20 QUESTIONS WITH COACH JEFF
No better way to welcome our new coach Jeff than a classic Yard 20 questions. Jeff is a former competitive hockey, rugby, football, and basketball player. This sports fanatic has a passion for all things Strength & Conditioning. Let’s get to know our new coach a little better!
1) Hometown?
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
2) How did you first hear about Yard?
Through a local friend of mine that I met in Vancouver.
3) What was your first experience with Yard?
Relaxed but impressed. The yard was relatively empty during my interview with Ilan, but I could tell that a lot of care was put into the building and maintenance of The Yard to look and provide what it does to its members. As members would cycle through I also noticed the very welcoming nature that everyone shared as well.
4) Favorite lift?
Deadlift, you against gravity, who will win?
5) Least favourite exercise?
Not a big burpee guy…
6) How do you stay motivated?
Ambitious goals and a curiosity to see what I can achieve for myself.
7) Best advice you received?
It does not have to be as hard as you think it does.
8) Worst advice?
Can’t remember, try to forget them….
9) Your favourite part about Yard?
The community of members and trainers! While diverse, everyone is very collaborative and supportive to see one another do well. I think The Yard does an amazing job of pushing people past their limiting beliefs in a very safe and inclusive manner.
10) Top 3 songs in your gym playlist?
Ah, tough one… I’ll go favourite artists instead:
- Linkin Park
- Rise Against
- Billy Talent
11) Go to post-workout meal?
Greek Yogurt, protein powder, seed butter, frozen fruit, honey, and a sprinkle of granola.
12) How did you start your fitness journey?
I fully dislocated my shoulder playing rugby, and my physio suggested that I start resistance training to reduce the likelihood of it happening again and to get stronger.
13) How would you describe the Yard environment?
Uplifting. There is a sense of intimidation that I can sense from some outside individuals looking in initially, however that intensity is meant to try and elevate the members for their workouts/training in the time they are there. It is there to uplift you!
14) The last book you read?
Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell
15) Advice for someone coming to train with you for the first time?
Be willing to get your hands dirty, have a laugh, and learn some takeaways that you can use beyond our sessions.
16) What are you doing when you’re not at the Yard?
Intern S&C coach at Simon Fraser University, reading books (self-development, finance, economics, philosophy), watching sports, sharpening my cooking skills, learning about Vancouver and BC.
17) Advice for someone who is starting their fitness journey?
People often OVERESTIMATE what they want to accomplish in the short term (3 months) and UNDERESTIMATE what they can accomplish in a year. Take that into consideration when you start and know that this is something that can help you enhance your life, not just be a fad.
18) What’s in your gym bag?
Lifting straps, lifting belt, wrist wraps, training shoes, oly lifters, fat gripz, food (fruit or bars), lifting chalk, lacrosse ball.
19) Are you a morning person?
You know it, 4:30 am wake up most days of the week.
20) What’s your morning routine?
Honestly, I don’t really have one… Usually have a coffee brewing, catching up on some sport I missed or reading something before I jet out the door or start my work for the day.