ROBERTO LAFONT

My fitness journey started in 2017 when I walked into my first CrossFit box and was instantly hooked. I had some athletic ability from playing sports growing up but that was many years ago. Being new to CrossFit I was intimidated initially because I saw all these people do some amazing lifts and movements I had no idea how to do. As I focused on the fundamentals, I realized I was capable of doing movements I never thought possible for me.

I was consistent in showing up 4 -5 times a week and the results were amazing. Over the first few months I dove into what is CrossFit and the methodology of how, at that time, this mythical workout program was changing my life. The impact the coaches had on my life was insurmountable. After about a year I wanted to help others the same way these amazing coaches helped me. I started finding ways to improve Soldier's lives in my Unit and even the Florida Army National Guard. Coaching a wide spectrum of people from different walks of life had its challenges but I matured and grew in my experience and knowledge. I had the opportunity to assist my wife in coaching an 18's National Volleyball team and was able to witness the lack of physical fitness these students received in school.

Even though the athletes had talent and won, I noticed the level of fitness the student-athletes had was lacking. I was able to work with some of the players increasing their level of fitness that was heading to play on the collegiate level. It was awesome seeing the players work hard on their skills and be rewarded on the collegiate level. When Green Cove CrossFit opened up, I was allowed to coach each week with a wide range of athletes. Over the past couple of years, I have witnessed some inspirational members consistently show up, lose weight, build strength, get their first Rx on a workout, and celebrate every other win in between. I have been affected by so many athletes over the years of coaching, I continue to enhance my knowledge and ability to de...

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Throughout my life, there have been a series of events that I suppressed which I never dealt with which transpired into depression, anger, and frustration. My coping mechanisms were not healthy which brought on other challenges. As I hit rock bottom, I was forced to quit drinking, drastically change my nutrition, and even stop all contact with the people I was surrounding myself with. I started to lose weight and regain some focus at work, on my family and faith. I knew there was still a lot more work to be done.

I was so nervous walking through the doors of my first Crossfit gym but after a few minutes of being there I felt like I found a second family. The community and people inspired me so much that I spent most of my free time at the gym. Since going to the gym I noticed drastic changes in my mental, emotional, and physical health. Because of the changes made in me at the gym, I wanted to help others transform through their journey as CrossFit helped me through mine. The years after starting CrossFit brought its challenges but I have been able to face them head-on while learning and growing along the way.

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I am passionate about seeing others transform their lives physically and mentally. Life has a lot of stress and can be demanding of us. So, being able to coach athletes through tough workouts will allow them to build the grit and discipline to persevere through those challenges.  I love coaching new athletes early in their journey where I get to celebrate every milestone they set and the ones they didn't even know existed. I also enjoy strategizing workouts with athletes competing either in the gym or at a competition.

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