S06E197 From CrossFit Member to Coach - Coaches Keith Andrews and Tara Porfido on Learning to Lead the Herdsode

The HERD FIT

What happens when passionate gym members step into coaching roles? In this revealing conversation, Coach David Syvertsen @davesy85 sits down with Coaches Keith Andrews @keithandrews1 and Tara Porfido @tporf – two CrossFit Bison members who successfully made the transition to becoming beloved coaches at the gym.
The journey from workout partner to workout leader isn't always straightforward. Keith and Tara candidly share the unexpected challenges they encountered, from the surprising amount of behind-the-scenes preparation to the delicate balance of coaching friends they once trained alongside. Tara, with her physical therapy background, and Keith, with his baseball coaching experience, bring unique perspectives on what truly makes someone an effective coach in the CrossFit environment.
"A good coach has the mindset that asks 'what can I give versus what can I get?'" Keith explains, revealing the service mentality that drives exceptional coaching. Meanwhile, Tara shares how seeing members achieve breakthrough moments provides unmatched fulfillment: "I'm that coach who's jumping up and down hands in the air when people hit PRs."
The conversation delves into CrossFit Bison's structured coaching internship program, time management challenges, and the art of effective class leadership. You'll discover why creating the perfect playlist takes longer than you'd think, how coaches mentally prepare for classes days in advance, and why knowing when to start your warm-up is crucial for a seamless CrossFit experience.
Whether you're a CrossFit enthusiast curious about what your coach is really thinking, someone considering stepping into coaching shoes, or a gym owner looking to develop your coaching staff, this episode provides an authentic look at what makes community-centered coaching truly special. What begins as a passion for fitness often evolves into something much more meaningful – a chance to serve others and truly impact lives through movement.
@crossfitbison @crossfittraining @crossfit @crossfitgames #crossfit #sports #exercise #health #movement #crossfitcoach #agoq #clean #fitness #ItAllStartsHere #CrossFitOpen #CrossFit #CrossFitCommunity @CrossFitAffiliates #supportyourlocalbox #crossfitaffiliate #personalizedfitness

Chapters

1. Meet Our Guest Coaches (00:00:00)

2. Athletic Backgrounds and CrossFit Origins (00:01:55)

3. The Path to Becoming a Coach (00:05:07)

4. What Makes a Good Coach (00:09:52)

5. Behind the Scenes of Coaching (00:13:51)

6. The Intern to Coach Transition (00:19:25)

7. Coaching Friends and Community (00:29:11)

8. Advice for Future Coaches (00:35:57)

9. Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up (00:44:57)