CFDC Coach’s Corner: Ricky Haney

1. What do you do/like to do outside of the gym?

I like spending time with my friends and my dogs (Boss Hogg and Gypsy), reading, watching TV, visiting historical sites, enjoying sunshine, spending too much time on the internet, crossword puzzles, grilling, being outside barefoot, meeting every different kind of person I can, attempting to learn Spanish, and other things.

2. What inspired you to start coaching CrossFit?

CrossFit changed my life in so many positive ways that I wanted to share my joy for it with others. Additionally, I fancy myself an amateur sociologist, so I love working with all different kinds of people at different levels of fitness. Figuring out what makes them tick and how I can relate to them in a way that will help them achieve their goals makes me really happy. I am impressed by everyone willing to walk into a CrossFit gym and just try.  Having a front row seat to watching their progress and seeing them doing amazing human things as a coach is extremely fulfilling and motivating.

3. Best coaching cue/tip you’ve ever received?

I’m glad this question said “best” and not “favorite” because my favorite cue is inappropriate for this.  SO!  The best cue I have ever received doing CrossFit was to  “calm down”.  I get in my head a lot while doing CrossFit and at the end of the day it’s just a workout that I get to do with my friends which is fun!  So, sometimes I just need to remember to calm down, breath, and do the next rep.

4. Favorite movement, skill, or workout to coach and why?

There are several movements I love coaching especially when I find the right cue and the aha moment happens for the athlete and the movement becomes easier, but my favorite movement to coach is the box jump.  Now, I know what you’re thinking, “what kind of coaching goes into the box jump?”  Not a lot besides telling them to land on top.  However, of all the movements we do, when a person walks in off the street, this one seems to cause the most amount of fear.  When you can convince a person to throw their fears aside and just jump, the moment they land on top of the box is magical!

5. Favorite memory from coaching at CFDC?

I have many, but one that stands out to me now as I type this, was during my first exposure to coaching Elements at CFDC.  I was shadowing Jess for my first cycle through and on Day 1 of the 4 Day cycle, a new participant came and did great for the first class, but at the end of the workout, threw up (and this was when we were still wearing masks and they didn’t get it off in time!).  I really thought, “welp, never going to see this person again!”  I was wrong!  The person came back and is still a member.  I love when people have miserable experiences and instead of folding, they find a way to overcome- it’s inspiring.