Flagstaff’s CrossFit Vert celebrated its second anniversary by hosting the first USAPL-sanctioned powerlifting event to take place in Flagstaff. Lifters of all ages and abilities congregated to beat their own best records, and maybe even set a state record.
Powerlifting, however, is only one component of CrossFit. According to owner Todd Miller, it is about functional exercise, real fitness and more. “Our fitness program isn’t about how you look, or how much you can lift or how many miles you can run. Fitness encompasses much more. It carries over to how you work, play and live your life.”
And Miller should know. When he is not at his gym, he is working as a battalion chief at Highlands Fire Department in Flagstaff. “I enjoy being a firefighter and have always wanted to own my own business in the fitness industry. Opening CrossFit Vert allows me to do both, and in both roles, I am able to help and serve people in Flagstaff and surrounding communities.”
Miller says he was drawn to CrossFit after spending most of his life working out in various “traditional” methods, even becoming a certified personal trainer. “I was introduced to CrossFit by a friend who was a paramedic. It was very obvious CrossFit was an effective means of training, covering a broad range of strength and physical skills, which is necessary in my line of work and for life.”
After starting CrossFit as an athlete, Miller went on to earn multiple certifications as a CrossFit coach. In 2013, he took the leap into the business world and opened his own gym. Several of his first responder colleagues joined Miller in the business endeavor by becoming gym members and certified CrossFit coaches.
Miller is not alone when it comes to emergency services personnel who also have second careers.
Flagstaff’s Firemen Movers is a privately owned business that consists of city and county firefighters who, when they are not on shift at fire departments, help people move.
Paramedics Paul Sanders and Jessica Reinoso own High Mountain Bouncers, a bounce house rental company.
Summit Fire Department’s Duane Deck and wife, Regina Deck, an emergency nurse, own Meineke Car Care Center and EconoLube.
Patrick Burns, also with Summit Fire Department, is a spokesperson and advocate for Hearts Worth Saving, a program sponsored by the Shadows Foundation that provides advanced heart screenings for first responders. In addition, Burns recently was a contestant on American Ninja Warrior and plans on returning for a second try at the championship next year.
Marty Gordon, retired captain with Flagstaff Fire Departmentm said, “One of the reasons so many first responders have second careers and businesses is because of their work ethic and character traits. They are extremely hard working, conscientious individuals who have a great deal of integrity. These are the traits we look for when hiring firefighters and paramedics, and these are the same traits needed to be business owners.”
Gordon suggests that many firefighters become personal trainers and coaches, like Miller, because of their commitment to health, fitness and strength training. He knows four firefighters, in addition to Miller, who also own CrossFit gyms outside of Flagstaff, and several firefighters who are in the construction business. He says it is an easy transition when you take into account the skills, equipment and education both careers require.
Many first responders also work as teachers or trainers in the areas of fire science, safety training, hazardous material cleanup and CPR classes. Many are also involved in charity work.
Guardian Medical Transport, serving Northern Arizona, provides on-site first aid and ambulance services to hundreds of community events at no charge to the event organizers.
According to Miller, having two careers is one of the benefits of working as a firefighter; serving the community in both careers is an added bonus. “Not many people are able to follow their dreams and be successful in more than one job. I am grateful I am one of the few and I have a great team of people who support me in both endeavors. No matter which job I am at, I am helping others. What could be better?” FBN
More about CrossFit Vert:
What is it about CrossFit Vert that attracts all ages and abilities? Miller explains: “Our members see results because regardless of age and experience, our coaches know how to instruct and help them realize their maximum potential. Every session has a coach running the ‘workout of the day.’ We take the approach that the human body was meant to be used as a whole, rather than isolating one part of the body. Utilizing a full-range movement approach, workouts are varied and designed to challenge the most seasoned athlete, and are scaled to fit anyone’s ability. In addition to improving their health and physical abilities, we see people reduce their stress, improve their mental outlook, and just all around feel better. There is no shortcut, it takes hard work and dedication, but we are here to help you get there and achieve your goals.”
For more information on CrossFit Vert, visit CrossFitVert.com, call 928-606-2994 or like on Facebook.
