Christopher Douglas

I have been involved in athletics and training for athletics for most of my life. I was involved in high school varsity athletics and was the Place Kicker for my Division III College Football Team. I was a communications major, my interest was in athletics and I elected to take coaching, training and physiology classes in order to earn my coaching certification. I desired to serve my country and to be part of a team so I enlisted in the United States Army Reserve during my first year of college. When a Marine Officer Recruiter was on campus and explained the Officer program to me; I wanted nothing more than to lead Infantry Marines. Upon successful completion of college, I was selected to test myself at Marine Officer Candidate School (OCS). I completed OCS, The Basic School and The Infantry Officer’s Course and was assigned to 3D Battalion, 6th Marines. After I completed my initial tour I entered the Marine Reserve and have activated three times as a Rifle Company Commander, two of which were in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Throughout these experiences, I have been exposed to a variety of training and training methods. These opportunities prepared me and my Company of Marines for combat operations. Additionally, I attained Marine Corps Martial Arts (MCMAP) Instructor Certification. All of these experiences and training sessions have provided me with a well rounded background in physical training. I really believed I was in great shape.

I was introduced to CrossFit in 2005, upon my return from my second tour in Iraq. A fellow Marine Captain shared the CrossFit website with me and hounded me until I tried it. The first work-out floored me. I realized that I still had a great deal to learn. I began doing the WODs and we would share our daily results. After three years of training I believed I was ready to attend a certification. My wife Susan and I attended for the purpose of our own personal development and to coach our son. After receiving requests to coach many of our friends and fielding many questions from friends who were interested in learning more about CrossFit, we decided to make it official and we applied for an affiliate.

Susan Douglas

Members of the CrossFit community are focused on healthy habits, peer support, encouragement and a balanced way of life. My husband Chris and I share this philosophy and through CrossFit Saratoga, we have found a vehicle to share this with our friends, neighbors and members of our community.

History: In November 2008, Chris and I attended a Level I Certification. We affiliated in January 2009, Incorporated in February 2009 and began coaching friends immediately…before we knew it CrossFit Saratoga took off.

Family: My husband Chris and I are co-founders of CrossFit Saratoga and we both hold Level 1 Certifications. We have a 9 year old son, Brit, who is an active member of our CrossFit team. He’s entertaining, motivating and always willing to help get classes set-up and cleaned-up. I must mention that he is a maniac on the rings! Yes, gymnastics certification is going to be a must. He is an avid wrestler and soccer player and he is also involved in Student Council and many community service projects. We encourage his educational, civic and physical development and CrossFit fits perfectly into this equation.

Beyond CrossFit: In addition to dedicating a great deal of my life to my family and CrossFit, I am employed 2 days a week by the Ballston Spa Central School District. I am a permanently certified NYS elementary, reading and science teacher and I have permanent NYS certification as a school district administrator. Currently, I am employed as the school district’s Staff Development Facilitator and their Service Learning Grant Coordinator. I also hold many volunteer positions in our community, most notably PTA Co-President. As a parent and an educator, I feel it is very important for parents to take an active role as members of the school community. My part-time position and volunteer work keep me connected to the education system and to Brit’s educational experience.

How do we balance all of this?: We have a great marriage and a very supportive family. Our lives are interesting and we have fun doing what we do. CrossFit Saratoga is a family effort and our only regret is that we didn’t get involved sooner.

Future Goals: I have researched the nutritional requirements and aspects of CrossFit training on my own and I am looking forward to attending Nutrition Cert. at CrossFit Boston. Additionally, as a former classroom teacher, I look forward to an opportunity to incorporate my background in education, the enjoyment I receive from working with children and my love for CrossFit, as a CrossFit Kids Certified Coach.