TJ BELGER TJ Belger hails from New Jersey, and while his wife, Allison, has done as much as she

can to soften those roots, those who know TJ best would say that the Jersey left in him makes for some of the most appealing aspects of his character, including a serious work ethic and an ability to relate effortlessly to people from all walks of life. A lifelong athlete who took time to grow into his large physical frame in order to excel at sports, TJ has always had a foot in the fitness realm. After college, TJ began teaching PE at a school in his hometown. While he liked the job, he decided there was more to explore, so he moved west, landing in Marin County in 1992. After many years as a personal trainer, TJ opened his own gym in San Rafael in 2002, shortly before the birth of his first daughter. Although TJ had always loved his work as a personal trainer, by 2007 he found himself itching to expand his knowledge and recharge his training batteries. This happened when he found CrossFit. TJ took to CrossFit immediately, immersing himself in the science and theory of the program while introducing his clients to their application. TJ, himself, began training with the CrossFit program and quickly saw and felt results that he had never experienced in all of his years of exercising. So inspired by this new course, TJ decided to make his gym a CrossFit affiliate in May, 2008. By June of that same year, TJs Gym/CrossFit Corte Madera was opened, with Novato and Mill Valley to follow. Like that of many small business owners, TJs success can be attributed to a number of factors. However, those who know him well tend to emphasize the same qualities that allowed him to retain those first clients years ago. While he holds certifications in various aspects of fitness training, TJ finds that it is the independent learning via content immersion plus hours of consulting with, and coaching, thousands of athletes that have been most applicable to his affiliates successes. TJ feels lucky to work with other fitness professionals who love their jobs and bring their own personalities, talents, and interests to his gyms. He is most proud of the amazing community of people he and his wife and parnters have been fortunate enough to bring together through CrossFit at TJs Gym. Never one to remain static, TJ is always conjuring his next step, especially with regard to event management. He is particularly excited about the reception of the events he and his staff have created thus far. Most notably, the NorCal Masters Competition is an example of a well-executed CrossFit event on a grand scale. TJ and his team have found a niche in the Masters CrossFit community, and they are excited to expand with NorCal Teens (coming in April, 2013), as well as other seminars and competitions to be announced in the coming weeks. ALLISON BELGER Allison Belger is co-owner of TJs Gym and mom of two girls, ages 8 and 10. Allison is also a licensed psychologist and author of the first book about CrossFit : The Power of Community: CrossFit and the Force of Human Connection.

Allison began fitness coaching after finding CrossFit in 2008. However, she has a long history of involvement in athletics, as both a player and a coach. Allison played soccer at the Division I level in college and has since coached a number of youth soccer teams in the Bay Area. A former wilderness backpacker and long-distance runner with five marathons completed, Allison knows what it means to focus on a fitness goal and achieve it. Many aspects of CrossFit have come naturally to Allison, while others have required more training and perseverance. Allison is known for her ability to inspire other athletes when they are struggling to continue, and she often finds herself making use of her psychology training when interacting with gym clients. In addition to her book, she has written numerous articles about the psychological and emotional components of intense physical endeavors and CrossFit competition. Allison competed on the TJs Gym Affiliate Team at the 2009, 2010, and 2011 CrossFit Games. She won the NorCal 40's Competition in 2012 and the 40-44 age division at the NorCal Masters in 2013. Now 43, she is enjoying a break from training to compete, planning to ramp things up again in preparation for joining the 45-49 age division. Allison has a Bachelors Degree from Dartmouth College, a Masters Degree in Learning Disabilities from Northwestern University, and a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. MARCUS FILLY Marcus Filly became a fitness professional four years ago. Prior to entering into the world of health and fitness, Marcus pursued a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California Berkeley. His studies focused primarily on human physiology and nutrition. After college, Marcus attended The Ohio State University School of Medicine for a year before his priority shifted from studying disease to educating people about health and wellness. Marcus came to TJ's Gym in 2009, where he began interning and ultimately partnering with TJ and Allison Belger at TJs Gym in Mill Valley. Since joining TJ's Gym, Marcus has devoted most of his time to the study of nutritional prescription and intelligent program design for clients and athletes. With over three years of experience prescribing nutrition and training programs to clients and athletes in this sport, Marcus has developed a unique perspective. In addition to his pursuits as a coach, Marcus is also a full-time fitness athlete. This year, he will compete against a stacked field of individual male competitors in Northern California and will try to earn a spot amongst the regions elite. He has made three consecutive trips to the CrossFit Games with his affiliate team at TJ's Gym (most recently 6th Place at 2012 Reebok CrossFit Games). His experience as an athlete on the biggest stage in our sport has given him insight into the approaches athletes must take in order to be successful in competition. Marcus own nutritional approaches during the off-season, the Open, and at the Games give him special insight which he is excited to share with other athletes in the sport.

DIANE FU Diane Fu moved to San Francisco, CA in 1998 where her journey in physical culture would begin. Having always had a fascination for all things gym, she knew she wanted to stick close to her passion and be involved in the human movement revolution. From 1999 to 2007, Diane grew roots in the commercial fitness industry managing major health clubs and helping hundreds of trainers expand their reach on the masses of general fitness enthusiasts--a very rewarding experience by itself. In 2006, a new opportunity came along. Diane met the co-founder of San Francisco CrosSFit Dr. Kelly Starrett. She would later join Dr. Starrett and his team at San Francisco CrosSFit in 2008, where the rest would become legend at the Parking Lot of Dreams (POD). Also around this time, through CrossFit, Diane discovered the sport of Olympic-style weightlifting. It was love at first snatch. This lost art of the elastic strongman forged a firm bond with Diane, and she started actively competing on a local and later a national level. Diane now continues her work as a Strength & Conditioning Coach at San Francisco CrosSFit and is also the Head Coach at FuBarbell -- home of the FuBarbell club. Diane holds eight CrossFit Specialty Certifications and is a member of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as well as the International Sports Science Association (ISSA). She is a Certified USAW Level 1 Sports Performance Coach.