GREG VAN NIEKERK

DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS AN ATHLETE

I've been doing CrossFit since 2011.  My greatest accomplishments are going to regionals on a team in 2013 and 2014.  I've been coaching for 5+ at various gyms around the city before opening Lift.  Soon after I had the honour of being selected as one of 12 Nike Trainers in Canada.  My favourite lift is the Snatch.  It's the unicorn lift. The most technically beautiful of all the lifts, where you're constantly chasing virtuosity and trying to be better.  My favourite benchmark workouts are "Amanda" and "Elizabeth".

what can members expect in your class / coaching style

When members take my class they can expect to be educated, entertained and inspired.  Technique comes before anything else.  If you put in the time to create a foundation of good technique and moving well, the world of gainz will follow.  I also believe having fun with fitness is what will have you motivated to come back every day to better than the day before, so it's important we're all having a good time in class too.

THE GREATEST LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY. 

In fitness - Nobody cares what you can do or what fancy words you know relating to exercise.  The lifts can be confusing and challenging enough.  Say things and teach movement in words people can understand and relate to.  In CrossFit - You do you.  Follow your own journey.  Use weights that are right for you to maintain good technique that will allow you to improve over time and get the best workout for you. Count every rep and track your progress.