CrossFit Evolve can help you do!
Tyson Barrella
Hello there, my name is Tyson. I work with Gene and Jon as a firefighter with PFA, and I have also been in the “fitness industry” for around 10 years now. I started at CSU earning a degree in Health and Exercise Science. After college, I worked for a company selling fitness equipment, and shortly thereafter, I moved on to personal training at a Globo Gym. While training, I heard about CrossFit and thought I would give it a try. I was immediately hooked and began to pass the word around to all of my firehouse co-workers. The rest, as they say, is history.
After experiencing many benefits from CrossFit myself and seeing the changes it has made in other people’s lives, I have become a believer in the CrossFit program and its philosophies. Constantly varied and functional movements done properly can benefit anyone in any walk of life. My wife recently started CrossFit, thanks to the new Evolve Gym. In the past, she did not enjoy lifting weights, and often avoided it. Now she can’t wait for the WOD’s and loves to challenge herself with new movements. When my 3-year-old son wakes up from his nap, he asks if we can go to the Evolve gym to exercise. I love that my family will grow up in a healthy atmosphere that will challenge them and teach them to take care of their bodies. I am also thankful that Gene and Jon have given me the opportunity to carry on their passion of CrossFit as a trainer in their gym. My hope is to be an encouraging coach to all CrossFitters and create a comfortable environment to learn and grow.
Drew Trani
Hey, my name is Drew. While serving in the Marine Corps across the country and world I became captivated with fitness. Like many young Marines, I found myself going to the gym in order to “get big”. I would spend hours in the gym socializing and lifting as much weight as I could, but it always felt like a chore and was never fun. I also dreaded the required 3-mile runs that would give me shin splints every time. While in Japan, I started to train in mixed martial arts and Muay Thai kickboxing. I had a training partner who was never out of breath when fighting and I was always jealous and curious as to how he managed three five-minute rounds without being out of breath. His answer was CrossFit. I started to train with him and could not understand how I saw such great improvements only spending 30 minutes at the gym. One thing that I did know was that I was hooked and needed more information and more CrossFit. I found the only box in Japan and started to go as much as I could. It was there that I received my Level 1 and CrossFit Endurance Certifications. Once I was certified, I used my newly found skills to develop specific programs to train Marines to reach their health and fitness goals. After five years of being in the Marines, I was ready to move back to Colorado in order to finish school. I first started at CrossFit Evolve in April 2010 and found a great family that really pushes my training to the next level. I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to train my fellow Evolvers, and to do whatever it takes to help you reach your fitness goals.
Ryan Garcia
"The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way."
My name is Ryan Garcia, I was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, I spent 5 years in the Marine Corps, and I always used to think I was a decent athlete. I felt like my physical fitness capacity was well rounded, efficient, and most of all, elite. It wasn't until 2008 that I was introduced to Crossfit, and a rude awakening. It was my last year in the Marine Corps, and I heard about Crossfit through a buddy of mine. Even while in the Marines I still had a lot of time on my hands, so the majority of my afternoons and evenings were spent in the gym on base. I followed the main site workouts on my own whenever I went to the gym, and was soon feeling like I was on to something good. I was slowly becoming hooked. I got out of the Marine Corps in October of 2008, and returned to Colorado. I joined 24 hour fitness the first day I got home, and continued my solo Crossfit show in the midst of ellipticals, stairmasters, calf machines, and pec decks. I had only been exposed to Crossfit for 3 months when I assumed I was at the peak of my physical fitness, and signed up to compete in the Regional Crossfit games in Denver. I signed up for the games in February which gave me roughly 3 months of time to prepare. To make a long, painful, and rather humbling experience short and sweet, I competed in the games, and got absolutely crushed.
The competition was my first exposure to an actual Crossfit environment, and even though my body and my pride took a beating that weekend, I learned a lot, and was even more addicted to Crossfit. Despite my disappointment in my performance, (or lack thereof) from the games, I re-evaluated my training methods, and almost became obsessed with trying to find out what the elite Crossfit athletes had that I lacked, and have been continuing to do so ever since then.
When the opportunity came to join Evolve in April of 2010 I was ecstatic to begin sharing my obsession and enthusiasm with others. The initial appeal to join an affiliate was obviously my passion for Crossfit and fitness in general, but the other draw that attracted me was being able to be a part of the community from day 1. Jon and Gene are great individuals, and all of the athletes I train with on a daily basis are incredible as well. I look forward to continue growing as an athlete and a coach, and will greatly enjoy having the privilege of sharing my experiences and knowledge with others.
Nader Jabbour, Physical Therapist
Hi there, my name is Nader. I have the privilege of working with Gene, Jon, and Tyson as a firefighter for PFA here in Fort Collins. Though I have been a part of the fire service for a short period of time, it was my passion for this career that lead me to CrossFit. My goal was to become as physically fit as possible to prepare for this new job and specifically, the physical agility test you must pass to apply. I thought having a bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science from CSU, a doctorate of physical therapy, and a good background in athletics I would be able to train myself without too much difficulty. Needless to say CrossFit was a humbling experience, but very much a rewarding and challenging one to this day. I am honored and excited to join the team at Evolve and offer my skills to help the athletes achieve their fitness goals as safely as possible. What makes this gym special is not the facility, but the people. I can tell you first hand that this is a group of coaches that are dedicated to the complete well being of their athletes. Their understanding of biomechanics, functional training, anatomy, kinesiology and the concept of individualizing a training program based on the athlete’s needs, skill level and goals blows me away. To me this is more than joining a gym; it’s more like joining a family and community and I am honored to be a part of it.
Jenna Presley
Hey! My name is Jenna P. I recently just graduated from CSU with a Bachelors degree in Health and Exercise science. But needless to say to get to where I am today was difficult. I had no idea where my study of expertise was going to be. After a few degree changes I finally found the perfect skills for me to focus on. FITNESS! I am totally in Love with Crossfit; some people would say it's an addiction. From day one of my experience with Crossfit I knew it was my thing. I always knew I had a craving for fitness and well being. So a few years back I got myself into doing figure competitions. I would lift and elliptical my butt off thinking I was getting myself somewhere, practically starving myself with the same boring chicken, broccoli and rice for every meal, and competing on stage to see who looks the best. Turns out that wasn’t the right thing for me. I was looking for something new. When I finally figured out what I wanted to do with my schooling, I began taking the prerequisites for my degree. In one of my intro to health and wellness classes I was introduced to Crossfit. Amazing! It was perfect timing and a few days later I got into it. I would try and do things on my own or go to a few gyms to attempt a Crossfit workout, didn’t work out so much. I finally found Crossfit-Evolve. This is where I have practically spent my whole career of Crossfitting! I love this place so much; it’s my second family, all the athletes, the amazing coaches! Eventually, I decided that I wanted to get my Crossfit Level 1 Certificate. I wanted to expand my knowledge of this sport. And I knew it would not only help me with my training but I would be able to coach and help others with Crossfit. Shortly after, I realized I had to do a few internships to get college credit for my degree. When I found that out I immediately thought to myself, I want to intern at Evolve! Talked to Jon and Gene and soon enough I was helping out at the gym. One of the best experiences I have had to date. I loved it! That brings me to where I am today. This is a great opportunity to have as an athlete myself and now as a coach, to be able to coach and guide our amazing family at Evolve!
