About CrossfitTeesside

After first discovering CrossFit working abroad, Lee (Howitzer) decided to open a CrossFit gym in his hometown. As an ex Royal Marine, keeping physically fit has always been part of his lifestyle. Since opening in Aug 2011 Howitzer with the support of his family and Coaching Staff has grown CrossFit Teesside to what it is today.

His main responsibilities are the administration side of the business as well as getting involved with coaching many of the different classes. He’s a keen CrossFit competitor and has competed at high level events in Europe as an individual and more recently as a master, He loves any long chipper style workout.

Born and raised in South Africa, he had a typical active upbringing, playing many sports. After working in fitness education for many years, he discovered CrossFit and never looked back. He loves the methodology and philosophy of CrossFit, particularly fond of the Olympic lifts.

He moved to Teesside from Dubai after spending 5 years coaching and managing the operations across 2 facilities.

Emily started CrossFit on her 30th birthday. Now in her 13th CrossFit year, she has taken her passion and become a L3 Coach, personal trainer, nutrition coach and certified in pre/post natal fitness.

Emily loves all things gymnastic-y, team WODs, and a heavy Bench!

Phil started CrossFit in 2014 on the Isle of Wight, crushed by his first WOD he was hooked! Phil started coaching CrossFit in 2015 and later ran a small gym on the Isle Of Wight.

When away from the gym Phil coaches sailing and is a professional sailor. A background in gymnastics means he loves getting upside down and anything with rings or a pull-up bar. Originally from Teesside Phil has just recently moved back to the area.

Tom (TC) is the youngest Coach on the team, but no less experienced. TC has been part of CrossFit Teesside since 2013 after following in his Mams footsteps at the age of 14.

He started coaching as an apprentice at the age of 16 before becoming a permanent member of the coaching staff when he was 17. TC is responsible for running the group ON RAMPs, ad hoc week day classes and most Sunday sessions. He loves a long Endurance workout and anything with high skill gymnastics on the rig.

Originally from the Czech Republic, Barbora moved to the Uk in 2013 and pursued a career within fitness by becoming a qualified PT.

Always seeking to learn and improve, she has progressed into pre and post natal training along with CrossFit coaching.

As a keen advocate of functional fitness, Barbora regularly competes in both individual and team events, where her love for barbell work really shines through!

Away from the gym she balances a busy family life where her two sons are already early adopters of Crossfit!

Davie has been part of CrossFit Teesside since it was established in August 2011. Back then he would work offshore and during his 2 weeks at home he would maintain the facility, this role then grew into a permanent position. He is responsible for anything maintenance wise and keeping the box spic and span.

Just like all of our staff, Davie is a keen CrossFitter, and you’ll often find him attending the 7am class before his shift starts. At the age of 63 (time of writing) Davie is in the shape of his life, he values his health and fitness and is motivated by keeping up with the young ones, he is a fine advocate of how anybody can do CrossFit.

Allen joined CrossFit Teesside in 2018 and has been trying to make peace with barbell thrusters ever since. A regular at the 5pm class, he enjoys workouts that are fast, heavy, and over quickly, which is exactly why Grace sits firmly at the top of his favourites list.

By day, Allen builds and manages more than 180 websites, and he is the person responsible for designing and maintaining the CrossFit Teesside site. His goal is simple: make it easy for members to check workouts, track progress, and stay connected to the community without fighting clunky tech.

When he is not lifting or working, he swaps the gym floor for muddy trails on his mountain bike or heads out into the countryside for long walks with his dog.

Allen is proof that you do not have to be a coach to play an important role in the gym, sometimes keeping the digital barbell lifted is just as important as the real one.