Chris O’Brien – Owner/Head CrossFit Trainer

Meet Chris, the fitness guru! 🏋️‍♂️ With over 23 years and almost 50,000 hours of coaching experience, a degree in Exercise Science, and a lifetime of practicing what he preaches, Chris is your go-to guide for a healthier and happier you.

As a former U.S. Army Soldier, Outdoorsman, and CrossFit enthusiast, Chris believes that anyone can level up their life – mentally and physically – by embracing CrossFit.

Get ready for some fitness fun! Chris can’t wait to share his love for staying fit through workouts that are not only inspiring but also educational.

  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology
  • Certified CrossFit Level 3 Trainer (CF-L3)
  • Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified
  • USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach
  • CrossFit Gymnastics Instructor
  • CrossFit Strongman Instructor
  • CrossFit Kettlebell Instructor
  • CrossFit Judge
  • Lesson Planning – Online course
  • The Movement Fix Coach’s Workshop attendee under Dr. Ryan DeBell
  • A.C.E Certified Personal Trainer
  • CPR/AED Certified

 

Derek Brinkmann – CrossFit Trainer

Derek started CrossFit back in early 2017 and began coaching after receiving his CF-L1 in April of 2018. With a background in obstacle course racing, ultramarathons and multi-day adventure races, Derek brings his diverse skill set and experience to each member at CFM to creatively help them achieve their goals both inside and outside of the gym.

As Derek has grown as a coach over the years, he has developed a great passion for adapting the CrossFit methodology to members of all age groups, backgrounds and baselines. He seeks to meet each individual where they’re at and support their growth to become better all-around athletes and humans.

Coaching Credentials

  • CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2)
  • HSN Certified Nutrition Coach
  • Coaching the Aging Athlete Certified
  • Battle Cancer Level 1 Trainer (BC-L1)
  • CrossFit Judge
  • CPR/AED Certified

 

Paige Newcomb – CrossFit Trainer

Paige’s first experience with CrossFit was back in 2009 when it first started to become popular. It was programmed as a part of her off season basketball training and at that time in her life, she didn’t appreciate it and took it for granted. Flash forward almost ten years later, she was working out on her own, following bodybuilding programs, and not getting what she needed out of the workout. Growing up playing team sports, she missed the camaraderie and accountability of a team so she joined one of her friends at a Crossfit class and now can’t imagine her life without a barbell.

She coached youth basketball in high school and college so getting her L1 felt like a natural next step for her. Paige loves seeing people enjoy the process and understand the fundamentals and how it translates into real life both physically and mentally.

Paige has had so many incredible coaches in her life and looks forward to passing on all that knowledge to everyone here at CFM!

Coaching Credentials

  • CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (3 years)
  • CrossFit Judge (2 years)

 

Dominic Pang – CrossFit Trainer

Dominic started CrossFit in 2010 at the age of 36, in order to lose some weight. He had been a multi-sport athlete in high school, and physically active in college, but had stopped exercising regularly for more than a decade. He decided that he needed to be more physically fit for his three young kids. Prior to starting CrossFit, Dominic was not able to stick with any fitness program for the long term and would get bored with the routine and lack of results.

Dominic coaches strength and conditioning for his sons’ football teams, and implements a high intensity approach to the conditioning sessions on the field. His sessions with the teams are always varied and challenging , and are known affectionately as “The House of Pang” for their intensity.

Dominic has been coaching CrossFit both from his home gym, and at other CrossFit gyms in the South Shore, since 2019, and has advanced to Age Group Quarterfinals in the Open for the last 5 years.

Dominic has competed in local CrossFit competitions and obstacle course races for the last 8 years, and is almost always down to sign up for a comp. He once filled in at the last second for a scaled athlete in a partner competition, while simultaneously participating as an RX athlete in that same competition.

His approach to  coaching is one of fostering long-term improvement, by consistently training at the edges of each athlete’s ability.

Coaching Credentials

  • CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (4 years)
  • CrossFit Judge (5 years)

 

Candace Cheatham – Yoga Instructor

Candace began practicing yoga in 2008 and started teaching in 2020.

Coaching Credentials

  • 200 Hours Yoga Teacher Training (2020)
  • 30 Hours Yoga Anatomy Training (2020)
  • 300 Hours Yoga Teacher Training (2023)